When membranes in the nasal passages become swollen and inflamed, the result is nasal congestion, or a stuffy nose. Not only is this annoying, but it can interfere with your ability to smell and taste, affect your hearing, and lead to serious conditions like sleep apnea. Getting a handle on your congestion quickly, can prevent misery down the road.
Causes and Symptoms
Many things can cause a stuffy nose: colds and allergies, influenza, nasal polyps or other obstructions such as a deviated septum, and even cold weather and pregnancy. Sometimes the reason for a chronically stuffed nose is unclear; non-allergic rhinitis is a condition in which a person suffers from congestion without any obvious triggering mechanism.
Regardless of the underlying cause, a stuffy nose can be treated effectively. In addition to nasal congestion that makes it difficult to breathe, you may experience some facial or sinus pressure.
Symptoms of congestion, associated with viral colds, should clear up in 7-10 days. If congestion persists longer, or is accompanied by any unusual swelling, blurred vision, throat pain, a chronic cough, or a yellowish-green discharge of mucus, see an ENT Specialist.
Treating Congestion
Your ENT Specialist will give you a thorough examination, focusing on your ears, nose, and throat, in order to figure out the cause of your stuffy nose. He or she will ask questions about your medical history and the length and frequency of your symptoms, and will want to know if you have tried anything to relieve your congestion previously. Diagnostic tests may be ordered including allergy skin testing, blood tests, a throat culture, nasal endoscopy and CT scan; which can all help shed light on your problem.
Nasal decongestants, nasal steroids, or nasal antihistamines are commonly prescribed to help relieve stuffiness. Nasal saline rinse or saline sprays are also beneficial. Outpatient or in-office surgical procedures may also improve your stuffiness by fixing a deviated septum or shrinking tissues in the nose to help you breathe better.
If you suffer from stuffy nose or have symptoms of nasal congestion, please contact our office and schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified ENT specialists.
