Nasal obstruction, often indicated by mouth breathing, may stem from a myriad of issues within the nasal passages. The seasoned professionals at Tejas Ear, Nose and Throat possess the expertise to diagnose and address various conditions affecting the nasal cavities. Utilizing advanced technology for precise identification and resolution of these issues, Dr. Oscar Tamez is an expert in this field and has successfully treated patients of all ages.

When is Mouth Breathing a Concern?

We all experience nasal obstruction from time to time. It can occur during allergy season or when you have a bad cold. But some people have a persistent nasal obstruction and mouth breathing that never seems to go away. This is problematic for a few reasons. Breathing through the mouth can disturb sleep and irritate oral tissues, often leading to snoring—a prevalent issue. Much like other nasal and throat conditions, chronic mouth breathing typically signals underlying structural or inflammatory problems, including:

Deviated septum: Common nasal issue where the septum, dividing the nose vertically, can bend, chronically blocking nasal passages. Corrective surgery is often pursued for realignment.
Adenoids or tonsils: While often affecting children, tonsil and adenoid issues can occur in adulthood. Frequent infections may necessitate removal for lasting relief.
Tumors: Benign or malignant tumors occasionally develop in the nose and throat. Treatment plans, tailored to the type and size of tumors, are carefully crafted by our professionals for effective relief.

We specialize in addressing various ENT conditions, tailoring treatments to individual needs. Don’t let chronic mouth breathing disrupt your well-being; allow us to provide personalized solutions for optimal relief.

Treatments for Nasal Obstruction

Treatment for nasal obstructions will depend on the severity of symptoms you’re experiencing, the causes and the length of time you have been dealing with these issues. That’s why we begin every treatment plan with a diagnostic session. This gives us the information we need to recommend the right path of care moving forward.

We can treat many causes of nasal obstruction in our office. But some may require further testing or treatments that require specialized care. Some of the most common treatments for nasal conditions include:

Septoplasty: A surgical procedure aimed at correcting a deviated septum, addressing nasal structure issues and improving airflow.
Functional rhinoplasty: Surgical intervention focused on enhancing nasal function, ensuring optimal breathing alongside cosmetic improvements if needed.
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS): A minimally invasive surgical approach utilizing endoscopes to address sinus issues, promoting improved sinus function.
Balloon sinuplasty: A less invasive procedure involving the use of a balloon to open blocked sinuses, providing relief from chronic sinusitis.
Allergy evaluation: Comprehensive assessment to identify and understand allergic triggers, aiding in the development of personalized treatment plans for allergy management.

Understanding Malocclusion and Nasal Obstruction

Disturbances in breathing can lead to craniofacial abnormalities, impacting structures like malocclusion and jaw formation. Research underscores the reciprocal relationship between craniofacial form and function, emphasizing the need for comprehensive management, particularly in early growth stages. The interconnectedness of the airway, breathing patterns and malocclusion highlights the importance of preventive interventions to address potential issues.

Well-developed airways, supporting nasal breathing, are essential for overall health, with benefits initiated from the earliest hours of life through the detection of nasal nitric oxide gas. Nitric oxide’s crucial role in preventing bacterial growth and enhancing oxygen absorption in the lungs, as well as its broader impact as a vasodilator and brain transmitter, underscores the significance of maintaining a healthy airway and normal nasal breathing.

We are happy to help you discover the benefits of unobstructed nasal breathing. We’ll walk you through the diagnosis and treatment process and ensure you understand each recommended step!