NASAL BLOCKAGE
A persistently blocked nose that doesn't respond to medical treatment can significantly affect sleep, exercise and everyday comfort. Mr Oliver Dale offers private assessment and surgical treatment for structural nasal blockage — most commonly septoplasty and turbinate reduction — at The Spire Hospital, Bristol. No GP referral is required, and patients travel from across the South West, South Wales and further afield for treatment.
WHAT CAUSES A BLOCKED NOSE?
A blocked nose can result from a deviated (crooked) nasal septum — the wall of cartilage and bone dividing the two nostrils — often present from birth or following an injury to the nose. Enlarged turbinates, the soft tissue structures that warm and humidify air as it passes through the nose, are another common cause, and can occur alongside allergy or independently of it. In many patients, a deviated septum and enlarged turbinates contribute together to the overall blockage.
HOW IS NASAL BLOCKAGE TREATED?
Treatment usually starts with medical management: a steroid nasal spray and, where allergy plays a role, an antihistamine. When blockage is caused by a structural problem — a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, or both — that doesn't respond adequately to medical treatment, surgery is considered to correct the underlying anatomy directly.
WHEN IS SURGERY NEEDED?
Surgery is usually considered when the blockage has a structural cause and hasn't responded to medical treatment. Common signs include:
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A persistently blocked or congested nose that doesn't improve with nasal sprays or antihistamines
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Mouth-breathing or a dry mouth during sleep caused by nasal obstruction
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Difficulty breathing through the nose during exercise
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A history of nasal injury, or a visibly crooked septum
PRIVATE SURGERY FOR NASAL BLOCKAGE IN BRISTOL
WHAT HAPPENS DURING SURGERY?
A septoplasty is an operation to straighten a deviated nasal septum. It's performed entirely through the inside of the nose, so there is no external cut or visible scar. Under general anaesthetic, the crooked sections of cartilage and bone are corrected or removed, and the septum repositioned centrally. Dissolvable stitches, and occasionally soft dissolvable nasal packs, support healing afterwards, and the great majority of patients go home the same day.
Turbinate reduction is often carried out at the same time as septoplasty, though it can also be done on its own. The procedure reduces the size of the enlarged turbinate tissue to open up the airway, using techniques such as submucosal debridement, coblation or careful surgical trimming, chosen according to the severity of the enlargement. As with septoplasty, it's performed entirely through the nostrils, with no visible scarring.
RISKS AND POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
As with any operation, surgery for nasal blockage carries some risk, though serious complications are uncommon. The risks of undergoing a septoplasty and turbinate reduction include bleeding, infection, perforation (creating a hole in the nasal septum), a temporary change in sense of smell, numbness of the front teeth and, occasionally, only partial improvement in symptoms where other factors — such as allergy or sinus disease — are also contributing. Mr Dale will discuss the specific risks relevant to your case, and any non-surgical alternatives in full at your consultation.
YOUR RECOVERY WEEK BY WEEK
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Day of surgery: Immediately after surgery the nose will feel more blocked.
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Days 1-3: Some blood-stained nasal discharge is normal; simple paracetamol is usually enough for discomfort. Nasal rinses start on Day 1.
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Week 1: Continue nasal rinses, nasal packing starts to dissolve and the nose begins to unblock. Steroid spray starts on day 7.
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Weeks 2-6: Most patients are back to normal daily activity and are beginning to breathe through the nose more freely. Crusting may occur inside the nose.
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Week 6: Full recovery for most patients, ongoing use of nasal spray/rinses may be required
Contact the ward at The Spire Hospital Bristol if you notice foul smelling discharge from the nose, increasing pain or headaches.
FEES
Private septoplasty and turbinate surgery typically costs in the region of £4,500-£5,500 depending on the extent of surgery, in addition to a separate consultation fee (£275-£300) and nasal endoscopy (£285). Mr Dale's secretary will provide a personalised, itemised quote covering the surgeon's fee, hospital fee and anaesthetist's fee after your consultation.
TRAVELLING FOR TREATMENT
Patients travel from across the South West, South Wales, the Midlands and further afield for treatment. The Spire Hospital, Bristol is close to the M5/M4 interchange and around 20 minutes from Bristol Temple Meads, with direct trains from London, Cardiff and Birmingham, and on-site parking.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need a GP referral to see Mr Dale?
No — you can self-refer directly for a private consultation. If you have private medical insurance, check with your insurer whether they require a GP referral letter for their own claims process.
Will I be left with a visible scar?
No — both septoplasty and turbinate reduction are performed entirely through the nostrils, with no external incisions.
How long will I be in hospital?
Most patients are discharged on the same day as surgery
How long is the recovery and when can I return to work?
Most people return to normal, non-strenuous activity within 1-2 weeks, though the final improvement in nasal breathing continues to settle over several weeks as swelling resolves. Usually 2 weeks off work is recommended after the operation.
How soon can I be seen?
Private consultations are typically available within 1-2 weeks, with surgery arranged shortly after your assessment.
Does private medical insurance cover surgery for nasal blockage?
Most insurers cover septoplasty and turbinate reduction surgery. Mr Dale's secretary can help confirm cover with your insurer, or provide a self-pay quote.
WHAT PATIENTS SAY...
Mr Oliver Dale has been fantastic from initial consult, to undertaking of Septoplasty Surgery and post op review. My surgery was undertaken promptly following diagnosis and was completed with no complications. I have had a fantastic result from surgery and notice a real difference in my breathing...
APPOINTMENTS
Mr Dale offers private appointments at The Spire Hospital in Bristol.
To book an appointment call Mr Dale’s private secretary on 0117 287 0148 or email secretary@bristolentsurgery.co.uk
Alternatively, you can contact Mr Dale's secretary using the form below: