When to seek care for problems breathing through your nose

Are you having trouble breathing through your nose? It’s normal to have some congestion from time to time, but if you are having problems for several months, it is time to see a health care provider or an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist for proper evaluation and treatment.  

You should seek care if you have the following symptoms: 

1. Persistent symptoms such as ongoing nose congestion, difficulty breathing through your nose or excessively runny nose or drainage in throat.  
2. Injury to nose from a broken nose or nose fracture that blocks a nostril and your ability to breathe. 
3. Allergies which may be seasonal or year-round and cause nose congestion or difficulty breathing. Symptoms may be managed with medication or allergy shots. A referral to an allergist is also possible. 
4. Chronic sinusitis with ongoing inflammation of the nose and sinuses, often requiring the need for repeated antibiotic treatment. 
5. Snoring or sleep apnea where you snore loudly or have interrupted breathing during sleep.  

Problems breathing through the nose can be causes by a variety of factors, including allergies, sinusitis, deviated septum or nasal polyps. These conditions can worsen if left untreated and may affect your quality of life.  

Evaluation will include a physical exam of your nose, throat, and ears. Possible additional testing may include imaging studies, scoping of the nose, and allergy tests. A variety of treatments are possible and may include medications, nose sprays or surgery. 

Prevea has an experienced team of board-certified ENT physicians and specially trained advanced practice providers who diagnose and treat conditions affecting the ears, nose, sinuses, mouth, throat, head and neck for both adults and children. 

For a list of our ENT specialists, click here.

To schedule an appointment with a Prevea ENT specialist call (920) 405-1414.