Congestion (also called a stuffy nose) means there is swelling of the tissues lining the nose. A misconception is that congestion occurs due to excess mucus in the sinuses, but congestion actually occurs due to inflamed blood vessels.
Nasal congestion feels like:
- Stuffy nose
- Sinus pain
- Heavy feeling in the head
- Runny nose
- Postnasal drip, which may also cause:
What Causes Congestion?
Causes of nasal congestion include:
- Viruses
- Sinus infection
- Hay fever or other allergies
- Nasal polyps
- Using some over-the-counter (OTC) nasal sprays or drops for more than 3 days
- Pregnancy
- Vasomotor rhinitis
How Is Congestion Diagnosed?
The cause of nasal congestion is diagnosed with a patient history and a physical examination that focuses on the ears, nose, throat, and airways.
Tests used to diagnose the cause of the congestion may include:
How Do You Get Rid of a Stuffy Nose?
Nasal congestion can often be treated at home. Home remedies to ease the symptoms of nasal congestion include:
- Drink plenty of clear fluids
- Apply a warm, moist washcloth to the face several times a day
- Inhale steam 2 to 4 times a day, such as in the shower
- Use a vaporizer or humidifier
- Nasal wash to help remove mucus from the nose
- Use nasal saline spray 3 to 4 times per day
- Keep your head elevated, since congestion is often worse when lying down
- Use adhesive strips placed on the nose to widen nostrils
- For allergies:
- Take over-the-counter (OTC) medications to relieve symptoms
- Decongestants to dry up a runny or stuffy nose
- Antihistamines to treat allergy symptoms
- Nasal sprays to relieve stuffiness
- Don't use over-the-counter nasal sprays more than 3 days on and 3 days off, unless directed to do so by your doctor because excess use can worsen congestion
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References
Image Source: iStock Images
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/symptoms/stuffy-or-runny-nose-adult
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/symptoms/stuffy-or-runny-nose-adult