Understanding the cause of your chronic nasal congestion and your triggers may help you in relieving your symptoms much more effectively, so here are some of the most common reasons for nasal congestion or a stuffy nose.
You might have nasal congestion due to allergies
The lining of the nose is quite intricate, which is why a rise in blood circulation through the nasal lining can result in congestion. Simply explained, when an allergen like pollen finds its way into your nose, for instance, it can trigger inflammation, which can then result in the hallmark feeling of stuffiness. If you already know you have allergies and have a hard time controlling them, opting for allergy injections may be a good idea. In turn, you may also suffer from nasal congestion a lot less.
You might have nasal congestion due to the weather
Weather, dry air to be exact, can also have a detrimental effect on your nasal passages by causing inflammation and irritation. A dry climate, air-conditioning, dehumidifiers, or heating can dry out the nasal tissues, resulting in congestion. Our nasal tissues lose their moisture as we grow older as well. If you suffer from chronic nasal congestion, an ideal remedy to keep your nasal passages moist is using OTC saline solutions or gels over the course of each day.
You might have nasal congestion due to a dependency on decongestants
In an attempt to keep your nasal passages clear, you may be resorting to the overuse of decongestant nasal medicines. While these decongestants are beneficial for temporary relief, they mustn’t be used for longer than three days at a time. Long-term use of nasal decongestants renders your nasal tissues incapable of easing congestion naturally.
You might have nasal congestion due to a sinus infection
Viral, bacterial, and fungal infections can also trigger swelling and irritation in the nasal tissues; though, a viral infection is typically the culprit. If you find that your congestion persists for longer than 7-10 days, make an appointment to visit your physician as soon as possible–especially if it is accompanied by a high fever or a headache.
You might have nasal congestion due to a nasal polyp
A nasal polyp is a soft, benign growth that forms along the lining of the nose, which can contribute to breathing issues. Conditions that can cause inflammation such as allergies, can result in their growth. If you do have a nasal polyp, your physician may prescribe you a steroid nasal spray, and if that doesn’t do the trick, you may need surgery.
You might have nasal congestion due to a deviated septum
A deviated septum is a condition in which the wall that parts the left and right nasal airways, is misaligned. This is either due to a physical trauma or you may have been born with a deviated septum. While not for everyone, a deviated septum can cause breathing difficulties in some people as well as chronic congestion. If medications cannot suffice to relieve your symptoms, surgery is the only option where a deviated septum is concerned.
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