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Nasal congestion occurs when blood vessels and mucous membranes in the sinuses and nasal passageways swell. While mild congestion often clears on its own, a range of treatments and home remedies can help. Anyone of any age can develop nasal congestion, or a stuffy nose, but it may occur more frequently in some people. For example, sinusitis, a condition that frequently causes it, tends to occur in children under 15< years of age and adults aged 25–64, particularly adult females. Below, learn more about the issues that cause congestion and how to find relief.
Causes of nasal congestion
A medical term for inflammation of the sinuses and nasal cavities is “rhinosinusitis,” and many issues that cause congestion bear this name. They include:
- Infectious rhinosinusitis: Common cold viruses or upper respiratory infections cause infectious rhinosinusitis.
- Allergic rhinosinusitis: This inflammation is triggered by an allergen or environmental irritant.
- Seasonal allergic rhinosinusitis: A doctor diagnoses this, also called a seasonal allergy, when the inflammation is a response to pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds that are most abundant in the spring and fall.
- Perennial allergic rhinosinusitis: This involves allergens present all year, such as mold, animal dander, dust mites, and cockroach debris.
- Nonallergic rhinosinusitis: This inflammation stems from airborne irritants, such as smoke, chemicals, and pollution.
People with reduced immune function, possibly from HIV, diabetes, or receiving chemotherapy, may be especially susceptible to congestion that results from infection. In other cases, nasal congestion is not a response to a pathogen, irritant, or allergen. The cause may instead involve:
- Body positioning: Lying down makes it harder for the body to clear mucus, so people with reduced mobility may be more prone to congestion.
- Structural issues within the sinuses: These might include polyps, septal deviation, narrowing of the passageways, tumors, or an extra pocket.
- Health conditions that reduce mucous transport: Some examples include cystic fibrosis and a gallbladder disorder called biliary dyskinesia.
People with septal deviation may experience especially bad congestion. The septum is the thin wall separating the left and right nasal airways. A deviation means that the wall is slanted to one side, which can make breathing through one nostril difficult, even without an allergy or a cold to cause congestion.
Nasal congestion in children
When a parent or caregiver suspects that a child, and particularly a baby, has a stuffy nose, it may help to look out for the following signs:
- • trouble feeding or reduced appetite
- • increased fussiness or agitation
- • trouble breathing or choking on mucus
- • interrupted sleep or trouble falling asleep
Is it normal during pregnancy?
Pregnancy-related nasal inflammation is fairly common, and the medical name for it is pregnancy rhinitis. It may stem from obesity, excessive weight gain during pregnancy, rising hormone levels, or a combination.
One 2016 study monitored 100 pregnant women and found that 39% of them experienced this rhinitis at some point. The issue tends to resolve within 3 weeks of delivery.
Nasal congestion can exacerbate symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea during pregnancy. A different 2016 study found that obstructive sleep apnea is associated with hypertension, the potentially serious complication preeclampsia, and fetal growth complications.
Overall, it is a good idea for anyone with persistent nasal congestion during pregnancy to raise the issue with a doctor.
Is it a symptom of COVID-19?
According to a recent World Health Organization (WHO) analysis, only 5% of people with novel coronavirus infections experience a stuffy nose as a result. More commonly reported symptoms include:
- • a fever
- • a dry cough
- • unexplained exhaustion
- • coughing up thick mucus from the lungs
Nasal congestion treatment
The best way to clear congestion depends largely on its cause. Some options include:
- • oral or topical antibiotics, if the cause is a bacterial infection
- • corticosteroid nasal sprays
- • mucus-thinning medications
- • immunotherapy
- • corrective surgery
Nasal congestion home remedies
To clear congestion at home, a person might try:
- • staying hydrated
- • taking a warm shower
- • inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water, with a towel over the head to trap in the steam
- • keeping the head elevated while sleeping
- • taking over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines or decongestants
- • trying nasal rinses
- • taking OTC pain relief medications, if there is sinus pressure or pain
- • applying a cold compress to painful areas of the face
- • taking prophylactic probiotics or consuming probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt or kimchi
- • taking supplements that boost immunity, such as zinc sulfate, echinacea, vitamin C, or geranium extract
It is important to note that experts warn against overusing nasal sprays and decongestants, as doing so can cause congestion.
How long does it last?
Most people with a common cold or the flu feel better after a week or two. If nasal congestion results from a bacterial infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics for 10–14 days, but the congestion may clear within 7 days. Still, it is important to take the full course of antibiotics.
