Upper Airway Restriction

Upper airway restriction is treated as multifactorial rather than only a septum or turbinate issue. Midface development, jaw position, palate structure, and tongue function can influence upper airway function. Tongue tie can interfere with nasal breathing if it prevents the tongue from resting on the roof of the mouth and creating an oral seal. Airway treatment should be guided by evaluation of the full upper airway system. Surgical decisions should involve trained professionals focused on upper airway assessment. Septum and turbinate procedures may fail when other airway restrictions remain.