Nasal congestion – causes, symptoms and home remedies

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An obstruction in the nose is when air is blocked from passing through one or both nostrils. This ailment can have many causes, such as: allergy, nasal polyps, developmental defects, cancer or the presence of a foreign body in the nose (especially in children). Treatment of nasal obstruction is based on the use of aerosol preparations, which not only reduce swelling, but also constrict the blood vessels of the mucosa.

What is nasal obstruction?

A stuffy nose is a condition characterized by a problem with the flow of air through one or both nostrils. There are many reasons for a blocked nose and sinuses, such as cancer, allergy or infection. Nasal obstruction makes it difficult not only to air flow, but also to remove residual secretions from the nose and sinuses. Cleansing the nose is very uncomfortable, especially in the case of upper respiratory tract infections, e.g. in the course of inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. A blocked nose may be caused by a foreign body in a child. The initiation of treatment should be based on irrigation, i.e. rinsing the nose and sinuses.

Causes of nasal obstruction

The causes of this ailment can be various, but the most common of them is a viral infection. Then there is catarrh of the mucosa and its swelling, followed by a watery runny nose. In addition, the patient has problems with nasal breathing. The main viruses responsible for this are bacteria and rhinoviruses (Haemophilus influenzae i Streptococcus pneumoniae).

1. acute or chronic catarrh,
2. allergic diseases (allergies can also cause rhinitis, and allergens can be: food, cleaning products, animal hair, pollen),
3. Nasal polyps – these are growths that appear in the case of severe inflammatory lesions of the nasal mucosa and sinuses. The growth of the mucosa causes the destruction of the bone walls and the overgrowth of the connections between the sinuses and the nose),
4. nasal cavity cancer,
5. the use of contraceptive pills,
6. abuse of nasal sprays,
7. haemorrhage,
8. developmental defects,
9. curvature of the nasal septum,
10. foreign bodies in the nose,
11. the presence of a foreign body (especially in children).

If nasal obstruction is related to the disturbed structure of the mucous membranes and the skin around the nose, it is worth buying Octenisan md – nasal gel and regularly moisturizing the nasal vestibules with it.

Types of nasal obstruction

1. Normal nasal obstruction – consists of the nasal “stuffy” phase and the “unopened” phase. The blood vessels inside the nose are cyclically enlarged and contracted. The so-called The “nasal cycle” usually lasts from one to four hours. How the air flows in a normal nasal obstruction depends on many factors, e.g. the position of the patient. When we lie on our side, the higher nostril is more open and air flows through it more easily. Nasal obstruction (to the surprise of many) may appear as a result of strong emotions, and then the nerves in the nose are swollen.

2. Atypical nasal obstruction – it is a condition in which the patient is constantly accompanied by the feeling of “stuffy” nose. Patients should see a physician in order to find out the cause of this condition before taking any steps. It happens that even an operation to straighten the nasal septum does not eliminate the problem (then the real cause must be found).

Nasal obstruction and sinus disease

In addition to all of the above-mentioned symptoms, it is worth mentioning that nasal obstruction may be closely related to sinus infections. One of the symptoms of patients with sick sinuses is obstruction. The symptoms of sinusitis depend on where the inflammation is located. If your paranasal sinuses are inflamed, symptoms such as:

1. headache when bending down
2. sinus pain,
3. spreading around the nose radiating to the eyes and forehead,
4. trouble cleansing the secretions remaining in the sinuses,
5. the production of pus-like discharge (sometimes even with blood).

Symptoms of nasal obstruction

The symptoms of nasal obstruction are very diverse and depend on the cause of the ailments.

Infectious rhinitis manifests itself:

1. watery discharge,
2. mucous discharge,
3. purulent discharge,
4. cough (due to the discharge of secretions),
5. sinusitis may appear (severe pain and sometimes fever).

To reduce nasal congestion, use the TM-10 BABY Electric Nasal and Ear Aspirator with a built-in rechargeable battery. You can buy it at a favorable price on Medonet Market.

Allergic rhinitis has symptoms similar to those of an infectious rhinitis, but also shows:

1. paroxysmal stuffy nose,
2. sneezing,
3. conjunctival hyperemia,
4. itchy nose
5. a drop in mood
6. problems with concentration,
7. sleep problems.

A foreign body in the nose causes the patient to leak purulent discharge from the affected nostril (in some cases, there is additional bleeding). In the case of nose cancer, pain, ulceration and enlargement of the lymph nodes may occur.

Relief of nasal obstruction

Although the viral infection clears up after a few days, it’s worth trying some ways to relieve nasal congestion. One way is by rinsing the nasal cavity and spraying it with a hypertonic sea water solution or an isotonic solution. In the pharmacy, you can find ready-made over-the-counter drugs that thin the residual secretion, moisturize the mucosa and reduce swelling.

It is also recommended to perform herbal inhalations at home. For this purpose, thyme, chamomile, sage and linden are used. Inhalations are an excellent way to clear a blocked nose and have anti-inflammatory and disinfecting properties.

In the course of an infection, you can also try to alleviate inflammation with ibuprofen and salicylic acid (these types of tablets are available at the pharmacy without a prescription).

For nasal obstruction in young children, special patches containing essential oils or oils, which are added to the water during the bath, will be the best.

If you have frequent sinus problems, you can try an inhaler, which is recommended for treating infections of the upper respiratory tract. You will find a wide offer on Medonet Market.

Inflammation of the mucosa and air humidification

Adequate air humidification is especially important in obstruction caused by inflammation of the mucosa. It is known that dry air extends the treatment time by irritating the mucous membranes. It is worth ensuring that the rooms in which we are staying are ventilated or equipped with a special air humidifier. If the purchase of such a device is impossible, you can hang a container of water on the radiator. Essential oils, such as clove, fir, eucalyptus, mint and orange, are also useful. They have excellent antibacterial properties and reduce nasal swelling. They can be added to the air humidifier as well as sprinkled on a pillow before going to bed.

Important! Allergy sufferers should avoid allergens.

Corrective surgery of the curvature of the septum

The curvature of the nasal septum is very often an indication for surgery, which is divided depending on the disease:

1. septoplasty (nasal septum surgery) – repairing the curvature of the nose after the mucosa has been separated. Crooked fragments are sewn into the septum of the nose again and held in place with special lice;
2. correction of middle nasal turbinates – the procedure is performed using the microscopic and endoscopic method under anesthesia. Usually, the lower turbinates are overgrown, which results in nasal obstruction. Usually, the posterior parts of the auricle are surgically removed, while the remaining parts of the auricle can be contracted by submucosal coagulation during ablation or radioablation (these methods do not damage the mucosa surface).

Attention! The crooked nasal septum cannot be cured with any medications or drops. In each case, it is necessary to consult a doctor and then an appropriate surgical procedure.