When to Take Nasal Congestion Seriously

Post Date: 9/6/2024

Nasal congestion is a common condition that occurs when the tissues lining the nasal passages become swollen due to inflammation of the blood vessels. This swelling can be caused by a variety of factors, such as allergies, infections, irritants, or anatomic variants. 

Situations when you should seek care for nasal congestion are:

• If your nasal congestion lasts longer than 10 days without improvement
• A high fever along with nasal congestion could be a sign of a more severe infection.
• If you experience severe headaches, facial pain, or pressure along with congestion
• Thick, green, or yellow nasal discharge, especially with an unpleasant odor
• If nasal congestion is accompanied by difficulty breathing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
• Swelling around the eyes or any changes in vision in conjunction with nasal congestion
• Frequent or recurring nasal congestion, particularly if it disrupts your daily life

What is Nasal Blockage? How Does It Affect Your Body?

Nasal congestion is more than just the feeling that the nasal passages are closed.. Because it can have a wide-ranging impact on your overall health and well-being. When your nose completely blocked, it can lead to various physical and mental challenges that go beyond simple discomfort.

For example;

• Nasal congestion makes it difficult to breathe through your nose, forcing you to rely on mouth breathing, which can lead to dry mouth, throat irritation, and an increased risk of respiratory infections.
• Nasal congestion at night gets worse, which leads to disrupted sleep, snoring, or sleep apnea. Nasal congestion night can result in daytime fatigue, irritability, and decreased cognitive function.
• Blocked nasal passages can diminish your sense of smell (anosmia) and taste. This may affect your appetite and enjoyment of food.
• The buildup of pressure in your sinuses due to congestion can cause headaches, facial pain, and discomfort.
• Nasal congestion can block the Eustachian tubes, which may lead to ear pain, a feeling of fullness in the ears, or even ear infections.
• Prolonged congestion can cause your voice to sound nasal or muffled due to the blockage of airways.
• Stagnant mucus trapped in your nasal passages can create an environment for bacteria to thrive.
• Chronic nasal congestion can lead to mental fatigue, irritability, and stress due to persistent discomfort, lack of sleep, and the overall impact on your quality of life.

Symptoms and Causes of Nasal Congestion

Nasal congestion is a common complaint that can range from minor annoyance to a significant health problem. The annoyance level depends on its severity and underlying causes. Understanding these symptoms and what triggers nasal congestion one side or both is essential for identifying the best approach to treatment.

Some of the symptoms of nasal congestion are:

• Stuffy or runny nose
• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Facial pressure or pain
• Postnasal drip
• Frequent sneezing
• Reduced sense of smell or taste
• Persistent headaches
• General tiredness and low energy levels

You may wonder why is my nose so blocked. In fact, nasal congestion can be caused by various factors summarized as follows:

Allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis occurs when your immune system overreacts to allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. This reaction leads to inflammation of the nasal passages.

Nonallergic rhinitis

Nonallergic rhinitis refers to nasal congestion and inflammation that is not triggered by allergens. Common triggers causing waking up with nasal congestion include environmental irritants like smoke, strong odors, changes in weather, or infections. In addition, nasal congestion with pregnancy is also a common issue. During pregnancy, you may face nasal congestion due to hormonal changes.

Anatomic variants

Structural differences within the nasal passages can also lead to chronic nasal congestion. These anatomical variants can block airflow and contribute to breathing difficulties.

Deviated septum

A deviated septum occurs when the septum between the nostrils is displaced to one side. This makes one nasal passage smaller than the other. Deviated septum condition leads to chronic nasal obstruction, difficulty breathing through the nose, and a higher risk of sinus infections.

Inferior turbinate hyperthrophy

The turbinates are structures inside the nose that help filter and humidify the air you breathe. When the inferior turbinates become enlarged (hypertrophy), they can obstruct airflow.

Concha bullosa

A concha bullosa is an air-filled cavity within one of the nasal turbinates, usually the middle turbinate. This anatomical variant can enlarge and block the nasal passages.

Nasal Congestion Operation

Nasal congestion might be caused by structural issues that do not respond to medical treatment. In this case, your doctor may decide to perform surgery as the best option for relief.

Anesthesia

The surgery typically begins with the administration of general or local anesthesia to ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.

Surgery

Your doctor will then correct the nose totally blocked due to structural issues, such as a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates, using minimally invasive techniques to reshape or remove the obstructive tissue.

Aftercare

Post-surgery, you should rest and follow specific aftercare instructions, which may include nasal rinses and avoiding strenuous activities, to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results.