A “stuffy nose” or Nasal congestion occurs when the nose and surrounding tissues and blood vessels become inflamed with excess fluid, causing a “stuffy” sensation. A stuffy nose may or may not include a runny nose or nasal discharge.
Stuffy noses are often annoying for older children and adults. However, a stuffy nose can be severe for children who have difficulty sleeping due to a stuffy nose. As a result, babies might have trouble feeding.
It is so annoying to handle the babies in such a situation, and you may wonder What causes a stuffy nose? =How can you treat it? Well, this article can be helpful to you.
Symptoms:
The characteristics of a stuffy nose are as follows.
- Stuffy nose and runny nose
- Sinus pain
- Mucus accumulation
- Swollen nasal tissue
Home remedies are sufficient to relieve a stuffy nose, especially if the cause is a cold. However, treatment may be required in the event of long-term congestion. You can consult an ENT specialist in Karachi if you are suffering from long-term congestion.
What causes a stuffy nose:
Congestion is a stuffy nose or inflammation. Mild illness is the most common cause of a stuffy nose. For example, flu, colds, and sinus infections can cause a stuffy nose.
Disease-related congestion usually improves within a week. If it continues for above a week, it is often a symptom of the underlying health problem. Here’s a cause of a long-term stuffy nose:
- Allergy
- Hay fever
- Non-cancerous growth is called nasal polyps or benign tumors of the nasal passages.
- Exposure to chemicals
- Environmental irritants
- Chronic sinus infection is known as chronic sinusitis
- Abnormal septum
A stuffy nose can also occur during pregnancy, usually at the end of early pregnancy. Hormonal imbalance increased blood supply that occurs during pregnancy can cause stuffy nose.
These changes affect the nasal membrane and can cause irritation, dryness, and bleeding.
Preventive Measure:
- Humidifiers that increase the moisture in the air help dissolve mucus and soothe inflamed nasal passages. However, if you have asthma, consult your doctor before using the humidifier.
- Supporting your head with a pillow can also cause mucus to drain from your nasal passages.
- Nasal services like saline nasal sprays are harmless for all ages, but you will need to use an aspirator or nasal bulb later for babies. An aspirator is used to eliminate any excess mucus from the baby’s nose.
Treatment:
Treatment may be needed, especially if your condition is painful and interferes with your daily activities.
Book your appointment with an ENT specialist in Karachi immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Accumulation lasting ten days or more
- Congestion with high fever lasting more than three days
- Green runny nose with sinus pain and fever
- Immune weakness, asthma, or emphysema
Also, if you have recently had a head injury and have a nosebleed or a stable flow of clear secretions, you should see a doctor immediately.
Once your doctor has known the cause of your chronic stuffy nose, they may suggest a treatment plan.
It often includes over-the-counter or prescription medications to relieve or relieve symptoms.
The drugs used to treat stuffy nose are:
- Oral antihistamines for allergies such as loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec)
- Nasal drops containing antihistamines such as azelastine
- Nasal steroids such as mometasone or fluticasone
- Antibiotics
- Over-the-counter or prescription congestion remover
If you have polyps or nasal tumors in your nasal or sinuses that prevent mucus drainage, there may be a need for surgery to remove them.
Baby and child
A Stuffy nose can be more dangerous in babies than in older children and adults. Symptoms interfere with the baby’s nutrition and can even lead to fatal breathing problems. It can also interfere with everyday speech and hearing development.
Who to Consult?
A stuffy nose rarely causes significant health problems and is usually caused by a common cold or sinus infection. Symptoms typically improve as soon as appropriate treatment is given.
If you experience chronic congestion, consult a doctor to investigate the underlying problem.
You can consult with an ENT specialist in Karachi through Marham.
FAQs:
Can COVID-19 cause a stuffy nose?
Yes, COVID-19 can cause a stuffy nose.
How to treat a stuffy nose quickly?
Whether from a hot shower or spicy tea, steam helps thin the mucus and drain it through the nose.
Does blowing my nose cause a stuffy nose?
Blowing your nose can fill your nose and make you feel more irritated when you are sick.
Does water help with a stuffy nose?
During sinus congestion, the mucous membranes can become inflamed. However, maintaining hydration helps the membrane to function correctly. Taking a lot of water and other fluids can help relieve the symptoms of a stuffy nose.
