Nasal Injury & Obstruction

1 April 2025

A nasal injury or obstruction can cause difficulty breathing, persistent congestion, and discomfort.

What is a Nasal Injury or Obstruction?

A nasal injury refers to trauma affecting the nose or nasal passages, while nasal obstruction is a blockage that restricts airflow through the nostrils. This can be caused by structural issues, swelling, or foreign objects.

Common Symptoms

Difficulty breathing through the nose
Nasal congestion or persistent stuffiness
Pain, tenderness, or swelling around the nose
Frequent nosebleeds
Snoring or sleep disturbances
Loss of smell or taste
Whistling sound when breathing through the nose

If nasal obstruction or trauma is affecting your breathing, sleep, or daily life, it’s important to seek medical advice.

Potential Causes of Nasal Injury & Obstruction

Nasal Injury Causes

Trauma (Sports, Falls, Accidents) – Leading to fractures, swelling, or cartilage damage
Nose Fracture (Broken Nose) – Misalignment or deformity after injury
Post-Surgical Complications – Scar tissue or swelling following nasal procedures

Nasal Obstruction Causes

Nasal Septum – A crooked or displaced septum blocking airflow
Nasal Polyps – Soft, non-cancerous growths in the nasal passages
Chronic Sinusitis – Inflammation and swelling narrowing the airways
Enlarged Turbinates – Swollen nasal structures reducing airflow
Allergies (Hay Fever, Rhinitis) – Causing congestion and inflammation
Foreign Objects (in Children) – Small items blocking nasal passages

Diagnosis

At Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, our ENT specialists use:

Nasal Endoscopy – A small camera to assess blockages and injuries
CT or X-ray Imaging – To detect fractures, polyps, or structural issues
Allergy Testing – If allergic rhinitis is suspected
Airway Function Tests – To assess breathing efficiency

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical Treatments

Nasal Decongestants & Antihistamines – For swelling and allergy-related blockages
Steroid Nasal Sprays – Reducing inflammation from chronic sinusitis
Nasal Irrigation (Saline Rinse) – Clearing mucus and allergens
Pain Management (Ibuprofen, Paracetamol) – Relieving discomfort from injuries

Surgical Treatments (Only If Necessary)

Septoplasty – Correcting a deviated septum to improve airflow
Turbinate Reduction Surgery – Reducing swollen nasal structures
Nasal Fracture Realignment – Straightening the nasal bones after trauma
Polypectomy – Removing nasal polyps causing blockages
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) – Treating chronic sinusitis

Arranging To Visit A Private GP

If you have a nasal injury or obstruction, schedule an appointment with Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital for expert evaluation and treatment.. Make an appointment with one of our private GPs who can refer you to our specialist ENT clinic. Appointments are available to everyone and can often be booked for the same day. There is no need to be registered with our The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, or live locally.

If you have insurance which covers a GP visit, we can in most cases invoice the insurer directly. Where you are paying directly, the cost for a 30 minute consultation is £100.

Any additional costs will always be discussed.

Our Resident Private GP

Dr Chamali is welcoming and highly experienced. He offers his patients sound diagnosis and treatment, along with individual care focused on their future health.