What are the Causes of Nasal Congestion? How is the Congested Nose Treatment?

Post Date: 6/8/2023

Nasal congestion, also known as a stuffy or blocked nose, is a common condition that many people experience at some point in their lives. It refers to the inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages, which can cause discomfort and difficulty in breathing.

The nose is the starting point of your respiratory system and is where the air you breathe in is moistened, warmed, and dust-free before it reaches your lungs. Performing these actions properly is highly decisive on your quality of life.

Nasal congestion can occur due to various reasons, ranging from common colds and allergies to structural abnormalities in the nasal cavity. If you are also experiencing this discomfort, you can overcome this problem by taking advantage of Prof. Dr. Selçuk Inanlı's experience and competence.

Symptoms of Nasal Congestion

Nasal congestion symptoms can vary from person to person, but some common signs include:

• The feeling of obstruction in the nasal passages makes it difficult to breathe through the nose.
• Excessive production of mucus from the nose, which may be thin or thick.
• Frequent sneezing is often accompanied by an itchy or irritated nose.
• A feeling of heaviness or discomfort in the sinus areas around the nose, cheeks, and forehead.
• Pain or pressure in the head is often concentrated around the forehead and eyes.
• Struggling to breathe normally due to the blocked nasal passages.

How is Nasal Congestion Diagnosed?

If you experience persistent or severe nasal congestion, it is advisable to consult an experienced surgeon for an accurate diagnosis. The doctor evaluates your symptoms and medical history and may perform a physical examination of your nasal passages. In some cases, additional tests such as imaging studies or allergy tests may be recommended to identify the underlying cause of your issue.

In some cases, a nasal endoscopy may be performed to get a more detailed view of the nasal passages. This involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera (endoscope) into your nostrils to examine the nasal cavity and structures.

If allergies are suspected as the cause of nose stuffiness, allergy testing may be recommended. This can include skin prick tests or blood tests to identify specific allergens triggering your symptoms.

Besides that, in certain situations, imaging studies such as CT scans or MRIs may be ordered to evaluate the sinuses and nasal structures in more detail. These imaging techniques can help identify structural abnormalities or sinus infections that may contribute to this problem.

Causes of Nasal Congestion

There are several factors that can contribute to nasal congestion. Understanding the underlying cause is crucial in determining the most appropriate treatment approach. Some common causes are mentioned in the following paragraphs.

One of the primary culprits is the common cold or flu. Viral infections can lead to inflammation of your nasal passages, resulting in a stuffy nose and other associated symptoms.

Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, is another prevalent cause of this disorder. It occurs when your immune system overreacts to certain allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold spores. They can trigger nasal inflammation and congestion, along with other allergy symptoms.

Sinusitis refers to the inflammation of the sinuses, which are air-filled cavities located in the facial bones around the nose and eyes. When your cavities become infected or blocked, it can lead to nose stuffiness, facial pain, and pressure.

A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall (nasal septum) between your nasal passages is displaced to one side, causing an imbalance in airflow. This structural abnormality can result in chronic nose stuffiness. On the other hand, nasal polyps are noncancerous growths that develop in the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. They can obstruct the nasal passages, leading to difficulty breathing.

Other than these, exposure to environmental irritants like smoke, pollution, strong odors, or chemical fumes can also irritate the nasal passages, triggering congestion and other respiratory symptoms.

Treatment for Nasal Congestion

The treatment options for nasal congestion depend on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Over-the-counter oral antihistamines, decongestants, and pain relievers can provide temporary relief from nose stuffiness. Nasal decongestant sprays can help alleviate congestion by shrinking the blood vessels in your nasal passages, allowing for easier breathing. However, you should not be used these for more than a few days to avoid “rebound congestion”.

Nasal irrigation is another way for treatment. This involves rinsing the passages with a saline solution to flush out mucus and allergens. This can help reduce nose stuffiness and promote rhinal health. Additionally, Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water or using a steam inhaler can provide temporary relief from this problem. The warm moisture helps soothe the nasal passages and loosen mucus.

On the other hand, using a humidifier or vaporizer adds moisture to the air, which can help alleviate this discomfort, especially in dry environments. It is important to keep these devices clean to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria. Lastly, various home remedies can offer relief, such as staying hydrated, using saline nasal sprays, applying warm compresses to the face, and elevating the head while sleeping.

Prof. Dr. Selçuk Inanlı, who has many years of expertise and practice in the field of Rhinoplasty, offers safe and high-quality treatment to his patients. Please contact us for more information on procedures.