HomeAnswersDentistrynasal congestionDuring dental treatment, my airway becomes blocked, and I cannot exhale through my nose. Why?

Why does the airway becomes blocked during dental examination?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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iCliniq medical review team

Published At November 23, 2022
Reviewed AtDecember 12, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

During dental examination or treatment, my airway becomes blocked, and I cannot exhale through my nose. The dentists tell me to raise my hand if I need a break, but no one seems to know anything about this. It is very uncomfortable and exacerbates my anxiety.

Kindly advise.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I totally understand your concerns. I am a maxillofacial surgeon, and I will need a further chat with you regarding your medical history. Coming to the point, because you are on calcium channel blockers and ace inhibitor drugs that are given for your blood pressure and HDL (High-density lipoprotein) level, I think though there is no extensive research regarding this still in literature, I might consider the possibility that they may exert a broncho constrictive effect, especially in hyperactive airways meaning that if your airway is hyperactive and because of the combined drug effect, you might not be able to hold your breath or breathe in and out very deep for as long as you want to during dental examination. This might be one hypothesis. Also, if there are any sinus issues or you are prone to frequent bouts of rhinitis or any nasal obstruction also, sometimes you cannot sit through the dental treatment comfortably. Do not be anxious during dental treatment, and I would advise you to stay calm and practice meditation or yoga techniques on a daily basis that can improve your lung expansion capacity. You can also get an opinion from the pulmonologist if needed in the clinic. If you have further doubts regarding your dental issues, you can ask me anytime.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

If you have further queries regarding your dental sitting, you can always ask.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Achanta Krishna Swaroop
Dr. Achanta Krishna Swaroop

Dentistry

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