Is Your Breathing Affecting Your Ability to Exercise and Sleep?

You may not know the term Nasal Airway Obstruction (or NAO for short), but chances are you know its symptoms. Characterized by nasal blockage – which often makes it feel like you can’t get enough airflow through your nose – it’s estimated to affect upwards of 20 million people in the U.S. alone. If you’re one of them, it probably feels like a never-ending struggle to breathe “normally.” Florida Sinus & Snoring Specialists is here to change that. Keep reading to learn more about NAO and how we’ve helped countless patients recover with minimally invasive nasal airway obstruction procedures! 

What is Nasal Airway Obstruction?

NAO is the umbrella term for disorders that limit nasal airflow. The three most common causes of nasal airway obstruction are septal deviation, turbinate hypertrophy, and nasal valve collapse (NVC).

Septal deviation refers to a damaged nasal septum. This is the piece of cartilage that separates your nose into two distinct airways. Septal deviation can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics and nasal injury. 

Turbinate hypertrophy is an enlargement or inflammation of the nasal turbinates (also known as nasal conchae). These are the passageways inside your nasal cavity that air flows through to get to your lungs. They can become inflamed due to allergies, sinusitis, or even environmental factors like excess dust. 

Nasal valve collapse is when your nasal valve (comprised of the inferior turbinate, lateral nasal wall, and anterior septum) constricts. This is already the most narrow part of the nose and acts as the primary source of airflow resistance, so it’s uniquely positioned to be obstructed. Causes of NVC include nasal trauma, head trauma, septal deviation, and even nose surgeries like rhinoplasties. 

Other causes of nasal airway obstruction include nasal polyps, adenoiditis, and the introduction of foreign objects into the nasal cavity. Whatever the specific cause, nasal airway obstruction surgery is often needed to restore healthy airflow to the lungs.

Say Hello to the LATERA Implant

The LATERA Implant is an innovative type of nasal airway obstruction procedure. It is a small implant which anchors your upper and lower nasal cartilage together. While this on its own is incredibly effective at treating NAO and increasing airflow, LATERA Implants are made of PLLA polymer. This means it’s naturally absorbed into your nasal tissue over a period of two years. After being absorbed, collagen replaces the implant, providing something called “remodeling.” 

Nasal airway obstruction procedures, like the LATERA Implant, lead to a better quality of life. Not only does it increase your natural nasal airflow – which accounts for 70 percent of the oxygen that goes to your lungs – but it gives you back the ability to do things like exercise and sleep normally.

Come to Florida Sinus & Snoring Specialists for Your LATERA Implant Treatment  

Florida Sinus & Snoring Specialists is proud to offer cutting edge treatments like LATERA Implants. Say goodbye to a blocked nose and hello to the type of breathing you deserve! Call us at (954) 983-1211 to schedule your nasal airway obstruction procedures today!