11 Nov Improve nasal breathing: These options are available

Free, undisturbed nasal breathing contributes significantly to quality of life and well-being. However, anyone who suffers from restricted nasal breathing knows the effects on sleep, concentration and general fitness only too well. There are many causes that can lead to a blocked nose or breathing problems - from simple dryness to chronic inflammation or anatomical restrictions. Fortunately, however, there are various ways to improve nasal breathing in the long term. In the following, we will show you effective options and modern treatment methods that will allow you to breathe freely again.

What can restrict nasal breathing?

Various factors and medical conditions can obstruct nasal breathing. The most common causes include

• Curvature of the nasal septum (deviated septum)
  A crooked nasal septum can narrow the airways and thus hinder breathing. This anatomical deviation is one of the most common causes of breathing problems through the nose.
• Enlarged turbinates (Nasal concha hyperplasia)
  The turbinates are folds of mucous membrane in the nose that can swell in the event of inflammation or irritation. Permanent enlargement, often caused by allergies or chronic inflammation, can narrow the airways.
• Nasal polyps
  These benign growths on the nasal mucosa can be caused by chronic inflammation, for example. Polyps constrict the airways and make nasal breathing difficult, especially when they grow larger.
• Sinusitis (inflammation of the paranasal sinuses)
  In sinusitis, the mucous membranes of the sinuses become inflamed, which can lead to persistent congestion and a feeling of pressure in the nose.
• Allergies
  Pollen, house dust mites, animal hair and other allergens can trigger swelling and inflammation of the mucous membranes in the nose. This often leads to an unpleasant blockage of the nasal passages.
• Injuries and traumas
  Injuries to the nose, e.g. due to accidents or blows, can lead to deformations or swelling that impair the flow of air through the nose.
• Dryness and mucous membrane irritation
  Dry air, pollutants or even cigarette smoke can dry out the nasal mucous membranes and cause irritation. This can make it difficult to breathe through the nose.
• Tumours
  In rare cases, tumours in the nasal or sinus region can also block nasal breathing.

Basic tips to improve nasal breathing: What you can do yourself

There are some simple and effective measures you can take yourself to improve your nasal breathing and keep your nose clear:

• Inhalations
  Inhaling with salt water, saline solution, camomile or essential oils helps to moisturise the mucous membranes and loosen encrustations.
• Nasal rinses
  Saline solutions can also help to flush mucus and dirt out of the nose and relieve inflammation. You can use special nasal rinsing systems that are available in pharmacies.
• Humidity in the room
  Dry air irritates the nasal mucous membranes. Therefore, use humidifiers, especially in the winter months, to make the air in living and working spaces more humid.
• Regular exercise
  Sporting activities such as running or cycling promote blood circulation and can also help to keep the airways clear. Moderate exercise gets the circulation going and makes it easier to breathe through the nose.
• Balanced diet and fluid intake
  Drink enough water to keep your mucous membranes moisturised. A diet rich in vitamins also strengthens your immune system and can prevent inflammation.
• Breathing exercises
  Special breathing techniques such as the Buteyko method or yoga breathing exercises (pranayama) strengthen awareness of breathing and promote relaxed nasal breathing.
• Stop smoking
  Cigarette smoke irritates the airways and dries out the nasal mucous membranes. Quitting smoking has positive effects on breathing and improves your nasal breathing in the long term.
• Avoid allergy triggers
  If you are allergic to certain substances, try to stay away from them as much as possible. Pollen allergy sufferers are advised to keep windows closed or use air filters during the pollen season.
• Nose plasters for the night
  Special nasal plasters that slightly lift the nostrils can improve the air supply at night and make it easier for you to breathe through your nose.

Improve nasal breathing: Medical help is needed in these cases

In some cases, restricted nasal breathing may be due to more serious causes that require medical treatment. In these situations, it is advisable to make an appointment at our ENT clinic in Frankfurt to be agreed:

• Chronic nasal congestion for no apparent reason
  If your nose is constantly blocked for weeks or months without a cold, allergy or other obvious cause, the cause could be a structural abnormality such as a deviated nasal septum or chronic inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes.
• Pain and a feeling of pressure in the nasal and sinus region
  Persistent pain, pressure in the face or headaches that worsen when bending forward can indicate sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis can often only be treated by a doctor.
• Frequent shortness of breath or difficulty sleeping
  Breathing problems that affect your night's sleep or lead to Breathing interruptions should definitely be checked out by a doctor. Sleep apnoea can put long-term strain on the cardiovascular system and severely impair quality of life.
• Bloody discharge or heavy crust formation
  If your nose bleeds regularly or crusts form constantly, this could indicate a serious inflammation of the mucous membranes or a tumour in the nose that requires medical clarification.
• Recurrent infections and inflammations
  If you suffer from frequent nasal and sinus infections, there could be an underlying anatomical cause. For example, enlarged turbinates or nasal polyps often need to be treated surgically.
• Difficulty breathing through the nose after an injury
  Injuries or fractures to the nose can cause deformation or narrowing of the nasal passages. In such cases, surgery is often necessary to restore nasal breathing.
• Growth of nasal polyps
  If benign growths such as polyps develop in the nose or paranasal sinuses, these can block the airways and often require surgical removal.

Treatment of nasal complaints: We at the Goethe10 ENT practice clinic in Frankfurt are here for you

As ENT doctors in Frankfurt, we offer comprehensive diagnostics and treatment for various diseases that can affect nasal breathing.

In addition to these specific treatments, we offer comprehensive ENT diagnostics and therapy - also for Dizziness, Allergies, sudden deafness and Tinnitus - to. With personalised advice and modern treatment methods, we help you to breathe freely again.

ENT Frankfurt: Dr Thomas Fischer & Dr Albrecht Linke

Your specialists for ear, nose and throat medicine, who will provide you with professional and individualised advice, examinations and treatment in all matters relating to ENT medicine, functional plastic surgery and the aesthetic treatment of changes to the facial skin.

Our news articles are prepared for you to the best of our knowledge and belief and are intended for general education. They are in no way a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis and treatment and are not intended to encourage self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Please always contact your ENT specialist in Frankfurt directly if you have any health complaints!

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