Nasal congestion occurs when your nose becomes clogged, preventing you from breathing through it properly. The stuffy, plugged feeling is due to swelling of your nasal tissues and blood vessels. Nasal congestion sometimes causes a runny nose.
Nasal congestion is more annoying than harmful in adults, but the condition may have a more significant effect on infants and children. A clogged, stuffy nose may make it hard for them to get a good night’s sleep or to eat.
Any condition that irritates or inflames your nasal tissues may cause a runny nose and nasal congestion. Infections and allergies are frequent causes of nasal congestion.
Other potential causes include:
Other potential causes include nonallergic rhinitis, which includes constant sneezing and stuffiness unrelated to allergies, and structural problems, such as a blockage that makes breathing through your nose more difficult.
Tobacco smoke, car exhaust, and other irritants in the air also may trigger nasal congestion.
Your Center for Sleep and Nasal Sinus Disorders provider assesses your symptoms and performs a physical exam. The team examines your nose, throat, and ears pinpointing the reason for your congestion. They may look inside your nose with an endoscope — a slim imaging device with a light attached.
In some cases, your provider recommends other tests, such as a CT scan, X-ray, or throat culture, to look for blockages or rule out potential causes of your congestion. Once they’ve settled on a diagnosis, the team recommends treatment options tailored to your condition.
Typical treatments for nasal congestion include oral antihistamines and nasal sprays with a corticosteroid. The team at the Center for Sleep and Nasal Sinus Disorders may recommend using a saline spray or humidifier to combat dryness that can worsen your condition.
Depending on your condition, you may need prescription medications or even nasal surgery to correct a structural issue. The team at the Center for Sleep and Nasal Sinus Disorders provides in-office nasal surgery to treat your problem.
If you’re suffering from a clogged, stuffy nose, rely on the Center for Sleep and Nasal Sinus Disorders for high-quality care to help you feel 100% again. Call the office today for nasal congestion treatment.
