Nasal breathing difficulties can significantly impact daily life, often leading to discomfort, disturbed sleep, and reduced physical activity. These challenges arise when the nasal passages are obstructed, hindering the natural flow of air. Fortunately, various surgical interventions exist that can address these structural issues, aiming to improve airflow and enhance overall respiratory function.
Common Nasal Obstructions
Several anatomical conditions can impede proper nasal breathing. A common cause is a deviated septum, where the thin wall of cartilage and bone separating the nasal passages is off-center. This misalignment can block one or both nostrils, making breathing difficult and potentially leading to snoring, frequent sinus infections, and nosebleeds.
Enlarged turbinates are another common obstruction. These small, bony structures inside the nose are covered by tissue. When turbinates swell due to allergies, irritation, or infection, they can significantly narrow the nasal passages and restrict airflow.
Nasal polyps are soft, non-cancerous growths on the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses that also cause blockages. Large polyps can lead to congestion, difficulty breathing, and a reduced sense of smell. Chronic sinusitis, a persistent inflammation of the sinus cavities, can also result in structural blockages. Inflamed tissues or polyps obstruct natural drainage pathways, contributing to ongoing breathing problems.
Surgical Procedures for Improved Breathing
Addressing anatomical issues often involves specific surgical procedures to restore clear nasal airflow. Septoplasty corrects a deviated septum. During this surgery, an incision is made inside the nose, allowing the surgeon to reshape or remove obstructing cartilage and bone, thereby straightening the septum and improving breathing. This procedure is often performed on an outpatient basis.
Turbinate reduction surgery decreases the size of enlarged turbinates. Surgeons use various techniques, including cauterization or microdebriders, to remove excess tissue. Radiofrequency ablation, a minimally invasive method, also employs heat energy to reduce turbinate size. These methods help open the nasal passages, allowing for better airflow.
Nasal polypectomy involves removing nasal polyps, often performed using an endoscope inserted through the nostrils. This minimally invasive approach allows precise removal of growths without external incisions.
Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is a broader procedure addressing chronic sinusitis and other sinus blockages. Utilizing an endoscope, the surgeon removes diseased tissue, opens blocked sinus pathways, and improves drainage. This can include removing polyps or correcting a deviated septum if contributing to sinus issues. Many procedures can be combined to address multiple anatomical concerns simultaneously.
Before Your Nasal Breathing Surgery
Preparation for nasal breathing surgery begins with a thorough medical consultation. The surgeon reviews symptoms, medical history, and conducts a physical examination of nasal passages. This evaluation often includes an endoscopic examination and may involve imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs to provide detailed views and aid in surgical planning.
Before surgery, specific pre-operative instructions are provided. Patients are advised to stop taking blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin, and certain supplements for at least 10 days prior to minimize bleeding risks. Avoiding eating or drinking after midnight on the day before surgery is also required. For smokers, stopping at least one month before the procedure is recommended, as it reduces complication risks and supports healing.
After Your Nasal Breathing Surgery
Following nasal breathing surgery, patients are monitored in a recovery area for a few hours and usually return home the same day. Swelling, mild discomfort, and nasal congestion are common, sometimes with bloody drainage for the first few days. Pain can be managed with over-the-counter relievers or prescribed medication.
Post-operative care emphasizes keeping the head elevated, especially while sleeping, to reduce swelling and bleeding. Patients are advised to avoid blowing their nose for at least one to two weeks. Gentle saline nasal rinses are recommended starting one to two days after surgery to keep nasal passages moist and aid in clearing debris.
Rest is important, and strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or contact sports should be avoided for several weeks. Initial recovery may take one to two weeks, with significant improvement noted within two to six weeks. Full internal healing continues for several months.