Everything You Need to Know About Nasal Congestion
Quick answer: Nasal congestion is most often caused by a cold, flu, allergies, or sinus infection. Persistent congestion (more than 10–14 days), one-sided congestion, or congestion that doesn't respond to standard treatment (AAO-HNS adult sinusitis guideline) may indicate a deviated septum, nasal polyps, enlarged turbinates, or chronic sinusitis. Start with saline rinses, intranasal corticosteroid sprays, and short-course decongestants (max 3 days), per the AAO-HNS allergic rhinitis guideline. If congestion persists, an ENT can perform nasal endoscopy and CT imaging (both available in-office at Capital ENT) to identify the cause.
Nasal congestion, or a stuffy nose, can be a symptom of several conditions: for instance, a cold or flu, a sinus infection, an allergy, or exposure to environmental or chemical irritants. Nasal congestion can also be a sign of a more serious condition.
Most of us take comfortably breathing through our nose for granted; that is until we can't. No one enjoys a stuffy nose and what's more, a stuffy nose is only a symptom of what's really occurring. Here is everything you need to know about nasal congestion.
Nasal Congestion: Causes
A stuffy nose happens when the lining of the nose and the turbinates swell, usually from a viral infection, allergies, or sinus inflammation, or when a structural problem such as a deviated septum narrows the passage. Dry air can add irritation, but dryness itself is rarely the cause. The most common conditions that cause stuffiness or nasal congestion are common, minor illnesses as mentioned above. Below are a few of the more serious conditions that cause nasal congestion.
- Deviated Septum: The septum is the wall separating the nasal passages. When it is displaced to one side or the other it is defined as a deviated septum. In such cases one nasal passage is smaller than the other, which causes breathing to become more difficult as airflow is restricted, causing nasal congestion.
- Nasal Polyps: Non-cancerous growths on the inside of the nose, more specifically, that line nasal passages. The polyps can also attach to sinuses. Chronic inflammation causes the polyps to occur.
- Non-Allergy Rhinitis: Nonallergic rhinitis causes congestion, runny nose, and drainage without an allergic trigger. It looks much like hay fever, which is why a doctor's diagnosis is recommended; it is diagnosed after allergy testing is negative and is more common in adults (2020 rhinitis practice parameter).
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): A virus that can spread through the air or by direct contact and can be serious in infants, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. It is a common condition that occurs both in children and adults. The symptoms usually are very mild, but RSV affects lungs and the respiratory tract, causing infections.
- Influenza: AKA the flu, attacks the respiratory system, causing congestion as it affects the nose. It also attacks the throat and lungs. It is different from the stomach flu, which causes diarrhea and vomiting, but it can be deadly, though in most cases it dissipates on its own. Children younger than five and adults over 65 may experience a higher risk for complications related to flu. Persons who have compromised or weak immune systems are also at a greater risk for complications. Influenza presents at first like the common cold, but is differentiated by aches, chills, and fever.
Nasal Congestion Treatment
Uncomfortable nasal congestion can be treated with home remedies that keep the nasal passages moist. Using a humidifier can help, as can other remedies that increase moisture for dry nostrils, including a hot shower, over the counter nasal saline spray or a neti pot, drinking fluids for hydration and breathing in steam from a teapot or from a towel that is moistened with warm water. For congestion from allergies or ongoing inflammation, a daily steroid nasal spray is the most effective over-the-counter option. Your doctor may also recommend antihistamines or cold medications.
If symptoms of nasal congestion persist then sufferers should seek a doctor's diagnosis. Only a doctor can determine if the symptoms are caused by a more serious condition. The ear, nose and throat specialists at Capital ENT & Sinus Center have extensive experience in the medical evaluation and treatment of all forms of nasal and sinus disorders, including cutting-edge, minimally invasive surgical procedures when surgery is necessary. Our board-certified ENT physicians provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment of nasal and sinus disorders.
To request an appointment at Capital ENT & Sinus Center, call (512) 339-4040 Austin or (512) 682-4798 in Lakeway, or you can request one online.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace an in-person evaluation. Every patient is unique. Schedule a consultation to discuss your specific symptoms and treatment options.
Struggling with Chronic Nasal Congestion?
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