title: Surgical management of nasal obstruction.
abstract: The proper evaluation of the patient with nasal obstruction relies on a comprehensive history and physical examination. Once the site of obstruction is accurately identified, the patient may benefit from a trial of medical management. At times however, the definitive treatment of nasal obstruction relies on surgical management. Recognizing the nasal septum, nasal valve, and turbinates as possible sites of obstruction and addressing them accordingly can dramatically improve a patient's nasal breathing. Conservative resection of septal cartilage, submucous reduction of the inferior turbinate, and structural grafting of the nasal valve when appropriate will provide the optimal improvement in nasal airflow and allow for the most stable results.
authors.affiliation: Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, Harlem Hospital Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10037, USA. jm3583@columbia.edu
authors.forename: Jason A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Moche
authors.forename: Orville
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Palmer
mesh_terms: D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D006801:Humans; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D009300:Nasal Septum / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery; D010808:Physical Examination; D014420:Turbinates / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery