How can I improve my nasal congestion and snoring?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have had severe nasal congestion for over a year that just will not go away, and I feel completely blocked on both sides of my nose. I can no longer smell or taste my food properly, which has made eating much less enjoyable and affected my appetite.

I wake up with a dry mouth every morning because I breathe through it all night, and my snoring has become so loud that my partner cannot sleep in the same room. I also experience persistent sinus pressure, headaches, and facial pain, especially around my eyes and cheeks.

Could growths cause these symptoms inside my nasal passages?
What treatment options are available to help me breathe and sleep usually again?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your query and understand your concern.

Prolonged severe bilateral nasal congestion, loss of smell (anosmia), loss of taste (ageusia), chronic mouth breathing, loud snoring, dry mouth every morning, persistent sinus headaches, and facial pain strongly suggest a significant structural nasal obstruction. The most common causes include nasal polyps or chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis.

Chronic rhinosinusitis can lead to long-term nasal blockage, a reduced sense of smell and taste, facial pressure, and recurrent headaches. Less common causes include benign nasal tumors and, very rarely, malignancies, especially if symptoms are unilateral, associated with bleeding, or worsening rapidly.

An ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist can confirm the diagnosis through a physical examination, which may include anterior rhinoscopy and nasal endoscopy. Imaging studies, such as a CT (computed tomography) scan of the sinuses, help assess the extent of the disease and rule out other causes.

Treatment typically begins with topical nasal corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and shrink polyps, along with saline nasal irrigation to provide symptom relief. A short course of oral steroids may be prescribed for severe congestion, though this is typically a temporary measure.

If symptoms do not improve or if polyps are large, functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is often recommended to remove obstructions and open sinus drainage pathways, improving breathing and reducing associated symptoms. Long-term use of nasal steroid sprays may be necessary to prevent recurrence, and managing allergies can help if the triggers are identified.

Additional investigations, such as sleep studies, may be necessary if obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is suspected, particularly in cases of loud snoring and persistent mouth breathing. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy may be considered for OSA management. Unilateral symptoms, nasal bleeding, visual disturbances, or rapidly worsening pain require urgent evaluation by a specialist to rule out severe underlying conditions.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.