Nasal congestion what is it

This decreases the inflammation of your blood vessels and helps empty fluids from your nose. Numerous saline sprays are available over the counter.

Some saline sprays also include decongestant medication. Talk to your doctor before you begin using saline sprays with decongestants. They may actually make your congestion worse if used for more than three days.

They can also cause side effects when used along with other medications. However, if you experience chronic, or long-term, congestion, especially if your condition is painful and interfering with your everyday activities, you should seek medical treatment:.

By Dr. Phung Ngoc Minh Tan. Nguyen Doan Quynh. Pham Thi Thuy Trang. By DR. Nguyen Dinh Phuong Thao. About us Clinics Careers Contact en en vi. Free Hotline Login Sign up. Male Female. Back Next Submit. Book an appointment. Some explanations for long-term nasal congestion may be: allergies, hay fever noncancerous growths, called nasal polyps, or benign tumors in the nasal passages chemical exposures environmental irritants long-lasting sinus infection, known as chronic sinusitis deviated septum Nasal congestion may also occur during pregnancy, usually during the end of the first trimester.

Hormonal fluctuations and increased blood supply that occur during pregnancy may cause this nasal congestion. It may also be caused by the common cold. However, if you experience long-term congestion, you may need medical treatment. Congestion is when your nose becomes stuffed up and inflamed. Minor illnesses are the most common causes of nasal congestion. For instance, a cold, the flu , and sinus infections can all cause stuffy noses. Illness-related congestion usually improves within one week.

Some explanations for long-term nasal congestion may be:. Nasal congestion may also occur during pregnancy, usually during the end of the first trimester. Hormonal fluctuations and increased blood supply that occur during pregnancy may cause this nasal congestion.

Humidifiers that add moisture to the air may help to break up mucus and soothe inflamed nasal passageways. However, if you have asthma , ask your doctor before using a humidifier. In this case, medical treatment may be needed, especially if your condition is painful and interfering with your everyday activities. Nasal congestion can be more threatening in infants than in older children and adults.

Symptoms can interfere with infant feedings and can even lead to fatal breathing problems. It may also prevent normal speech and hearing development. Your doctor can then work with you to find the best treatment options for your baby. After your doctor has determined the cause of chronic nasal congestion, they can recommend a treatment plan. Philadelphia, Pa. Peden D.

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