[Nasal obstruction. Physiology, etiology and review]

Nasal obstruction is a major epidemiologic medical problem. The cost of its medical and surgical treatment is considerable. The frequency of the symptoms and their usual benign course often lead the physician to pay little attention to them. Occasionally, life-threatening problems, such as Wegener's granulomatosis may first present as nasal obstruction. Frequently, nasal obstruction deteriorates the quality of life by causing serious discomfort and by altering with the sense of smell and taste.