NHS and noses: breathing

[TheOnlyThing]

Would I be unreasonable to go to the GP about my nose? I’ve recently taken up running and I can’t breathe through my nose when I run, which has made me realise I struggle to breathe though it all the time.

It may or may not have been broken playing sport, it’s wonky and has a bump in the middle.

If I go to the GP Will they take me seriously or just dismiss it out of hand?

They won't dismiss it, no. I have a deviated septem which causes all sorts of issues and sinus problems. I went to the ENT and they're going to give me a septoplasty. I am so pleased! I was embarrassed to go for many years as it was a result of domestic violence.

Definitely go for it. It's worth a try.

DC1 has nasal polyps and they are throwing meds and referrals at him.

I also have them and could never get anyone interested and once you could buy Beconase over the counter that was it!

Mouth breathing is associated with a plethora of health issues. YADNBU to go to the GP about this.

DH has just had a septoplasty on the NHS. He had a severely deviated septum.
He had to wait 5 years from his initial ENT consultation but it seems to have gone well.

DH has the same issue. He went to GP who said it is sinusitis without any checks. Prescribed antibiotics did not help but GP refused to refer on. He said the NHS does not have the resources to deal with these issues and husband can breathe. He went private for scans which showed a deviated septum which can only be fixed surgically but GP is refusing to refer and we cannot afford the surgery privately. So in my experience, no point going to the GP.

Perfectly normal thing to go and see the doctor about. There's all sorts of things they can usually try - nasal sprays/rinses to start with, referral to an ENT specialist if that doesn't work, etc. Surgery might be an option if you have a deviated septum or polyps or something.

By contrast, my DP had really good help from his GP and has now had surgery, so being ignored isn't the norm.

Have you tried those magnetic nose strips?

It's interesting to see other people in this thread had help for deviated septums. My daughter was told the NHS doesn't do surgery for it because it's considered cosmetic unless it's a very extreme case. She is unable to breathe through one side of her nose at all yet they refused her any surgery.

I had a deviated septum as a result of being born with a cleft lip. The cleft unit were more than happy to offer septo-rhinoplasty (and also got rid of a bump at the same time!). I know I had through the specialist team but there's no reason for the GP not to refer you to ENT.

The surgery has made a huge difference and I can now breathe through my nose for the first time. It's taking a little while to get used to it and sometimes I have to remind myself that I can close my mouth.