The phenomenon of paradoxical nasal obstruction.

Some patients with a fixed uninasal obstruction in whom the normal or patent side becomes temporarily obstructed because of the nasal cycle, and in whom the total nasal resistance is elevated, complain of nasal obstruction. It is when the normal side responds to the congestive phase of the nasal cycle that the patient becomes symptomatic; hence, the term "paradoxical nasal obstruction." Rhinomanometric tests, serial tomography, and direct patient observation allow confirmation of the phenomenon of paradoxical nasal obstruction.