Nasal blockage surgery
What is Nasal blockage surgery? Nasal blockage surgery, also known as nasal airway surgery or septal surgery, is a medical procedure designed to address chronic nasal obstruction. This condition can result from various factors such as deviated nasal septum, enlarged turbinates (structures inside the nose), nasal polyps, or other structural abnormalities. The surgery aims to improve nasal airflow
What it is
Common causes include deviated nasal septum, inferior turbinate hypertrophy, chronic rhinosinusitis with or without polyps, allergic rhinitis and (in children) adenoid hypertrophy. Many patients have more than one cause simultaneously.
Symptoms and signs
- Persistent one-sided or alternating nasal obstruction.
- Loss of smell (anosmia), particularly with nasal polyps.
- Facial pressure, headache or post-nasal drip suggesting chronic sinusitis.
- Sneezing, itchy eyes, seasonal pattern suggesting allergic rhinitis.
- Snoring with witnessed apnoea — nasal obstruction is a contributor.
How we investigate
ENT examination with fibreoptic nasendoscopy. Allergy panel (specific IgE or skin-prick testing) where allergic rhinitis is suspected. CT sinuses for chronic rhinosinusitis. Sleep study where OSA is in the picture.
Treatment options at The Vesey
- Medical management first — intranasal corticosteroid, saline rinses, antihistamines, leukotriene antagonists.
- Septoplasty for symptomatic septal deviation.
- Inferior turbinate reduction — radiofrequency or microdebrider technique.
- Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis with or without polyps.
- Biologic therapy for severe nasal polyposis (dupilumab, mepolizumab, omalizumab) coordinated with our partner respiratory and allergy services.
What is the difference between septoplasty and rhinoplasty? +
Septoplasty corrects a deviated nasal septum to improve airflow and is a functional operation. Rhinoplasty changes the external shape of the nose and is primarily cosmetic. The two procedures can be combined (septorhinoplasty) when both a functional and cosmetic result is desired.
How long is recovery after nasal blockage surgery? +
Septoplasty and turbinate reduction are day-case procedures. Most patients take 1–2 weeks off work. Nasal congestion continues to improve over 3–6 months. Contact sport should be avoided for 6 weeks.
Can nasal polyps cause complete loss of smell? +
Yes. Large bilateral polyps blocking the olfactory cleft are a common reversible cause of anosmia. Smell often improves significantly after surgery, though recovery is not guaranteed and may take months.
Is FESS (functional endoscopic sinus surgery) available at The Vesey? +
Yes. Mr Ramanathan Swaminathan performs FESS as a day-case procedure for chronic rhinosinusitis with or without polyps. Surgery uses a CT scan for navigation and a thin endoscope — no external cuts or bruising.
Pricing at a glance
Initial ENT consultation £290. CT sinuses from £350. Septoplasty and FESS pricing on individual quotation (typically £3,500–£6,000 inclusive). Insurance accepted: BUPA, Vitality, AXA, WPA, Cigna, Aviva, Healix.
Book an appointment
When to see a specialist
Book if persistent nasal obstruction has failed 8 weeks of optimal medical therapy, if anosmia has lasted more than 4 weeks, or if you have facial-pressure symptoms suggesting chronic sinusitis.
Cost and pathway
Initial ENT consultation £290. CT sinuses from £350. Septoplasty and FESS pricing on individual quotation (typically £3,500–£6,000 inclusive).
- Open 7 days including Sundays — 8am to 8pm, no weekend surcharge
- No GP referral required — book directly with our ENT surgical team
- Sutton Coldfield location — serving Birmingham, Walsall, Tamworth, Lichfield and the West Midlands
- CQC-regulated — rated 4.87/5 on Doctify from 700+ verified reviews
View our ENT surgical services →
Sutton Coldfield · Birmingham · Walsall · Tamworth · Lichfield · West Midlands · Open 7 days 8am–8pm
Open 7 days · 8am–8pm · 0121 387 3727