One of the most common reasons a person comes to the Ear Nose and Throat clinic is a stuffy nose. The way the symptoms are described varies. Stuffiness or congestion can be present at all times, at certain times of year, worse on one side, alternate sides, and may or may not respond to medications.

Getting this clear history and taking a close look helps me determine what are the causes and how best to help.

The nasal passages are divided from left and right by the nasal septum, which is made of bone and cartilage. A deviation (or bend) of the septum is common, but can be more extreme in so...