Evaluation and Management of the Nasal Airway

Nasal airway obstruction is a very common phenomenon that can significantly decrease patients' quality of life. This review article summarizes in an evidence-based fashion the diagnosis and treatment of nasal airway obstruction. The nasal airway may be obstructed at the level of the nasal valve, septum, nasal turbinates, sinonasal mucosa, or nasopharynx. Nasal valve obstruction and septal deviations are usually treated surgically depending on the level of valve obstruction. Isolated turbinate hypertrophy is usually managed medically as part of the treatment of rhinitis, with surgery reserved for cases refractory to medical care. Sinonasal and nasopharyngeal conditions are treated according to the diagnosis.