Nasal congestion refers to a stuffy nose.
Alternative NamesNose - congested; Congested nose; Stuffy nose
ConsiderationsMany people think that a nose gets congested (stuffy) from too much thick mucus. However, in most cases, the nose becomes congested when the tissues lining it become swollen. The swelling is due to inflamed blood vessels.
Newborn infants must breathe through the nose. Nasal congestion in an infant's first few months of life can interfere with nursing, and in rare cases can cause serious breathing problems. Nasal congestion in older children and adolescents is usually just an annoyance, but it can cause other difficulties.
Nasal congestion can interfere with the ears, hearing, and speech development. Significant congestion may interfere with sleep.
When nasal stuffiness is just on one side, the child may have inserted something into the nose.
Common CausesA stuffy nose is usually caused by a virus or bacteria. Causes include:
The congestion typically goes away by itself within a week.
Congestion also can be caused by:
INFANTS AND YOUNGER CHILDREN
For babies or infants who are too young to blow their nose:
Other tips to help infants and younger children include:
OLDER CHILDREN AND ADULTS
Over-the-counter medicines may help relieve a stuffy nose and can make breathing more comfortable.
These medicines do not treat the underlying condition. Many over-the-counter allergy and cold medicines contain multiple ingredients, so look carefully to see what is in the one you choose.
Medicines are not the only way to relieve a stuffy or runny nose. Often, gentler solutions are better. Try these steps to thin the mucus, which can help you breathe easier and get nasal secretions back to normal:
Congestion is often worse when you are lying down. Keep upright, or at least keep the head elevated. This is especially helpful for young children.
Some stores sell adhesive strips that can be placed on the nose. These help widen the nostrils, making breathing easier.
Call your health care provider ifCall your doctor if you or your child have any of the following:
Your doctor may perform a physical examination, focusing on the upper respiratory system, ears, nose, and throat.
Your doctor will ask questions, including:
The following diagnostic tests may be done:
Over-the-counter medications may be recommended. Stronger, prescription medications may be advised. For treatment of severe hay fever, see hay fever.
ReferencesManning S. Medical management of nasosinus infectious and inflammatory disease. In: Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2005:chap 52.
Nasal congestion refers to a stuffy nose.
Alternative NamesNose - congested; Congested nose; Stuffy nose
ConsiderationsMany people think that a nose gets congested (stuffy) from too much thick mucus. However, in most cases, the nose becomes congested when the tissues lining it become swollen. The swelling is due to inflamed blood vessels.
Newborn infants must breathe through the nose. Nasal congestion in an infant's first few months of life can interfere with nursing, and in rare cases can cause serious breathing problems. Nasal congestion in older children and adolescents is usually just an annoyance, but it can cause other difficulties.
Nasal congestion can interfere with the ears, hearing, and speech development. Significant congestion may interfere with sleep.
When nasal stuffiness is just on one side, the child may have inserted something into the nose.
Common CausesA stuffy nose is usually caused by a virus or bacteria. Causes include:
The congestion typically goes away by itself within a week.
Congestion also can be caused by:
INFANTS AND YOUNGER CHILDREN
For babies or infants who are too young to blow their nose:
Other tips to help infants and younger children include:
OLDER CHILDREN AND ADULTS
Over-the-counter medicines may help relieve a stuffy nose and can make breathing more comfortable.
These medicines do not treat the underlying condition. Many over-the-counter allergy and cold medicines contain multiple ingredients, so look carefully to see what is in the one you choose.
Medicines are not the only way to relieve a stuffy or runny nose. Often, gentler solutions are better. Try these steps to thin the mucus, which can help you breathe easier and get nasal secretions back to normal:
Congestion is often worse when you are lying down. Keep upright, or at least keep the head elevated. This is especially helpful for young children.
Some stores sell adhesive strips that can be placed on the nose. These help widen the nostrils, making breathing easier.
Call your health care provider ifCall your doctor if you or your child have any of the following:
Your doctor may perform a physical examination, focusing on the upper respiratory system, ears, nose, and throat.
Your doctor will ask questions, including:
The following diagnostic tests may be done:
Over-the-counter medications may be recommended. Stronger, prescription medications may be advised. For treatment of severe hay fever, see hay fever.
ReferencesManning S. Medical management of nasosinus infectious and inflammatory disease. In: Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2005:chap 52.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 08/02/2011
Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
You've got that feeling again: Your nose is stuffy, your head seems heavy, and your sinuses feel swollen and on fire. You once again, have Nasal Congestion.
Many people think that their nose gets congested from too much thick mucus. But, usually, your nose gets stuffy when the tissues lining it become swollen. The swelling is from inflamed blood vessels. Your nose can become stuffy because of a cold, the flu, and allergies. Sometimes the congestion goes away in a week, sometimes you have it nearly every day or during certain times a year, especially if you're allergic or sensitive to something like pollen, tobacco smoke, or pet dander.
If your baby is congested, you can make your own saline drops, adding a quarter teaspoon of salt to a half-cup of lukewarm water. Lay your child on his or her back, put a rolled up towel beneath their shoulders, and put two or three drops into each nostril. After 30 seconds, turn the child on their belly to help the fluids drain. You can also use an infant nasal bulb, called an aspirator, to help remove some of the mucous in their nose.
Other tips for helping kids include raising the head of your child's bed; Have your child drink plenty of fluids; Use a cool-mist vaporizer in your child's room at night; Do NOT use over-the-counter cough and cold medicines for any child under the age of 6. They don't help much anyway, and they can cause serious health problems in kids.
Older kids and adults can take over-the-counter medicines to help relieve their stuff nose. Oral decongestants can shrink the blood vessels throughout the body, including in the lining of your nose. Nasal decongestants are more targeted, but shouldn't be used more than 3 days in a row. Antihistamines may reduce the amount of mucus in your nose. But these medicines don't treat the problem, just the symptoms. You can also try gentler solutions, like a Neti pot, saline irrigation, saline nasal drops, using a vaporizer or humidifier when you sleep, and drinking plenty of fluids such as hot tea or chicken soup.
A stuffy nose will usually go away in about a week. But if it doesn't, or you get congested at certain times of year or when you're around pets or smokers, your doctor can help you find out if you have allergies and get you the right treatment to make any allergies less of an annoyance.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 10/25/2011
Alan Greene, MD, Author and Practicing Pediatrician; also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Congestion refers to a blockage. Nasal congestion is referring to a stuffy or blocked nasal cavity usually due to inflammation.
Is sudafed om for nasal congestion still on the market?
Same problem here. Ceiling or table fan creates nasal congestion.
Treatment for neonatal nasal congestion include saline drops, vaporizer, and a bulb syringe.
Nasal congestion can be caused by a common cold. It can also be caused by seasonal allergies and from dust, dirt, etc.
Yes.
Nasal congestion. Colds and allergies can plug the nose, creating a vacuum in the throat that results in snoring as airflow increases.
Nasanex and Clairiton are both brand name products which are over the counter nasal decongestants. Sudafed and Dimetapp are both prescription medications which can also treat nasal congestion. The Neti Pot is a non-oral treatment. It's a device which is used in the nasal passages.
There was some congestion on the roads. A stuffy nose is also known as a congestion in your nasal cavities.
The use of a Neti pot will definitely help with nasal congestion. It may not be the most pleasant experience, but from my experiences it completely cleared my nasal congestion.
Congestion typically refers to a situation where there is excessive traffic or crowding in a particular area, leading to delays or difficulty in movement. It can also refer to a blockage or accumulation of fluid in a bodily organ or passage, such as nasal congestion.
Afrin is a brand of nasal spray used to ease nasal congestion that is available