[Nasal obstruction]

When we talk about nasal obstruction, we should define this notion by differentiating between a nasal obstruction, linked to the presence of a physical or inflammatory obstacle on the level of the nasal passages, and the feeling of a nasal obstruction or breathing discomfort described by the patient. The ear, nose and throat explanation will have to take an interest in all the possible causes. The methods of investigation associate anamnesis and clinical examination, helped by endoscopes or fibroscopes, immunological and allergological examinations, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, rhinomanometry and less often use examinations such as muco-ciliary examinations, nasal cellular examinations or the examination of the sense of smell. Nasal obstruction can also be caused by anomalies in the structure of the nasal passages or paranasal cavities, or by anomalies in the mucosa in the nasal passages, or by tumours. Subjective nasal obstruction or nasal discomfort is a pathology at the limit of the conscious and subconscious whose working bases are still not fully explained. Treatment of nasal obstruction can be medical or surgical, but it must absolutely take into account the aetiology and not just the symptoms.