Nasal congestion
1738117
222385949
2008-06-29T02:06:04Z
Ransack
130693
[[WP:UNDO|Undid]] revision 222258015 by [[Special:Contributions/157.157.14.125|157.157.14.125]] ([[User talk:157.157.14.125|talk]])
{{Refimprove|date=January 2008}}
{{Infobox_Disease |
Name = {{PAGENAME}} |
Image = |
Caption = |
DiseasesDB = |
ICD10 = |
ICD9 = {{ICD9|478.19}} |
ICDO = |
OMIM = |
MedlinePlus = |
eMedicineSubj = |
eMedicineTopic = |
MeshID = |
}}
'''Nasal congestion''' is the blockage of the [[nose|nasal]] passages usually due to membranes lining the nose becoming swollen from [[inflammation|inflamed]] blood vessels. It is also known as '''nasal blockage''', '''nasal obstruction''', '''blocked nose''', and '''stuffy nose'''.
Nasal congestion has many causes and can range from a mild annoyance to a life-threatening condition. The newborn [[infant]] can only breathe through the nose (newborns are "obligate nose breathers"). Nasal congestion in an infant in the first few months of life can interfere with breastfeeding and cause life-threatening respiratory distress. Nasal congestion in older children and [[adolescent]]s are often just an annoyance but can cause other difficulties.
Nasal congestion can interfere with the ears, hearing, and speech development. Significant congestion may interfere with sleep, cause snoring, and can be associated with [[sleep apnea]]. In children, nasal congestion from enlarged [[adenoids]] has caused chronic sleep apnea with insufficient [[oxygen]] levels and [[Hypoxia (medical)|hypoxia]], as well as right-sided heart failure. The problem usually resolves after surgery to remove the [[adenoids]] and [[tonsils]].
A blocked nose can also cause mild facial and head [[pain]], and a degree of discomfort.
== Common causes ==
* Allergic reaction
* [[Common cold]] or [[influenza]]
* [[Hay fever]], allergic reaction to pollen or grass
* [[Sinusitis]] or sinus infection
* Many women suffer from nasal congestion during pregnancy due to the increased amount of blood flowing through the body.
== Treatment ==
Drinking plenty of fluids, more than usual, aids the body in expelling the irritant and clearing congestion. [[Water]], [[fruit juice]], and [[tea]]s are recommended by medical experts to resolve congestion, and rest and [[sleep]] are also suggested remedies in a case of nasal congestion. Avoid caffeine. Increasing air moisture with a [[humidifier]] or a steamy bath or shower usually helps relieve the congestion and accompanying discomfort.
Neither influenza nor the common cold can be cured with medication; however, drugs such as [[acetaminophen]], [[decongestants]], [[nasal spray]]s or drops, cough remedies and throat lozenges may provide some [[symptom]] relief. Furthermore, medications have recently been approved which, when started shortly after the onset of symptoms, may shorten the duration of influenza.
A cause of nasal congestion may also be due to an allergic reaction caused by [[hay fever]], so avoiding [[allergen]]s is a common remedy if this becomes a confirmed diagnosis. [[Antihistamines]] and decongestants can provide significant symptom relief although they do not cure hay fever. Antihistamines may be given continuously during pollen season for optimum control of symptoms.
[[Topical decongestant]]s should only be used by patients for a maximum of 3 days in a row, because rebound congestion may occur in the form of [[rhinitis medicamentosa]].
Infants usually have an [[nasal aspirator]] if they are unable to blow their nose. Mucus might be thick and sticky, making it difficult to expel from the nostril. It can be loosened by putting several drops of [[saline solution]] in a ratio of 1:500 in grams of [[sodium chloride]] (table salt) per millilitre of water, into each [[nostril]].
Insertion of cotton swabs into a child's nostrils as a remedy is generally discouraged. An alternative solution is for the discharge to be caught outside the nostril on a tissue or swab, be rolled around, and have the discharge pulled out of the nose. [[Petroleum jelly]] applied to the nasal openings can assist in providing protection against [[irritation]], though it is important to ensure that the nostrils are not blocked by the jelly.
The ancient use of [[nasal irrigation]], which originated from the [[Yoga]] practice of [[jala neti]], is also said to help reduce nasal congestions. It involves rinsing the [[nasal cavity]] regularly with salty water.
==References==
==External links ==
* [http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/runny-nose/ID00006 Runny nose and stuffy nose: Self-care]
Self help: [http://www.buteykoscotland.co.uk/nose.htm Breathing exercise to unblock your nose]
{{Common Cold}}
[[Category:Rhinology]]
[[Category:Symptoms]]
[[ar:احتقان الأنف]]
[[is:Nefstífla]]
[[zh:鼻塞]]