Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTreating Nasal CongestionCausesComplications
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Treating Nasal Congestion
Causes
Complications
Nasal congestion treatments include drinking liquids, clearing out the nasal passages, and, when needed, using over-the-counter or prescription medication.
These remedies will ease symptoms but may not cure the underlying cause of congestion, which occurs when the blood vessels inside the sinuses are inflamed, causing the tissue lining inside of the nose to swell.
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to invaders and may be a response to the common cold, allergies, environmental irritants, the flu, or a sinus infection. You can ease congestion with medication and home remedies.
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Often, nasal congestion will clear up on its own. At-home remedies can help you manage symptoms until the issue underlying issue is resolved. However, you may need OTC or prescription medication to help permanently cure what’s causing your congestion.
At-home self-care can consist of the following:
Another option is aneti pot, which allows you to irrigate the nasal passages with a saline solution. It can ease symptoms ofcongestion from a coldor allergies, but won’t cure these conditions.
Over-the-counter medications for allergies and non-allergic congestion may include:
Can Vicks VapoRub Treat CongestionWhile medicated ointments that have menthol, eucalyptus, or camphor, like Vicks VapoRub, can make you feel like you’re less congested, they don’t actually ease congestion in the sinuses. A 2010 study did show that they may reduce coughing, but more research is needed.
Can Vicks VapoRub Treat Congestion
While medicated ointments that have menthol, eucalyptus, or camphor, like Vicks VapoRub, can make you feel like you’re less congested, they don’t actually ease congestion in the sinuses. A 2010 study did show that they may reduce coughing, but more research is needed.
Causes of Nasal Congestion
Other SymptomsIn addition to the feeling of fullness in your nose and head, you may experience the following symptoms with nasal congestion:Runny noseLoss of smellSneezingItchy nose
Other Symptoms
In addition to the feeling of fullness in your nose and head, you may experience the following symptoms with nasal congestion:Runny noseLoss of smellSneezingItchy nose
In addition to the feeling of fullness in your nose and head, you may experience the following symptoms with nasal congestion:
Medications That Cause Nasal Congestion
While people assume that most cases of stuffiness are related to viruses, allergies, or other illnesses, nasal congestion may also be a side effect of certain types of medication.
The following medications can cause nasal congestion:
Understanding Phenylephrine and Pseudoephedrine
If you are looking for a decongestant to ease congestion, you will likely come across medications with one of these two common active ingredients:phenylephrineorpseudoephedrine. In recent years, both have faced some scrutiny and regulation, though, from the FDA.
Phenylephrine has been determined to be ineffective in oral medication.It is now only available in OTC nasal sprays.
Complications Associated With Nasal Congestion
If left untreated, chronic nasal congestion (nasal congestion that lasts longer than two or three weeks) could be a sign of a more serious conditions like:
Signs of an EmergencyA nasal infection can become a life-threatening condition if it affects surrounding tissue. Seek emergency care if your symptoms include eye swelling, vision changes, severe headache, neck stiffness, or fever.
Signs of an Emergency
A nasal infection can become a life-threatening condition if it affects surrounding tissue. Seek emergency care if your symptoms include eye swelling, vision changes, severe headache, neck stiffness, or fever.
Summary
Nasal congestion occurs when tissue lining the nose swells because of inflamed blood vessels. Symptoms of nasal congestion include runny nose, itchy nose, sneezing, and loss of smell. The common cold, flu, and sinus infection are the most likely causes of nasal congestion. It’s easily treated at home or with OTC medication.
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