Coughing due to nasal obstruction
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Nasal obstruction is defined as a blockage of the nasal passages that prevents the continuous flow of air, which can happen as a result of several causes and lead to health problems, as well as a decrease in the quality of life.
Since the nose is linked to the throat, a nasal obstruction for any cause can lead to discomfort such as cough, throat dryness and dysphonia.
If one of the organs involved in the respiratory process is affected, the irregular passage of air will also cause other symptoms in the throat area.
Coughing due to nasal obstruction is a secondary symptom among all those that this problem of blockage in the nasal passages can bring about.
Common causes of coughing caused by nasal obstruction
Rhinitis
This allergic disease causes an inflammation in the turbinates of the nose that ends up blocking the nostril. This reaction usually occurs when the patient comes in contact with the agent that causes allergy.
This obstruction leads to sneezing, rhinorrhea and nasal congestion that trigger coughing. By constantly breathing through the mouth, the pharynx and throat are irritated causing coughing.
Nasal polyps
These are a soft tissue formation that is created inside one or both nostrils and the larger they grow, the more difficult the air flows.
Malignant or benign tumors
Overgrowth of cells is not always cancer. Two types of tumors can appear in the nose and cause the same discomfort: nasal obstruction.
There are many other causes associated with lifestyle habits, hormonal changes, emotional changes, etc.
Coughing symptoms due to nasal obstruction
Coughing caused by nasal obstruction is not an isolated symptom. It is accompanied by other symptoms requiring the patient to see a specialist to solve the problem.

These symptoms may include:
Need to mouth breathing, since nasal breathing is slow or impossible.
Sensation of dryness in the pharynx.
Pressure in the face that can be defined as a headache.
Tiredness and fatigue, because nasal obstruction usually makes deep sleep difficult.
Loss of concentration.
Blood loss through the nose, because of the inflammation that breaks the blood vessels.
Decrease in physical condition when practicing sports.
When symptoms are temporary, due to a cold or flu, they usually disappear in a few days and allow for regular breathing stability. However, when a nasal obstruction is involved, these symptoms can last for weeks.
When to see a doctor?
You need an appointment with a nose doctor if you notice that the symptoms last for more than 7 days or appear for no apparent reason of a cold.
A nasal obstruction develops degeneratively. You may notice the discomfort one by one and it is crucial that you visit a doctor who will evaluate your case and give you a diagnosis in order to solve your discomfort.
The sooner the better. Once the cause of the obstruction is found, specific treatments can be recommended to solve and improve your discomfort.
You can count on Dr. Lech, ENT doctor in Panama, who can help you recover your quality of life.
Treatments for nasal obstruction
The treatment options are specific for each case. A nose specialist doctor can determine the best option for your case once the diagnosis is made.
Here are some of the recommendations:
Pharmacological treatment:
Exclusive medication to relieve the discomfort generated by the blockage, including antihistamines, anti-inflammatory and/or saline solution that can help reduce inflammation of the turbinates.

Lifestyle recommendations:
Some habits should be eliminated from the patient’s lifestyle, such as contact with the element that generates the allergic reaction, as well as stress reduction, changes in diet and physical activity, etc.
The nose doctor knows the medical history of each patient and can recommend the changes needed to improve the patient’s health.
Surgical treatment:
Some nasal obstructions are only effectively treated with surgery, and surgical methods in the nose are usually effective.
Nowadays, there are safe, efficient and minimally invasive surgical methods to eliminate the real cause of the nasal obstruction.
When to operate on nasal obstruction
Not all the causes that lead to nasal obstruction can be operated. In some cases, the pace of treatment recommends first trying non-invasive solutions, but when this does not work, the doctor may recommend surgery.
This means that nasal obstruction is treated with surgery when all other conservative methods have been ruled out and surgery is the last option to recover the patient’s quality of life.