Nasal congestion, also more commonly known as a stuffy nose, develops when nasal tissues along with the surrounding blood vessels dilate coupled with excess mucus production, resulting in what we describe as stuffiness.
Nasal congestion is usually not serious for teens and adults, but it can become problematic among infants if it begins to disrupt sleep or feeding.
What Causes Nasal Congestion?
Anything that can cause inflammation or irritation in the nasal passages can lead to nasal congestion.
Infections. Viral and bacterial infections, including colds and the flu, can typically trigger nasal congestion because, as a defense against an infection, the body winds up producing large amounts of mucus.
Nonallergic Rhinitis. Some individuals experience a stuffy and runny nose chronically without any identifiable cause, which is a condition also known as vasomotor rhinitis (VMR).
Sinusitis. Acute sinusitis inflames the cavities around the nasal passages, which blocks drainage and leads to fluid buildup. In addition to stuffiness, acute sinusitis can also cause headaches and a throbbing pain in the face. Chronic sinusitis causes the same symptoms that acute sinusitis does, but it persists for several weeks at a time and is harder to treat.
Allergens and irritants. Exposure to an allergen may lead to the rise of nasal congestion. Some of the most prevalent allergic reactions that can contribute to a stuffy or a runny nose include food allergies, animal dander, dust mite, as well as mold and latex. Some environmental triggers that are not particularly allergens but irritants can also trigger nasal congestion, including tobacco smoke, beauty products (fragrances), and some herbs.
Nasal polyps. Polyps are These are benign masses that grow inside the nasal tissues. Nasal polyps usually form due to ongoing inflammation incited by conditions such as asthma, allergies, or even autoimmune disorders. Though nasal polyps are not painful or serious, they can lead to stuffiness and trouble breathing.
Churg-Strauss syndrome. This is a condition that is characterized by the inflammation of blood vessels, which can obstruct blood flow to essential organs and tissues, sometimes leading to permanent damage. This syndrome presents itself with a host of symptoms, one of which is nasal congestion.
Other Causes
– Certain medications like hypertension medicines and prolonged use of decongestant sprays can also lead to nasal congestion.
– A deviated septum, which refers to the misalignment of the wall that separates the two nasal passages, can also cause breathing issues as well as congestion.
– Hormonal fluctuations and pregnancy may also cause stuffiness more so than usual.
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Posted on May 22, 2023