Nasal Congestion Specialist

What is nasal congestion?

Nasal congestion is that plugged-up, stuffy feeling in your nose. It occurs when the tissues inside your nasal passages and sinuses become swollen and retain excess fluid.

As well as feeling like your nose is blocked, you may also have a runny nose, sinus pain, and difficulties breathing through your nose.

Nasal congestion is a common symptom of colds and flu and typically clears up when you recover from the illness. However, it can also become a chronic or recurring problem.

What causes nasal congestion?

Nasal congestion that recurs frequently or continues long-term may be due to:

• Sinusitis
• Allergies
• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
• Deviated septum
• Nasal polyps
• Environmental irritants
• Nonallergic rhinitis
• Overuse of decongestant sprays

If nasal congestion persists or you suffer frequent bouts of it, and it's affecting your breathing, the Desert Cities Allergy & Otolaryngology team can isolate the cause and provide an effective treatment.

How is nasal congestion diagnosed?

At your consultation, your provider performs a thorough physical examination after reviewing your medical history and finding out about your symptoms. If you've noticed your nasal congestion worsens in response to specific triggers like the weather, this can help with the diagnosis.

If a visual exam doesn't provide enough information, you may need to undergo one or more diagnostic imaging tests, like a CT or MRI scan. You might also need to have blood tests, and your provider might recommend allergy testing.

How is nasal congestion treated?

The nasal congestion treatment that's right for you depends on what's causing your symptoms, how severe they are, and your personal preferences. Your provider at Desert Cities Allergy & Otolaryngology might recommend one or a combination of the following treatments:

Self-help

There are several ways you can help keep nasal congestion under control at home. For example, using a humidifier to stop the air from getting too dry and saline sprays or nasal irrigation systems to flush out your nose and sinuses.

Over-the-counter decongestants may provide some relief, but long-term use can make nasal congestion worse. You should also try to avoid environmental irritants like smoke and chemicals.

Medications

Your provider may prescribe nasal sprays or oral medications to relieve nasal congestion.

Surgery

If conservative methods are ineffective or can't help with the cause of your nasal congestion, surgery can provide long-term relief. Examples of surgical solutions to nasal congestion include removing nasal polyps or tumors, correcting a deviated septum, and using balloon sinuplasty to open up your sinuses.

If nasal congestion affects your quality of life, find an effective solution at Desert Cities Allergy & Otolaryngology. Call the office today to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online.