Nasal congestion is a condition in which tissues and blood vessels swell and cause stuffy or blocked nose.

It can be a marker of underlying health problems like a sinus infection, common cold, flu, allergies etc.

Nasal congestion may show signs like running nose, sinus pain, mucus accumulation and swelling in nasal tissues and membranes.

Common infections and allergies cause nasal congestion thereby leading to inflammation in the nasal membrane. These signs may last for a week or less and improve on its own.

If it lasts longer than a week, it may be a sign of long-term nasal congestion. It includes allergy, hay fever, nasal polyps, chemical exposure, environmental irritants, chronic sinus, and septum deviation. Hormonal changes and pregnancy are also associated with nasal congestion. Dryness or bleeding of a nasal membrane can also cause congestion.

Nasal congestion can be a serious condition in infants in comparison to older children and adults. It can affect their feeding and may also cause breathing, speech and hearing troubles.

Treatment:

Certain oral antihistamines or nasal sprays are given for chronic nasal congestions. Nasal polyps can be removed through minor surgeries. Children with nasal congestions are required to take pediatrician’s advice.

In older children and adults, this condition rarely causes serious issues. Home remedies such as using humidifiers, steaming, taking hot showers, drinking lots of fluid, saline nasal sprays, neti pot, using a warm towel on the face, etc. can reduce nasal inflammation.