What Causes Breathing Problems?
Breathing problems can seriously affect your quality of life. While there are a number of medical issues that can cause breathing problems, such as asthma or bronchitis, breathing problems can also be caused by structural issues of the nose, such as a deviated septum or other physical abnormalities.
Internal Factor
Internal structural issues of the nose may result in breathing problems. The most common internal issue resulting in breathing problems is a deviated septum, which occurs when your septum (the thin, cartilage wall separating your two nostrils) is significantly displaced to one side. It is common for most people to have some asymmetry in their nasal passages, but when a septum is significantly deviated, it can obstruct one of the nasal passages, resulting in difficulty breathing. Other internal factors, such as abnormal growths or polyps, can also result in difficulty breathing.
External Factor
Some external factors, such as the shape or structure of the nose, can also affect your breathing ability. External nasal valve collapse occurs when the nostril’s outer edge falls inward, obstructing the nasal passage, resulting in difficulty breathing.
Symptoms When You Have Nasal Breathing Problems
There are a number of symptoms of difficulty breathing. While you may simply be aware of the fact that you are struggling to get a full breath in when your mouth is closed, which is a clear sign there is a nasal issue that is affecting your breathing, there are a number of other symptoms to be aware of. These include:
- Congestion
- Headache
- Nasal pressure
- Facial pain or pressure
Why It’s Important to Have a Good Nasal Airflow?
Simply put, being able to breathe properly allows your body to deliver sufficient oxygen to your bloodstream, which enables your muscles and organs to function properly. Not getting enough air can result in dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, fainting, and other health issues. In addition, proper nasal airflow allows warm air to enter the nasal passages, which allows proper nasal drainage. Good nasal drainage is important in preventing infection. In addition, poor nasal airflow can result in sleep issues, such as snoring and sleep apnea, which can severely affect quality of life.
Other Factors Cause Breathing Problems
Nasal polyps, which are soft, noncancerous growths that can develop on the inside of the nose, can also block airflow and result in difficulty breathing. These types of growths can obstruct breathing and affect the movement of nasal mucus, increasing the likelihood of infection. In addition, breathing problems can be caused by allergies, which can cause nasal inflammation and congestion.
How Can Nose Surgery Help You Breathe Better?
When breathing difficulties are caused by structural issues, such as a deviated septum, surgery can be used to help you breathe better. Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, can reposition and repair the various structures of the nose, including the nasal valves and the septum, which can help clear structural obstructions and restore proper airflow.
What Kind of Nose Surgery Do I Need?
The type of nasal surgery you need will depend on the structural issue that is causing your breathing issue. In the case of rhinoplasty, there are several options, which Dr. Egozi will discuss with you to determine how to best correct your breathing issues. Those options are: Open rhinoplasty: Both internal and external incisions are made, allowing Dr. Egozi greater visibility and control over structural changes. Closed rhinoplasty: Internal incisions only are made. Revision rhinoplasty: A procedure that is performed to revise or correct a previous rhinoplasty. Ethnic rhinoplasty: In cases where your nose contributes to your culturally unique appearance, this type of rhinoplasty takes care to maintain your nose’s shape and appearance. Functional rhinoplasty: Rhinoplasty that is performed to correct a deviated septum, unobstructing a nasal passage, or expand nostrils, to improve breathing and nasal function. Rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia. During recovery, because of the delicate tissue that surrounds and makes up the nose, you will experience some swelling and bruising, and some pain, for which Dr. Egozi will prescribe or recommend medication.
How Does Rhinoplasty Help You to Breathe Better?
While rhinoplasty is often performed for cosmetic reasons, in instances where structural abnormalities, such as a deviated septum or collapsed external wall, are causing breathing problems, rhinoplasty also corrects these structural issues to improve airflow. Partial nasal obstructions, nasal blockages, or other physical barriers to proper airflow are corrected by a nose job, during which Dr. Egozi will take care to ensure the surgery is being performed in order to restore proper function to the nose and both nasal passages.
What Is Nasal Airway Surgery?
Nasal airway surgery is a type of surgery that repairs abnormal structures within the nasal cavity. This type of surgery is performed to help restore airflow and allows the nose to function properly. Septoplasty is a type of nasal airway surgery that straightens the septum, which is the bone and cartilage that separates the two nostrils.
Benefits of Septoplasty
When septoplasty is performed to correct a deviated septum that is partially or fully obstructing airflow, this type of surgery can result in the elimination of difficulty breathing. Septoplasty can also eliminate other nasal issues, such as sleep apnea or snoring, that result from difficulty breathing, and can help reduce the risk of infection that comes from obstructed airflow.
Is Rhinoplasty Covered by Insurance?
In cases where rhinoplasty is required to correct breathing issues, it may be determined to be medically necessary by a medical doctor. In these cases, rhinoplasty costs may be partially or fully covered by some insurance plans.
Where to Find a Nose Surgeon to Treat Your Breathing Problem
Dr. Egozi has been practicing in the Tampa Bay area since 2005, and became a solo practitioner in 2008. He has extensive expertise and experience in facial cosmetic surgery procedures, including septoplasty and rhinoplasty, and will work with you to determine your specific needs, whether that is the elimination of breathing difficulty or aesthetic changes — or both. Contact the clinic to book your rhinoplasty or septoplasty consultation today.