Nasal Congestion

What is Nasal Congestion

Nasal congestion, more commonly known as a “stuffy nose”, is when the nasal tissues and blood vessels become swollen with excess fluid, causing a plugged feeling in the nose, and making it difficult to breathe.

Symptoms

Almost everyone has experienced the feeling of a stuffy nose at least once in their life. Other symptoms that can accompany nasal congestion include:

• Nosebleeds
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Snoring
• Reduced sense of smell or taste
• Watery eyes
• Sinus pain

Causes

There are a number of things that could cause nasal congestion.

Common causes of nasal congestion include:

• Allergies
• Cold or flu
• Exposure to chemicals or irritants
• Smoke
• Sinus infection
• Deviated septum

Treatment

Treatment for nasal congestion depends entirely on the cause. Most of the time, a stuffy nose will get better on its own, as whatever the cause is also gets better.

Some medications or nasal sprays can also be beneficial to help clearing a stuffy nose, but once again it depends on the cause.

When to See a Medical Doctor

If your symptoms last more than 10 days, see a doctor.

Also, nasal congestion is accompanied by a high fever, you’re experiencing sinus pain, or yellow or green discharge is coming out of your nose, speak to a doctor.