Nasal Congestion - Meaning, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Nasal congestion, or a stuffy nose, is the uncomfortable feeling of having a nose filled up due to the flu or the common cold. Even the simple act of breathing might be challenging when the nasal passage is all blocked up. Feeling worn out and generally depressed can be one of the symptoms of nasal congestion. Some other signs and symptoms of nasal congestion may include the following:-

1. A stuffy or runny nose
2. Pain in the sinus
3. Building up of mucus
4. The nasal tissues may be swollen
5. Sneezing
6. Headache
7. Cough 

Nasal congestion may be due to allergic rhinitis and non-allergic rhinitis.

1. The cause of allergic rhinitis are:-
2. Dust mites: Dust mites may be present in clean environments, furniture and carpets and can initiate allergic reactions in the nose.
3. Pollen: When the trees and the plants bloom in the summer, they produce pollen. Inhalation of this pollen may cause allergic reactions. 
4. Moulds: Allergens (substances that can trigger an allergic reaction), irritants, and occasionally poisonous substances are all produced by moulds. When inhaled or touched, mould spores can trigger allergic reactions such as sneezing, runny noses, red eyes, and skin rashes.

The causes of non-allergic rhinitis are:-

1. Hormonal: Hormonal changes in the body, especially during puberty and pregnancy, may cause nasal congestion.
2. Medicines: If the person is taking medication for controlling high blood pressure and pain, there are chances of nasal blockage. 
3. Infections: Infections like the common cold and sinus can also cause nasal blockage.
4. Environmental: Non-allergic rhinitis can be triggered due to secondhand smoke, smog, dust, or strong odours. 
5. Enlarged adenoids: Enlarged adenoids may also result in non-allergic rhinitis.

The good news is that there are several easy things you can do at home to feel better quickly, without even going to the pharmacy, no matter what the reason of your congestion may be. The most effective way to maintain a clear nasal passage is by keeping it moist. The patients are advised the following methods to keep it moist.

1. Using a humidifier vaporiserzer is very useful. 
2. Breathe in steam from the pot of warm water
3. Drinking adequate fluids may also help keep the nasal passage moist. It will make the mucous layer thin, and hence, this could prevent nasal blockage.
4. Placing a warm towel over the face may also help relieve the discomfort from nasal congestion.
5. Avoid going into the chlorinated swimming pools as this may irritate the mucous membrane of the nose. 
6. Nasal saline spray is also beneficial in maintaining the moisture of the nasal passage.

Can sinus discomfort and congestion be avoided? Though it is not possible to completely avoid diseases and allergens, but the chances of nasal congestion can be reduced by practising the following things:-

1. People should wash their hands at regular intervals
2. Washing bed sheets at regular intervals with hot water and detergent.
3. Avoid close contact with sick people.
4. Keeping windows and doors closed during the pollen season.

In most cases, the nasal congestion of the people goes away after one or two weeks of the onset. If a bacterial infection causes nasal congestion, it may last about 12 to 14 days. In this condition, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics to the patient. Although the congestion will be cleared within 5 to 7 days, it is important to complete the entire course of the antibiotic. In case of congestion caused by the deviation septum, the doctor may recommend corrective surgery. If the allergen causes nasal congestion, it remains till the person is in contact with the allergen. 

Generally, the nasal congestion clears within a few days on its own. However, if the congestion does not go away within a few days, the patient should book an appointment with the doctor. The patients should also call the doctor if:

1. nasal congestion lasts for more than ten days 
2. the patient has a fever along with the nasal congestion
3. the nasal congestion is in newborn babies, and this prevents them from taking a bottle and nursing
4. the mucous from the nose is green, yellow, or has blood in it

Patients with nasal congestion experience a blocked or stuffy nose. It may be due to allergic or non-allergic rhinitis. In most cases, nasal congestion is cured within a few days by practising home remedies. However, nasal congestion, which is not cured through home remedies, requires a doctor's consultation. 

Contact HexaHealth, if your nasal congestion symptoms are prolonged and bothering you, hampering your quality of life. HexaHealth is an excellent patient-first platform that connects patients with nasal congestion to the right doctors and hospitals to diagnose the causes further and receive appropriate treatment.