Overview

Nasal obstruction refers to some form of blockage of the nose or nasal cavity and can be caused by a wide range of problems. There are several common causes of nasal obstruction including:

• Inferior turbinate hypertrophy
  

• Deviated nasal septum
  

• Foreign bodies in the nose

• Large adenoids – blocking the back of the nose

• Swelling of the lining of the nose due to allergies

• Pyriform aperture stenosis

• Choanal atresia

Utah ENT Clinic provides nasal obstruction evaluation and treatment for patients in West Valley City and Stansbury Park, serving Tooele County and surrounding communities. Dr. Alan Jones evaluates blocked nasal breathing related to a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, allergies, and other nasal conditions.

If you’re seeking nasal obstruction treatment in Utah, the first step is identifying what limits airflow. Some problems respond to medical management; others may benefit from a procedure. Your symptoms, examination, and treatment history guide that decision.

Request a Nasal Breathing Evaluation
Call (435) 268-0300 or submit an appointment request through our website.

Symptoms

Nasal obstruction symptoms include:

• Nasal congestion or stuffiness
• Nasal blockage or obstruction
• Trouble breathing through the nose
• Trouble sleeping
• Difficulty getting enough air through the nose during exercise or exertion.

What Causes a Constantly Blocked Nose?

Nasal obstruction can affect one side, both sides, or alternate between nostrils. More than one condition may contribute:

• Deviated septum: The wall of cartilage and bone separating the nostrils sits off-center, potentially narrowing a nasal passage.
• Enlarged turbinates: Structures that warm and humidify incoming air become enlarged or swollen, reducing the space available for airflow.
• Nasal valve narrowing or collapse: A narrow section of the nasal airway may not provide enough support during breathing.
• Allergies and chronic inflammation: Swelling of the nasal lining can cause persistent or recurring congestion.
• Chronic sinusitis or nasal polyps: Ongoing inflammation and soft tissue growths may contribute to blockage and drainage problems.

Children can also develop obstruction from enlarged adenoids or other conditions. An examination helps distinguish structural narrowing from swelling, temporary illness, or another cause.

How Nasal Obstruction Is Evaluated

Your appointment begins with questions about when symptoms started, which side feels blocked, and what makes breathing better or worse. Mention previous injuries, nasal surgery, allergies, changes in smell, and the sprays or medications you use.

Dr. Jones examines your nose and considers whether the septum, turbinates, nasal lining, or other structures contribute to the problem. Additional testing is based on the findings rather than required for everyone.

Bring information about treatments you have already tried, including how long you used them. This helps clarify whether medical treatment needs adjustment or a structural problem deserves further discussion.

Non-Surgical Options for Nasal Congestion

Treatment often starts by addressing inflammation or allergic symptoms when these contribute to obstruction. Options may include:

• Saline sprays or rinses: Help clear mucus and irritants. For rinsing, use distilled, sterile, or previously boiled and cooled water.
• Nasal corticosteroid sprays: Reduce inflammation when appropriate for the diagnosis.
• Antihistamines and allergy management: Help when allergic reactions contribute to swelling.
• Reducing irritant exposure: Address triggers such as smoke, dust, or other identified irritants.
• Temporary nasal support: Nasal strips may provide short-term relief for selected patients.

Medication can reduce swelling around a deviated septum, but it does not straighten the septum itself. Not every septal deviation requires surgery.

Decongestant nasal sprays require particular care: using them longer than directed can cause rebound congestion. Discuss frequent spray use with your clinician.

When a Procedure May Be Appropriate

For patients considering deviated septum treatment in Utah, surgery may be discussed when a structural obstruction causes meaningful symptoms despite appropriate medical care.

Procedural options described by Utah ENT Clinic include:

• Septoplasty: Repositions or reshapes the septum to address obstructed airflow.
• Turbinate reduction: Reduces enlarged turbinate tissue while aiming to preserve its normal function.
• Endoscopic sinus surgery: Addresses selected sinus drainage problems or obstructing tissue when indicated.

These procedures treat different problems and are not interchangeable. Someone seeking septoplasty in Utah may need a different approach from someone whose congestion is primarily allergy-related.

If nasal valve collapse contributes, ask which treatments are appropriate and available through the clinic. Your consultation should explain the proposed procedure, alternatives, risks, and expected recovery.

What Is Recovery Like?

Recovery depends on the procedure, your health, and whether treatments are combined. After septoplasty or turbinate surgery, temporary congestion, swelling, crusting, and some blood-stained drainage may occur.

Many patients need approximately one to two weeks away from work after septoplasty, while internal healing can take several weeks or longer. Physical job demands may change that timeline.

Follow your surgeon’s instructions about rinsing, nose blowing, exercise, and follow-up. Improvement varies, and surgery cannot guarantee complete relief.

ENT Care Near Tooele, Utah

Dr. Alan Jones, DO, FAOCO, treats adult and pediatric ENT conditions. His published background includes ENT residency training and more than 15 years of practice experience.

Utah ENT Clinic — Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic
576 East Highway 138, Suite 210
Stansbury Park, UT 84074
Additional location: West Valley City, Utah
Phone: (435) 268-0300
Email: earnosethroat260@gmail.com

Contact us to discuss persistent congestion and request an evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes chronic nasal obstruction?

Common contributors include a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, allergies, nasal valve problems, chronic sinusitis, and polyps. Several conditions may occur together.

How is a deviated septum diagnosed?

An ENT reviews your symptoms and examines the nasal passages. Additional assessment depends on the findings. Having a deviated septum does not automatically mean you need surgery.

What non-surgical options are available?

Depending on the cause, options include saline, nasal steroid sprays, antihistamines, and allergy management. These can address swelling but cannot straighten a crooked septum.

When is surgery recommended?

Surgery may be appropriate when a confirmed structural problem causes persistent symptoms and suitable non-surgical treatment has not provided enough relief.

What is recovery like after nasal surgery?

Expect temporary congestion and individualized activity restrictions. Initial recovery and complete healing are different; your surgeon will explain the timeline for your procedure.

Do you see patients from Tooele and surrounding areas?

Yes. The clinic serves Tooele County through its Stansbury Park office and also sees patients in West Valley City. Call to confirm appointment availability and location.