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Facial Plast Surg 2023; 39(06): 590-594
DOI: 10.1055/a-2122-7251
Original Article

Evaluation of the Patient with Nasal Obstruction

Christine B. Taylor
1   Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
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Abstract

Patients often present with a complaint of nasal blockage, either primarily, or in conjunction with aesthetic concerns. The evaluation of the patient with nasal obstruction involves a comprehensive history and a detailed physical examination. The nose is an organ in which form and function are inseparable, and as such, examination of the patient with nasal obstruction must focus not only the internal structures that may cause obstruction of the nasal airway, but also the external structure of the nose as it impacts nasal breathing. Detailed facial analysis and a systematic nasal examination will reveal details regarding nasal obstruction due to internal sources such as septal deviation, turbinate hypertrophy, or nasal lining abnormalities, and structural abnormalities such as nasal valve collapse or external nasal deformity. This approach, in categorizing each component of the nasal exam and its findings, allows the surgeon to formulate an appropriate treatment plan that emerges from the details of the examination.

Keywords

nasal septum - nasal valve - functional septorhinoplasty


Publication History

Accepted Manuscript online:
04 July 2023

Article published online:
28 July 2023

© 2023. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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