What is nasal congestion?
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 asÂ
- 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 injuryÂ
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 decongestantsÂ
- Oral or topical antibiotics
- Mucus-thinning medication
- Antihistamines in case of allergiesÂ
- Home remedies such as humidifiers, steam inhalation, or nasal sprays
Summing Up
More 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.
