Nasal Airway Obstruction

Nasal Airway Obstruction (NAO)

Do you have the following symptoms?

-Nasal congestion or blockage

-Trouble breathing through your nose

-Difficulty sleeping

-Inability to get enough air through your nose during exercise or exertion

You could have Nasal Airway Obstruction (NAO), a condition in which the nasal passages are blocked and prevent a normal or comfortable amount of air from passing through the nose. NAO can occur because of a structural abnormality in the nose due to inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages. Nasal breathing delivers approximately 70% of airflow to the lungs; therefore any blockage that limits airflow can cause significant quality-of-life consequences.

A slight narrowing of the nasal passages can lead to a significant reduction of airflow. Anatomic causes of NAO include:

-Septal Deviation: The cartilage wall between the nostrils can bend and block the nasal passage.

-Turbinate Hypertrophy: Ridges of bone and tissue inside your nose can limit airflow when enlarged.

-Nasal Valve Collapse (NVC): Weak or excessively flexible upper/lower cartilage in the outer nasal wall may cause it to collapse inward when a person inhales.

Does your breathing improve when you pull on your cheek to hold your nostril to the side? If so, talk to your provider about options to support your lateral nasal cartilage, which may include the LATERA implant. The LATERA absorbable nasal implant is used to support the upper and lower lateral cartilage in your nose. It is placed inside the lateral (side) wall to support the cartilage, reducing nasal airway obstruction symptoms and helping you breathe better.

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