Nasal obstruction can interfere with nasal breathing during the day and night, and it can play a major role in snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Relief of nasal obstruction can improve snoring and obstructive sleep apnea by itself and can also improve the ability of some patients to tolerate positive airway pressure therapy for obstructive sleep apnea.

Treatment options include medications such as nasal saline, topical corticosteroid and antihistamine sprays, and oral medications such as antihistamines or decongestants. Non-surgical treatments can include external nasal dilators like the Breathe Right® strip for selected patients. If these are not successful by themselves, surgery can improve the nasal airway either alone or in combination with these other options. The most common nasal procedures include turbinate surgery, septoplasty, and rhinoplasty and nasal valve surgery.

Frontal view of the face

Side view of the structures of the nose and mouth