Nasal congestion and its implication

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Nasal Congestion - Causes ,Treatment and Symptoms

Nasal congestion or a blocked (stuffy) nose is common in children and adults. It generally occurs due to inflamed or irritated blood vessels in the nasal passage resulting in mucus build-up or sinus pain.

It is not a serious medical problem but causes discomfort while affecting daily activities. It is a commonly seen symptom of several medical conditions.

Symptoms

When you find it difficult to breathe with a ‘stuffy’ feeling, it indicates you have nasal congestion. You may notice other symptoms such as

Cough
Dreary feeling
Fever
Headache
Ear Pain

With these symptoms, you may find it hard to focus on routine activities.

Causes of nasal congestion

Nasal congestion occurs due to a swelling in the membrane lining the nasal tissue. Medically, this term is known as rhinosinusitis. There are various causes of this medical condition:

Allergy (environmental allergies caused due to pollens, hay fever, seasonal changes, or even airborne irritants such as chemicals and smoke)
Infection (common cold or respiratory infection such as flu)
Perennial allergy (a round-the-year condition caused due to animal dander, dust, or mould)
Other factors (tumours, polyps, or non-cancerous growth in the nose)
Pregnancy or hormonal changes

When to see a doctor?
Generally, most doctors do not consider nasal congestion a serious or life-threatening condition. Contact a healthcare professional if you notice:

Discharge that smells different and is any colour besides white or yellow.
Fever that lasts more than five days.
Symptoms that last more than 2-3 weeks.
Nasal discharge after a head injury.

Don’t wait for signs to grow severe. Consult our ENT specialists today

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Diagnosis and treatment options

Doctors conduct a physical examination and understand symptoms to diagnose nasal congestion. An ENT examination could help determine the underlying cause.

While treatment options heavily depend on the cause, some of them include:

Nasal decongestants
Oral or topical antibiotics
Mucus-thinning medication
Antihistamines in case of allergies
Home remedies such as humidifiers, steam inhalation, or nasal sprays

Summing UpMore often than not, a stuffy nose or obstruction goes away in a few days. Over-the-counter medicines or home remedies help alleviate this condition. You must seek medical advice in case of chronic or acute nasal congestion or if the condition persists for more than a week.

Have any questions or concerns about your health? We’re here to help! Call us at +918065906165 for expert advice and support.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nasal Congestion

There are different types of treatment recommended by specialists for a blocked or stuffy nose depending on the cause: Air humidifiers to soothe inflamed nasal passages Nasal sprays with sodium chloride Oral antihistamines to treat allergies Over-the-counter nasal decongestants Oral or topical antibiotics or pain-relievers

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a stuffy nose is one of the many symptoms of Covid-19. But this could indicate several other underlying conditions such as the common cold, an infection, or allergies.

Yes, nasal congestion can cause shortness of breath depending on the severity of the condition. Owing to constricted airflow, one can find it difficult to breathe. If other symptoms such as palpitations, anxiety, or irregular heartbeat persist with it, it is advisable to consult with a doctor.

Yes, this medical condition can cause a complete loss of smell or anosmia. In the human body, the sense of smell is stimulated by special nerve cells known as olfactory sensors. Any congestion or obstruction in the nasal passage can lead to loss of smell.

Every four to six hours, one side of the nose decongests while the other becomes congested. This cycle continues day and night. There could be several reasons for a single nostril being blocked: Sleeping sideways A deviated septum Nasal polyps due to chronic inflammation A foreign object in the nose