The physiologic treatment of nasal obstruction.

Although criticisms of the submucous resection of the nasal septum and turbinectomy have been given, this is not to discredit these procedures when they are truly indicated. Certainly there are anatomic deformities causing nasal obstruction wherein a submucous resection of the septum or a submucous resection of the anterior portion of the inferior turbinate would be of benefit. The surgeon performing rhinoplastic surgery must be aware of the physiologic causes of nasal obstruction. Often a combination of structural deformity and rhinitis is blocking the airway. Intranasal, intramucosal injections of long acting corticosteroids have proven to be of great benefit in the treatment of chronic allergic, vasomotor, and hypertrophic rhinitis, and they are a useful adjunct to rhinoplastic surgery.