Do you have nasal congestion that requires medical attention? Our face is the residence of our sinuses. Sinuses are present in our forehead, in between our eyes, and within the cheekbones. If the sinuses get blocked, they can cause you nasal congestion.
Imagine welcoming a visitor with teary eyes and a stuffy nose. Not an ideal situation, right? But, nasal congestion is a “routine” problem. A cold day in the city may leave you with “cold”, and a stuffy and blocked nose.
How Nasal Congestion Occurs?
You may have stayed up at night due to nasal blockage. Or, probably have faced breathing difficulties with a “stuffy” or “running” nose. Ever wondered why and how this blockage occurs? Here is the answer.
Like other facial features, the nose too has blood vessels surrounding it. Inflammation in the nasal tissues causes the blood vessels to swell with excess fluid; this is when “nasal congestion” occurs. Our sinuses drain into the nose through nasal passages, and blocked nose may cause the sinuses to back up. In such a case, you may suffer from congestion and mucus buildup in the nose or throat.
Symptoms Suggesting Nasal Blockage
Nasal congestion is easy to identify. A stuffed nose is the most common symptom; a nasal discharge may not occur in every case. A weak immune system makes you vulnerable to seasonal allergies and the common cold often leading to nasal congestion.
During nasal congestion, you may experience excess fluid or mucous build up in the nose, sinus pain, and headache. Your nasal tissues swell due to inflammation in the nasal passage.
Common Causes of a Stuffy Nose
Congestion means a stuffed up and inflamed nose. So, anything irritating the nasal tissues can cause nasal blockage. A sinus infection –cold, influenza, or sinusitis –swollen nasal tissues, or allergies; all can cause congestion in the nose.
Smoke emitting vehicles and tobacco smoke, along with other environmental irritants, may also cause in an inflammatory nose. Using nasal decongestants more than often can also cause a stuffed up nose.
Nasal congestions usually last for a week and can be treated with home remedies. But, the blocked nose may cause serious trouble for children, especially infants who are on mother feed. Pregnant women are prone to nasal congestions as a result of hormonal fluctuations.
Clear the Blockage
Nasal congestion annoys. A “stuffed nose” on running may result in bizarre days and sleepless nights. Don’t take nasal congestion lightly; it needs your attention.
You can handle acute nasal congestions by following some simple guidelines.
- Sniffing and blowing your nose all day is not something you would want, but it helps.
- Avoid the allergens attacking your immune system.
- Stuffed runny nose coupled with –aachoo (excuse me!) –sneezing and watery eyes indicate that you have developed an allergy. Use over-the-counter antihistamines, including nasal saline sprays and drops (after consulting with the ENT specialist).
- Decongestants help to shrink the swollen nasal tissues caused by allergies. But, a decongestant does not offer much help with sneezing and itching. Using decongestant spray more than three days may affect adversely; blocking your nose when stopped using.
With home remedies, you can relieve the symptoms of nasal blockage. However, for chronic nasal congestions, seek medical help.
Bottom Line
Acute or chronic nasal congestion both need treatment. If you are suffering from nasal congestion with heavy mucus buildup, or sinus pain, you need help. Contact us today and book an appointment with the best Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist in NYC.
