James D. Gould, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a board-certified Otolaryngologist and nationally recognized expert in In-Office Balloon Sinus Dilation. As founder and medical director of St. Louis Sinus Center, Dr. Gould leads a team dedicated to advanced, patient-focused sinus care. The good news for those suffering is that many cases of nasal obstruction can be effectively treated without surgery.
What Causes Nasal Obstruction?
A variety of underlying issues can cause nasal obstruction. Some are temporary, while others may be chronic or structural. Common causes include:
- Chronic sinus inflammation or sinusitis
- Allergies and environmental irritants
- Nasal polyps
- Deviated nasal septum
- Enlarged turbinates
- Chronic congestion from colds or infections
Understanding the cause is the first step toward finding lasting relief.
Signs You May Have a Nasal Obstruction
If you’re unsure whether what you’re experiencing qualifies as nasal obstruction, consider the following symptoms:
- Persistent difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils
- Feeling stuffy or congested even when you’re not sick
- Snoring or mouth breathing, especially at night
- Decreased sense of smell or taste
- Frequent sinus infections or headaches
If these symptoms are affecting your daily comfort, it may be time to seek help from a sinus specialist.
Nasal Obstruction Treatment Without Surgery
Many people are surprised to learn that nasal obstruction can often be treated without surgery. At St. Louis Sinus Center, we offer several minimally invasive options tailored to the underlying cause of your symptoms.
Non-surgical treatments may include:
- Prescription or over-the-counter nasal sprays
- Allergy testing and personalized treatment plans
- In-office procedures such as nasal steroid injections
- Balloon sinuplasty, a non-surgical procedure that gently opens blocked sinus pathways
With minimal disruption to your daily life, these treatments can offer effective, long-term results.
When to See a Specialist
If you’ve been relying on over-the-counter medications but your symptoms persist, it may be time to see a sinus specialist. Nasal obstruction that doesn’t improve on its own can become more than just an annoyance—it can lead to frequent infections, sleep issues, or long-term breathing difficulties.
A sinus specialist can identify what’s causing your symptoms and guide you toward the most effective, often non-surgical, treatment options. Getting care early can greatly improve how you feel day to day.
Sinus Relief Options in St. Louis and Festus, MO
Whether your symptoms stem from inflammation, allergies, or structural issues, effective non-surgical treatments for nasal obstruction are available.
At St. Louis Sinus Center, we help patients across St. Louis and Festus, Missouri, breathe easier with personalized, compassionate care. To learn more or schedule a consultation, call us at 314-474-6137.
