7. Chronic Nasal Congestion: A Breathing Barrier
It’s easy to dismiss nasal congestion as a by-product of the common cold or allergies. Still, for those with a cleft palate, it’s often a constant companion. The structural anomalies can disrupt the natural airflow, causing chronic stuffiness and a sensation of having a blocked nose.
This isn’t just your typical nose block. It’s an incessant issue, sometimes accompanied by frequent nasal discharge. The problem arises because the connection between the oral and nasal cavities isn’t entirely sealed due to the cleft, causing an overlap of functions and leading to this perpetual stuffy sensation.
For many, this means relying on nasal sprays or other temporary relief methods. But they’re just that – temporary. The root cause, the cleft, remains unaddressed. This congestion can also affect the quality of sleep, with individuals often waking up feeling unrested due to breathing interruptions.(7)
