Nasal congestion

Nasal congestion
Classification and external resources
ICD-9	478.19

Nasal congestion is the blockage of the nasal passages usually due to membranes lining the nose becoming swollen from inflamed blood vessels It is also known as nasal blockage, nasal obstruction, blocked nose, stuffy nose, or stuffed up nose.

Nasal congestion has many causes and can range from a mild annoyance to a life-threatening condition. The newborn infant can only breathe through the nose (newborns are "obligate nose breathers"). Nasal congestion in an infant in the first few months of life can interfere with breastfeeding and cause life-threatening respiratory distress. Nasal congestion in older children and adolescents is often just an annoyance but can cause other difficulties.

Nasal congestion can interfere with the ears, hearing, and speech development. Significant congestion may interfere with sleep, cause snoring, and can be associated with sleep apnea. In children, nasal congestion from enlarged adenoids has caused chronic sleep apnea with insufficient oxygen levels and hypoxia, as well as right-sided heart failure. The problem usually resolves after surgery to remove the adenoids and tonsils.

Nasal congestion can also cause mild facial and head pain, and a degree of discomfort.

Causes

• Allergic reaction
• Common cold or influenza
• Deviated septum
• Hay fever, allergic reaction to pollen or grass
• Reaction to medication (e.g. Flomax)
• Sinusitis or sinus infection
• If the body is in a position where a lot of blood enters the head (e.g. upside down), the blood vessels in the nasal passage may inflame.
• Many women suffer from nasal congestion during pregnancy due to the increased amount of blood flowing through the body.

Gastric reflux

It has recently been proposed that gastroesophageal reflux disease may be a contributing factor for sinusitis. Studies have shown a significant correlation between individuals suffering from chronic sinusitis and those suffering from acid reflux. Evidence has been found that acid reflux can be severe enough in some cases to reach the nasal or nasopharyngeal area, causing irritation. Additionally, it has been shown that gastroesophageal reflux disease therapy was effective in the treatment of chronic sinusitis. Proton pump inhibitor type medications were shown to improve at least some sinusitis symptoms for most people, and dramatically so in some.

Treatment

Drinking plenty of fluids, more than usual, aids the body in expelling the irritant and clearing congestion. Water, fruit juice, and teas are recommended by medical experts to resolve congestion, and rest and sleep are also suggested remedies in a case of nasal congestion. Avoid dairy products namely milk as it makes congestion problem worse. Sitting upright and not lying down will relieve some nasal congestion. Avoid substances causing dehydration, for example caffeine. Increasing air moisture with a humidifier or a steamy bath or shower usually helps relieve the congestion and accompanying discomfort.

Both influenza and the common cold are self limiting conditions that improve with time; however, drugs such as acetaminophen (paracetamol) and ibuprofen may help with the discomfort.

A cause of nasal congestion may also be due to an allergic reaction caused by hay fever, so avoiding allergens is a common remedy if this becomes a confirmed diagnosis. Antihistamines and decongestants can provide significant symptom relief although they do not cure hay fever. Antihistamines may be given continuously during pollen season for optimum control of symptoms.

Topical decongestants should only be used by patients for a maximum of 3 days in a row, because rebound congestion may occur in the form of rhinitis medicamentosa.

If an infant is unable to breathe because of a plugged nose, a nasal aspirator may be useful to remove the mucus. The mucus might be thick and sticky, making it difficult to expel from the nostril. It can be loosened by putting several drops of saline solution, into each nostril.

Alternative medicine

The ancient use of nasal irrigation, which originated from the Yoga practice of jala neti, is also said to help reduce nasal congestion. It involves rinsing the nasal cavity regularly with salty water 20 times in one day. This remedy may cause further irritation..

External links

ar:احتقان الأنف zh:鼻塞