Nasal blockage and congestion. Relief is here now!
Have nasal blockage and congestion?
It’s not easy to enjoy life when your nose is constantly blocked. Good sleep is next to impossible; vigorous exercise is out of the question. Your attitude is affected, and it feels like your health is at stake. Some people improve their condition with over-the-counter sprays and pills, but these treatments may only provide temporary relief.
Fortunately, other solutions are available.
Should I seek additional care?
These two simple tests can help determine if you have significant nasal obstruction and congestion.
Try this do-it-yourself diagnostic procedure for assessing nasal obstruction and congestion.
- Place one or two fingertips on your cheeks on either side of your nose.
- Gently, press and pull outward.
This temporarily opens the nasal valve. If doing this helps you inhale more easily through your nose, your obstruction may be in your nasal valve, and you may be a candidate for new innovative treatments that are delivered in the office (not in the operating room).
Nose Score Test
The nose score test determines the severity of your nasal blockage.
Click the “Start Assessment” button below, and you’ll be asked five questions. Rate your answers from 0 (not a problem) to 4 (severe problem). If you score 50 or higher, you may be a candidate for Nasal Airway Remodeling.
Rate your symptoms 0-4:
0 Not a problem
1 Mild problem
2 Moderate problem
3 Significant problem
4 Severe problem
Start AssessmentN.O.S.E. Score:
0-4: You are a great nasal breather. No need for treatment!
5-25: You have a low level of nasal obstruction and congestion. Over-the-counter medications are likely to help. If you cannot tolerate them or if they are not helpful, please seek care.
26-50: You have some nasal obstruction and congestion. Try the over-the-counter steroid nasal sprays and antihistamine pills. If you cannot tolerate them or if they are not helpful, please seek care.
51-75: You have nasal obstruction and congestion, and it is likely to impact your daily life. You should start with over-the-counter steroid nasal sprays and antihistamine pills. You may benefit from these, but if you do not, you should seek care.
76-100: You have a lot of nasal obstruction and congestion, and you are noticing it frequently. Over-the-counter treatments may help a little, but you should seek treatment.
What can treatment do for me?
Lose the Sprays
Like many others, you might depend on nasal steroid sprays to help you breathe. Often, the sprays work only partially. In many people, sprays can cause nasal irritation.
Better Sleep
Is your sleep disturbed by nasal blockage, snoring, or restlessness? Better treatments for your nose means breathing comfortably, which may help increase the amount of sleep you get!
More Energy
If you can breathe better through your nose, everyday tasks will feel easier. Exercise will feel great, and you can breathe more effortlessly.
Meet our physicians
Texas Medical Center
Houston, TX 77030
(713) 486-5000
Martin J. Citardi, MD
Martin J. Citardi, MD, an internationally recognized rhinologist, currently serves as Professor and Chair of the Department. Dr. Citardi received his doctor of medicine degree from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He completed his residency training at Yale University and then pursued a rhinology fellowship at the Georgia Rhinology & Sinus Center. Dr. Citardi is certified by the American Board of Otorhinolaryngology, and he is a fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology, the American College of Surgeons and the American Rhinologic Society.
Martin J. Citardi, MD, an internationally recognized rhinologist, currently serves as Professor and Chair of the Department. Dr. Citardi received his doctor of medicine degree from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He completed his residency training at Yale University and then pursued a rhinology fellowship at the Georgia Rhinology & Sinus Center. Dr. Citardi is certified by the American Board of Otorhinolaryngology, and he is a fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology, the American College of Surgeons and the American Rhinologic Society.
Amber Luong, MD
Amber Luong, MD, PhD, serves as an Associate Professor and Director of Research in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology. She obtained her MD/PhD at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas through the NIH-sponsored Medical Scientist Training Program. Dr. Luong completed her residency training at UT Southwestern and rhinology fellowship training at the Cleveland Clinic.
Amber Luong, MD, PhD, serves as an Associate Professor and Director of Research in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology. She obtained her MD/PhD at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas through the NIH-sponsored Medical Scientist Training Program. Dr. Luong completed her residency training at UT Southwestern and rhinology fellowship training at the Cleveland Clinic.
William Yao, MD
William Yao, MD, received his medical degree from the University of Colorado Health Science Center School of Medicine and then pursued otorhinolaryngology (ears, nose and throat) residency at Baylor College of Medicine. He has also completed a rhinology fellowship at the Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary. Dr. Yao’s clinical interests include nasal obstruction and other conditions of the nose and sinuses.
William Yao, MD, received his medical degree from the University of Colorado Health Science Center School of Medicine and then pursued otorhinolaryngology (ears, nose and throat) residency at Baylor College of Medicine. He has also completed a rhinology fellowship at the Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary. Dr. Yao’s clinical interests include nasal obstruction and other conditions of the nose and sinuses.
Greater Heights
Houston, TX 77008
(713) 486-2090
Luke I. Burke, MD
Luke Burke, MD, is an Ear, Nose and Throat physician and assistant professor in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Burke completed his undergraduate degree in biology from Colgate University and then received his medical degree from State University of New York, Stony Brook. In 1998, Dr. Burke finished his residency in Otolaryngology at the University of Texas Health and Science Center at Houston.
Luke Burke, MD, is an Ear, Nose and Throat physician and assistant professor in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Burke completed his undergraduate degree in biology from Colgate University and then received his medical degree from State University of New York, Stony Brook. In 1998, Dr. Burke finished his residency in Otolaryngology at the University of Texas Health and Science Center at Houston.
Southeast Houston
Houston, TX 77089
(713) 486-1120
Denna A. Zebda, MD
Denna Zebda, MD, is an assistant professor in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology. She graduated summa cum laude from Texas A&M University with a degree in Biomedical Sciences. She pursued her medical degree at McGovern Medical School (part of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston [UTHealth]) where she was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. She also completed her residency in Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at UTHealth.
Denna Zebda, MD, is an assistant professor in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology. She graduated summa cum laude from Texas A&M University with a degree in Biomedical Sciences. She pursued her medical degree at McGovern Medical School (part of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston [UTHealth]) where she was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. She also completed her residency in Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at UTHealth.
The Woodlands
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(713) 486-6180
Douglas Stanley, MD
Douglas Stanley, MD, received his medical degree from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, then completed his residency in Otolaryngology (ears, nose & throat) at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. As a general otolaryngologist, he enjoys seeing patients of all ages, from children to older adults. His clinical interests include obstructive sleep apnea.
Douglas Stanley, MD, received his medical degree from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, then completed his residency in Otolaryngology (ears, nose & throat) at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. As a general otolaryngologist, he enjoys seeing patients of all ages, from children to older adults. His clinical interests include obstructive sleep apnea.
