Do have trouble breathing through your nose? Your nasal airway may be too narrow or blocked. Here’s a simple way to check: place the tips of your fingers on your cheeks (on each side of your nose), press down, and then gently pull outward.
If this helps you breathe better, you may be living with nasal airway obstruction, a common yet often undiagnosed condition that affects millions.
VivAer may be able to help. Contact Dr. Bergstrom and Dr. Buxa at the ENT Center of Excellence to learn more and see if you may be a candidate for treatment.
Dr. Roheen Raithatha, Otolaryngologist, F.A.C.S., F.A.R.S. wrote an article in Baby Boomers about nasal airwayobstruction and also VivAer. Below is an excerpt from that article:
The nose, the unsung hero of breathing, plays a vital role in your overall well-being and deserves care as we age. In fact, the role of the nose goes far beyond simply detecting pleasant smells, which can conjure up powerful memories from the past. Doctors say it's important to understand how your nose works and how to keep it healthy and functioning properly because it serves as the body's frontline defense against airborne invaders. A nose in good health will seamlessly filter out debris from the air – trapping harmful particles before they can make their way into our lungs – while also moisturizing and humidifying the air you breathe. Is your nose up to snuff?
Aging Happens, Right Under Your Nose
It's not just our skin and joints that show the passage of time; the nose also undergoes changes which can impact its function. The nasal tip starts to droop due to a loss of structure and the skin inside your nose also becomes thinner due to a reduction in collagen and elastin.
Inside your nose, subtle transformations are also underway. These changes typically begin in your 40s, and they're not always immediately noticeable. The nasal valve and cartilage in your nose can weaken, and the side wall of the nose may start to collapse slightly when you take deep breaths. This isn't due to a sudden trauma, like an accident or rhinoplasty which can cause a more immediate weakening of the cartilage. It's a gradual change that can influence your ability to breathe comfortably.
Nasal Airway Obstruction: A Roadblock to Healthy Breathing
Unfortunately, for many people over 50, nasal issues can be more complex to treat and may require medical intervention. One of the most significant complaints is difficulty breathing through the nose. This can be a result of a common condition called nasal airway obstruction and it can be a major roadblock to a healthy lifestyle. Common symptoms of nasal airway obstruction include trouble sleeping, difficulty exercising, nasal congestion and frequent mouth breathing. Thankfully, there are strategies to address this concern, such as medications or sprays, which may decrease inflammation within the nasal cavity; however, they may provide only temporary relief.
When medications or sprays fall short, procedural treatments are considered like deviated septum surgery (septoplasty) and turbinate reduction, among other procedures. Minimally and non-invasive therapies are preferred whenever possible, especially for adults who have preexisting conditions and may not be good surgical candidates. Radiofrequency-based treatments, such as VivAer, effectively shrink the tissue in the nasal valve area (the smallest part of the nasal airway) to improve symptoms of nasal airway obstruction and can be performed in a doctor’s office under local anesthesia, with minimal downtime. This procedure is covered by Medicare and many other insurance plans when considered medically necessary, making it an appealing option.
To read the Baby Boomers article: https://www.babyboomers.com/article/is-your-nose-up-to-snuff-a-guide-to-healthy-nasal-breathing/652e8b33d5bc1700011cfce3