If an allergy is the culprit, the congestion may last as long as the person is exposed to the allergen. If a deviated septum regularly exacerbates or causes congestion, the doctor may recommend corrective surgery.
When to see a doctor
If nasal congestion lasts longer than 10–14 days or gets worse after 7–10 days, it may stem from a sinus infection. In this case, consult a doctor. It is also a good idea to receive professional care if congestion does not ease with home remedies or is accompanied by:
- • a high fever
- • thick, discolored mucus or discharge
- • trouble breathing
Prevention
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America note that doing the following can reduce a person’s reaction to allergens and risk of infection:
- • washing the hands frequently with soap and water
- • washing bed linens regularly in hot water and detergent
- • keeping the windows and doors closed during high pollen and mold seasons, including the spring and fall
- • using dust mite covers for pillows, comforters, mattresses, and box springs
- • vacuuming frequently
- • avoiding close contact with people who are ill
To reduce the risk of rhinitis during pregnancy, it can help to maintain a healthy weight.
Home remedies
There are many home remedies that a person can try to help relieve sinus congestion. These include:
1. Staying hydrated
The mucous membranes can become inflamed during sinus congestion. However, staying hydrated can help the membrane function correctly.
Drinking plenty of water and other fluids may help relieve the symptoms of sinus congestion. A person may find that keeping a water bottle close to them throughout the day can encourage them to drink more.
2. Breathing in steam
Breathing in steam can help keep the mucous membranes moist. This is particularly important during winter or in colder climates. This may help relieve the symptoms of sinus congestion and encourage the sinuses to unblock.
Running very hot water from a shower and breathing in the vapor may help unblock the sinuses and relieve symptoms. It is also possible to use a humidifier for the same purpose.
3. Raising the head during sleep
To help encourage sinus blockages to clear, a person may consider raising their head during sleep. A person can use extra pillows to prop their head up. Conversely, keeping the head level may result in a greater buildup of congestion overnight.
4. Using eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus oil relieves the symptoms of sinus congestion. It may also help kill germs in and around the nasal passage that contribute to a sinus infection.
A person can use eucalyptus oil by applying it to tissue paper and sleeping next to it, or by adding it to hot water and inhaling the steam. However, if a person applies the hot water and eucalyptus oil mixture directly to the skin, it may cause burns.
Menthol-based oils are also popular, but they work by making a person feel as though they can breathe more easily. They do not unblock the congested sinuses.
5. Applying warm, wet towels
A warm, wet towel held against the face may help relieve the swelling and inflammation of sinus congestion. It may also help keep the mucous membranes moist by breathing in moist air, which can help it function properly.
People can also soak a towel in warm water, wring it out, and drape it over their face in a way that is still comfortable for them to breathe through their mouth.
6. Trying a neti pot
Neti pots are small teapot-shaped devices that help a person pour a salt water solution into their nasal cavity.
This may help relieve the symptoms of sinus congestion by keeping the mucous membranes moist and functioning properly.
Neti pots may also help treat congestion by flushing out the sinuses and the buildup of any material causing a blockage. It is vital to follow instructions carefully.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) note that if a person has not properly cleaned the neti pot before using it, it might actually cause a sinus infection. People should clean neti pots using distilled, sterile, or previously boiled water that is free of harmful germs.
Over-the-counter medication
Nasal sprays that include a decongestant may be helpful in relieving congested sinuses.
However, Harvard Medical School point out that decongestants can also cause problems. For example, sometimes, congestion can become worse after a person stops using decongestants.
Taking painkillers may also help relieve pain due to sinus congestion.
If a person experiences side effects or the medication is not working, they should speak to a medical professional.
When to see a doctor
Though a person can usually resolve sinus congestion using home remedies, complications can arise. In these cases, seeing a medical professional is important.
The CDC recommend seeing a medical professional if a person has:
- • a temperature above 100.4F (38C)
- • symptoms that are worsening
- • symptoms that have not gone away after 10 days
- • frequent sinus issues
- • symptoms that over-the-counter (OTC) medication does not resolve
Summary
Sinus congestion most commonly occurs as a result of a cold, virus, or bacterial infection. Symptoms include a sore throat, a runny nose, and coughing, among others.
There are a number of simple home remedies that a person can try to help relieve these symptoms. These include inhaling steam, using eucalyptus oil, and staying hydrated. A person can also use OTC medications such as nasal sprays.
They should consider seeing a doctor when their symptoms do not go away or become worse, and the doctor will be able to work out what is causing a person’s infection and prescribe appropriate medication if necessary.