Chronic Nasal Congestion Gangnam Seoul

What is chronic nasal congestion?

Chronic nasal congestion is a persistent feeling of blockage or reduced airflow through the nose. It may be constant, alternate sides, or worsen at night. Because many different conditions produce the same sensation, the key step is finding out what is narrowing the airway.

Symptoms that often come with it

Mouth breathing, dry mouth and sore throat on waking
Snoring and poor-quality sleep
Reduced smell and taste
Postnasal drip and frequent throat clearing
Ear fullness or popping
Headache or facial pressure

Common causes

Mucosal (swelling) causes

Allergic rhinitis from dust mites, pollen or pets
Non-allergic vasomotor rhinitis triggered by temperature or odors
Rebound congestion from decongestant sprays
Chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps
Hormonal changes, including pregnancy, and some medications

Structural causes

A deviated septum
Enlarged inferior turbinates
Nasal valve collapse at the side wall of the nose
Enlarged adenoids in children
Rarely, a tumor, usually causing one-sided blockage

How it is diagnosed at our Gangnam clinic

It helps to note before your visit when the blockage started, whether it is seasonal, which medicines you have used and for how long, and whether anyone in your family has allergies or asthma. Photos of medication boxes from home are useful if you do not know the drug names in English.

Dr. Kim starts with a careful history, including which side is blocked, how long, and which sprays you have tried. Nasal endoscopy lets him inspect the septum, turbinates, sinus openings and the back of the nose in a few minutes. Depending on findings, an allergy test or a sinus CT scan may follow. Thanks to the clinic's same-day system, many patients finish testing and consultation in one visit.

Treatment options

Treatment depends on the cause and always starts with the least invasive effective option:

Saline irrigation and correct use of steroid sprays
Antihistamines or other allergy medication
Stopping decongestant sprays with a supervised weaning plan
Allergen immunotherapy for dust mite allergy

When a structural problem is the main cause and medication is not enough, procedures under local anesthesia may help, such as turbinate reduction surgery, septoplasty or, for collapse of the side wall, nasal valve reconstruction. Many patients need only medical treatment once the cause is clear.

When to see an ENT

See an ENT if your nose has been blocked for more than a few weeks, if you depend on decongestant sprays, or if sleep is affected. Seek prompt assessment for blockage on one side only with bleeding, crusting, a bad smell, facial pain, numbness or eye symptoms.

Seeing Dr. Kim in English

Congestion is the core focus of rhinology, the subspecialty Dr. Kim Yoo Suk practiced and taught as a former professor at Yonsei and Ajou universities. He explains the cause in plain English and recommends only the treatment you need. Our English-speaking ENT page explains visits for international patients.

Why is my nose more blocked at night?

When you lie down, blood flow to the nasal lining increases and the turbinates swell, especially on the lower side. Dust mites in bedding and dry heated air can add to this. Raising the head of the bed slightly and treating any allergy often helps.

Is it safe to use decongestant spray every day?

No. Decongestant sprays such as oxymetazoline should only be used for a few days. Longer use causes rebound swelling and dependence. If you have been using one for weeks, Dr. Kim can help you stop safely with alternative treatment.

Do I need a CT scan for a blocked nose?

Not always. Many causes can be diagnosed with history and nasal endoscopy alone. A CT scan is useful when sinus disease, polyps, a tumor or surgical planning is being considered, and Dr. Kim will explain why if he recommends one.

Gangnam Yonsei ENT Clinic

Chronic Nasal Congestion Treatment in Gangnam, Seoul