What causes nasal congestion
Congestion in the nasal
Nasal congestion or sinus infection can cause a stuffy nose. You may also experience the common flu. Find below what causes nasal congestion.
The most common causes of nasal congestion are:
- a stuffy, runny nose
- sinus pain
- mucus buildup
- swollen nasal tissue
Home made remedies are a good solution to relieve nasal congestion, caused by the common flu. If you have persistent congestion, medical attention may be necessary. Otherwise, you can buy a lot of natural remedies online, or simply you can ask your grandma for a home made recipe.
What are the causes for nasal congestion
Congestion happens when your nose gets clogged up and inflamed. Most common causes of congestion are minor illnesses. Stuffy noses can be caused by a cold, the flu or sinus infections. Most illness-related congestion improves in one week. It’s usually a sign of a more serious health problem if it lasts for longer than a week. There are several possible causes for persistent nasal congestion.
- Allergies
- Hay fever
- Non-cancerous growths are called nose polyps or benign tumors in nasal passages
- Chemical exposures
- Environmental irritants
- A long-lasting sinus infection is known as chronic Sinitis
- A deviated Septum
Nasal congestion can also occur during pregnancy. This is usually at the end of the 1st trimester. This can be caused by hormonal fluctuations or increased blood supply during pregnancy. These changes can cause the nasal membranes to become inflamed or dry and bleed.
Home remedies for nasal congestion
You can relieve nasal congestion with home made remedies. Humidifiers which add moisture to the air can help to break down mucus and soothe inflamed nose passageways. If you have asthma ask your doctor before using any humidifier. You can use pillows to support your head and encourage mucus flow from your nasal passages. All ages can use saline sprays, but babies will need an aspirator or nasal bulb, this way you can remove any mucus remaining in the baby’s nasal cavity.
When should you see a doctor?
Sometimes, home remedies won’t be enough to relieve congestion. If your condition is severe or interfering with your daily activities, you may need medical treatment. If you have any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.
- Congestion lasting more than 10 days
- Congestion accompanied by a high fever that lasts more than three days
- Green nasal discharge with sinus pains and fever
- A weak immune system, asthma or emphysema.
If you have a recent head injury or are experiencing constant clear nasal discharge, it is important to see your doctor immediately.
Children and infants
Infants can experience more severe symptoms from nasal congestion than adults and older children. These symptoms can cause problems with infant feedings, and even hard breathing problems. It can also affect normal speech and hearing development. If your infant is suffering from nasal congestion, you should immediately contact your pediatrician. The doctor will then be able to work with you to determine the best treatment that is good for your baby.
Treatment for congestion
Once your doctor has diagnosed the root cause of chronic nose congestion, they will recommend a treatment plan. Many treatment plans include prescription or over-the-counter medication to relieve or resolve symptoms. You can treat the nasal congestion with the following medications:
- Oral antihistamines are used to treat allergies such as loratadine(Claritin), and cetirizine [Zyrtec].
- Nasal sprays that contain antihistamines such as or azelastine (Astelin and Astepro)
- Nasal steroids such as mometasone(Asmanex Twisthaler), or fluticasone, (Flovent Diskus and Flovent HFA).
- Antibiotics
- over-the-counter or prescription-strength decongestants
Your doctor may recommend surgery to treat any nasal polyps, tumors, or other obstructions that prevent mucus drainage.
Outlook
Usually it is the common flu or a sinus infection that causes the nasal congestion and rarely when it is a big health problem. With proper treatment, symptoms usually resolve fast. Talk to your doctor if you have persistent congestion.
Nasal Congestion During Pregnancy
Pregnancy rhinitis refers to a congestion or stuffy nose that develops during pregnancy. It lasts at least six weeks and is not linked to any infection or allergies. It usually gets worse as the pregnancy progresses and disappears within two weeks. Sometimes, pregnancy rhinitis can be confused with the flu, allergy rhinitis or sinusitis or COVID-19. However, these conditions often cause other symptoms such as fever, itchy eyes, and itchy nose. You can use a humidifier or exercise regularly to treat your symptoms.
What is pregnancy rhinitis and how can it be treated?
Pregnancy rhinitis refers to a congestion or stuffy nose that occurs during pregnancy. It lasts at least six weeks and isn’t caused by allergies or infection. It may feel like a common cold-like symptoms, but pregnancy congestion is not caused by an infection or allergies.
Is Nasal Congestion Common During Pregnancy?
It is a common condition in pregnancy, with around 30% of women experiencing it. Although it can happen at any time, most cases occur between the third to seventh months of pregnancy. It often gets worse as you get closer to your due date.
Are you experiencing pregnancy rhinitis?
You may have pregnancy rhinitis if you only experience congestion and a runny nose. You may also experience other symptoms, such as:
- Allergic rhinoitis. You will almost always experience sneezing, itching, and/or swelling in your eyes, nose, and throat if allergies are the reason for your stuffy nose. Preexisting allergies can change during pregnancy, so be aware that they may get worse or better. It is possible to develop allergies during pregnancy for the first-time.
- Flu or cold. It’s more likely that you have a flu or pregnancy rhinitis.
- Sinusitis. Bacterial and viral infections can cause stuffy noses, which can lead to sinusitis. a sinus infection. Sinusitis can cause other symptoms than stuffiness, such as fever, headache and green or yellow mucus.
- COVID-19. You’re more likely than others to get pregnant congestion from COVID-19. You may also experience fatigue, a cough, and fever. However, research shows that pregnant women are less likely to develop COVID-19 symptoms even though they are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 complications. Bottom line: Even though it is unlikely that you might have COVID-19 symptoms if your congestion is mild, it can still be a problem. If you are concerned, you should get tested.
You won’t always know what is causing your congestion in pregnancy. It’s also possible there could be more than one reason. You could also have allergies or pregnancy rhinitis.
Pregnancy rhinitis – Treatment options for a stuffy nasal
Anxiety, headaches, and trouble concentrating during pregnancy can all be caused by nasal congestion. There are natural remedies for pregnancy rhinitis. These include exercise and elevating your head while you sleep at night. Pregnancy congestion is a common symptom of pregnancy. Sometimes, however, you need to pay more attention. If pregnancy rhinitis is a persistent problem in your sleep, particularly if your partner or you notice that you are snoring, talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help you develop a plan to treat your condition.
Preeclampsia, high blood pressure and intrauterine growth restriction have all been linked to sleep apnea. They may prescribe medication for severe cases of congestion. Why is pregnancy linked to congestion? Although no one can be certain, hormonal changes in pregnancy can cause the lining to the nasal passages of your nose to swell and produce more mucus. The increased blood flow during pregnancy can cause nasal congestion. The risk of developing rhinitis in pregnancy is increased by exposure to dust mites and cigarette smoke. Good news! Nasal congestion in pregnancy does not affect your baby. It should go away within two weeks.
