Nasal congestion is a condition when air cannot enter smoothly into the nose, thus interfering with the breathing process. This condition can also be accompanied by a runny nose.
Nasal congestion is a symptom of a disease, such as sinusitis. This condition can occur with different degrees of severity. Therefore, nasal congestion requires different treatments, depending on the severity and underlying cause.
It should be noted that nasal congestion is one of the symptoms that people with COVID-19 can experience. Therefore, if you or those around you experience nasal congestion, especially accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, you should check with a doctor to determine the cause.
Causes of Congested Nose
Nasal congestion occurs when the lining of the nasal passages becomes swollen due to irritation or inflammation. The causes can be varied and can occur suddenly (acute) or gradually over the long term (chronic).
Some of the causes of acute nasal congestion are:
1. Viral infection
Viral infections, such as the common cold, influenza, COVID-19, or acute sinusitis, can cause nasal congestion. In COVID-19, nasal congestion can last for 2-3 weeks.
In addition, in the common cold or influenza, nasal congestion only lasts for a few days. Meanwhile, nasal congestion in acute sinusitis can last almost 4 weeks.
2. Allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis or hi fever is inflammation of the nasal cavity due to an allergic reaction. This condition is the most common cause of nasal congestion.
Nasal congestion due to allergic rhinitis can last 2-3 weeks.
3. Rhinitis vasomotor
Vasomotor rhinitis, or non-allergic rhinitis, is an inflammation of the nasal passages that can occur due to changes in weather, exposure to strong odors, exposure to smoke, and consumption of spicy or hot foods. This condition makes the blood vessels in the nose widen so that the nasal wall swells and causes a stuffy nose.
4. Objects foreign
Foreign bodies can enter the nose, especially in children. Foreign objects that enter the nose can irritate the nostrils. As a result, the nostrils become swollen and runny, causing a stuffy nose.
Meanwhile, the causes of chronic nasal congestion include:
1. Chronic sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses for 12 weeks or more. This condition blocks the fluid in the nose from flowing, causing a stuffy nose.
2. Nasal polyps
Nasal polyps are abnormal tissue growths in the nasal passages. This abnormal tissue usually results from persistent inflammation of the nose. This condition causes nasal congestion that can last up to 12 weeks.
3. Septal deviation
Septal deviation is a condition when the dividing wall of the nasal cavity shifts so that one nostril shrinks. In this condition, the severity of nasal congestion depends on the degree of displacement of the nasal septum.
4. Syndrome Churg-Strauss
syndrome Churg-Strauss is a rare condition in the form of inflammation of the blood vessels of organs, one of which is in the nose, so that allergic rhinitis can occur.
5. Wegener's granulomatosis
Wegener's granulomatosis is a rare condition. This condition can cause blood flow to certain organs, such as the nose, sinuses, throat, lungs, and kidneys, to slow down. As a result, the work of these organs becomes disrupted.
6. Cancer nasopharynx
Nasopharyngeal cancer is cancer that attacks the nasopharynx, which is the part of the throat behind the nasal cavity. One of the symptoms that can be caused by nasopharyngeal cancer is a stuffy nose.
Risk factors for nasal congestion
Nasal congestion can happen to anyone, but there are several risk factors that can increase a person experiencing the condition, namely:
- Taking certain medications, such as hypertension drugs or nasal sprays that are used excessively
- Breathing dry air
- Have swelling of the adenoids, which are glands located in the tonsils
- Is pregnant
- Having an injury to the nose
- Suffering from asthma
- Smoke
- Suffering from thyroid disease
Symptoms of Congested Nose
Nasal congestion is a symptom of a condition or disease. Nasal congestion may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
- runny nose
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Sneeze
- Itchy nose
- Pain in the face
- Headache
- Anosmia (loss of smell)
When to go to the doctor
Immediately see a doctor if you experience the following conditions:
- Nasal congestion for more than 10 days
- Nasal congestion with fever for more than 3 days
- Nasal mucus smells and changes color from yellowish white to grayish green
- Nasal mucus mixed with blood
- Sore throat and white or yellow patches in the throat
- Nasal congestion accompanied by visual disturbances and swelling in the forehead, eyes, sides of the nose, or cheeks
- Nasal congestion, runny, or bleeding after an injury to the nose
You also need to see a doctor immediately if you experience nasal congestion while suffering from asthma, emphysema, or a disease that weakens the immune system.
Nasal Congestion Diagnosis
The doctor will ask for complaints and symptoms that appear, the drugs consumed, and the patient's medical history. Next, the doctor will perform a physical examination that focuses on the nose, ears, and throat.
If the cause of nasal congestion is unknown or symptoms do not improve after treatment, the patient will be referred to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist. Examinations performed by an ENT doctor may include:
- Allergy tests, to detect an allergic reaction to certain substances or objects.
- Sputum culture or nasal and throat swab culture, to detect the presence of viruses or bacteria.
- Nasoendoscopy, to see conditions inside the nose using a small tube with a camera.
- A scan with a CT scan or MRI, to see the inside of the nose if a nasoendoscopy procedure cannot detect the cause.
Nasal Congestion Treatment
Treatment of nasal congestion is based on its severity and cause. The treatment methods are as follows:
Drugs
Nasal congestion is usually treated with medication, both over-the-counter and prescription drugs. However, patients are advised to consult a doctor before using the drug.
Types of drugs that can be used to treat nasal congestion include:
- DecongestantsThis class of drugs relieves swelling of the nasal passages and relieves pressure in the nose. Decongestants are available in spray and oral form. Some examples of decongestant drugs are: phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine, and oxymethazoline.
Oral decongestants should not be used for more than 1 week. Meanwhile, the use of spray decongestants should not exceed 3 days, because it has the potential to worsen nasal congestion.
- AntihistaminesAntihistamines are used for nasal congestion caused by allergies. The use of antihistamines is recommended at night before bed, because these drugs can cause drowsiness.
- Pain reliever
It is important to remember that children under 4 years of age are not recommended to use over-the-counter medicines in stores or pharmacies. In addition, the use of drugs must also be in accordance with the rules of use listed on the packaging and the doctor's instructions.
Operation
If nasal congestion cannot be treated with medication, the doctor may suggest surgery. Some of the most common types of surgery are:
- Septoplasty, to repair a septum that is not straight or bent (deviated septum)
- Sinusitis surgery, to treat inflammation of the sinuses
- Adenoidectomy, to remove the glands behind the nose and live polyps
Self care at home
Patients are also advised to carry out treatment at home. This self-care is aimed at keeping the respiratory tract moist, because dry airways will aggravate nasal congestion.
Some of the treatments that can be done are:
- Using a humidifier and steam generator for the nose
- Inhaling warm steam
- Drink enough water
- Putting a wet and warm towel on the face
- Raise the pillow while sleeping
- Avoid swimming in pools that use chlorine
Nasal Congestion Complications
Complications that can occur due to nasal congestion depend on the cause. If the cause is the common cold, complications that can arise are otitis media, especially in infants and children.
In patients with COVID-19, nasal congestion may be accompanied by anosmia. This can reduce appetite. In addition, nasal congestion can also cause snoring and insomnia.
Nasal Congestion Prevention
As with treatment, prevention of nasal congestion is also adjusted to the cause. In nasal congestion caused by viral infections, prevention is done by vaccinating and maintaining the immune system.
Some of the efforts below can also be made to maintain general health:
- Maintain cleanliness and always wash hands with soap and water after activities.
- Eat a balanced nutritious diet, drink enough water, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep.
- Reducing alcohol consumption and not smoking.