Does your nose get blocked all the time? (Nasal Congestion) Let's talk about the causes and remedies in a simple way!

Are you tired of having a stuffy nose, difficulty breathing, and having to breathe through your mouth at night without even sleeping? Sometimes, a runny nose comes out, and your head hurts. Isn't this a very annoying and uncomfortable situation? Almost all of us have experienced this at some point in our lives. So today, let's talk about this stuffy nose that almost everyone experiences, which is medically known as Nasal Congestion .

What does a stuffy nose really mean?

Simply put, a stuffy nose is when the delicate tissues and blood vessels inside our nose become swollen for some reason. Think of this tissue inside our nose as a sponge. When something harmful, such as a virus or a dust particle, enters, our body's immune system starts to fight it.

As a result of this battle, the tissues inside the nose swell and produce more mucus. This swollen tissue and excess mucus accumulate and block the airways in the nose. That's what we call a "stuffy nose."

Although this condition usually improves within a few days, if the nasal congestion persists for more than a week, it may be a sign of a bacterial infection. If this condition is not treated properly, it can sometimes develop into conditions such as sinusitis, nasal polyps, or even middle ear infections.

How does your body feel when your nose is stuffy?

A stuffy nose is not just a minor inconvenience. It can be accompanied by several other symptoms.

• Difficulty breathing through the nose: This is the main symptom.
• Runny Nose: As soon as your nose becomes blocked, water may start to flow from your nose.
• Mouth breathing: When our nose is blocked, we have to breathe through our mouths. This can cause a dry throat and chapped lips.
• Sneezing and coughing: This condition in the nose can cause sneezing and coughing.
• Headache: A stuffy nose can be accompanied by a feeling of heaviness and pain, especially in the forehead and cheek area.

What are the main causes of nasal congestion?

There are many reasons why your nose may be blocked. Think of your nose as a security checkpoint. The nose is the first filter that prevents dust, germs, and pollen from entering your body. The tiny hairs (cilia) inside your nose trap these harmful substances and expel them with mucus. But sometimes, invaders get past this defense system and enter. That's when the problems begin.

Mainly, the causes of nasal congestion can be divided into two categories.

1. Allergic Rhinitis (nasal congestion caused by allergies)

This is a problem that many people have. An allergy is when our body's immune system reacts inappropriately to something that is actually harmless. We call these allergens.

Commonly seen allergens:

• Pollen: When trees are in bloom, pollen is released into the air, especially in the morning. When this gets into the nose, it can cause allergies.
• Dust mites: These are tiny creatures that are invisible to the naked eye. They live in our homes, such as pillows, mattresses, bedspreads, and carpets. When we sweep the house and make the bed, they can become airborne and enter our noses.
• Mold: Mold grows in damp areas of homes, such as bathrooms and walls. Inhaling the spores from this mold can cause nasal congestion.
• Pet Dander: Many people are allergic to the tiny pieces of skin and fur shed by animals like dogs and cats.

2. Non-allergic Rhinitis

A stuffy nose can occur even without allergies. There are several reasons for this.

• Viral infections: It is common to experience a stuffy nose when you have viral infections like the common cold and flu.
• Environmental influences: Exposure to things like smoke, strong odors (perfumes, paint fumes), vehicle exhaust, and spicy foods (think of how your nose wateres after eating a spicy dish).
• Certain medications: Some medications taken for high blood pressure and pain can also cause nasal congestion as a side effect.
• Hormonal changes: Some people also experience nasal congestion due to hormonal changes during pregnancy and puberty.
• Enlarged Adenoids: The adenoids are glands located behind our nose and at the top of our throat. Their main function is to trap germs. When these glands become swollen, especially in young children, they can cause a stuffy nose.

How does a doctor find this?

To find the exact cause of your stuffy nose, your doctor will first ask you questions. How long has it been going on, what time of day is it worse, and what other symptoms you have. Then they will examine your nose, ears, and throat.

Sometimes, tests like this can be done to further clarify the cause.

• Throat culture: This is done to check for a bacterial infection in the throat.
• CT Scan: This helps to see if there are any other obstructions, such as cysts, inside the nose or sinus cavities.
• Nasal Endoscopy: A thin, camera-equipped tube is inserted into the nose to examine the inside.

What are the treatments for this?

Treatment depends on the cause of your stuffy nose. For example, if you have a cat allergy, the best thing to do is to stay away from cats and take the medication your doctor prescribes.

Below are some of the treatments that doctors commonly recommend for nasal congestion.

The most important thing is, don't use any medication without talking to your doctor. These can interact with other medications you are taking. Therefore, a doctor should determine the best treatment for you.

Things you can do at home to relieve nasal congestion

Until you see a doctor or in addition to medication, try these simple things.

• Drink plenty of water and fluids: This will thin the mucus and help it drain out of your nose more easily.
• Inhale steam: Pour hot water into a bowl, cover your head with a towel, and inhale the steam. This will moisten the inside of your nose and greatly reduce congestion.
• Use a humidifier: This device adds moisture to the air in the room and helps prevent dry noses.
• Use adhesive strips on the nose: When these are placed over the nose, they slightly open the nostrils and make breathing easier.
• For young babies: If your baby has a stuffy nose, put a few saline drops in the nose and gently use a nasal bulb syringe to clear the mucus. Doing this about 15 minutes before feeding will help your baby suckle more easily.

When should you definitely see a doctor?

A stuffy nose caused by a common cold will usually go away in a few days. However, if you have any of the following symptoms, you should definitely see a doctor.

• If your nasal congestion has lasted more than 10 days .
• If the mucus coming out of your nose is yellow or green , or if it contains blood .
• If you have a fever .
• If you have severe pain in your cheeks, around your eyes, or in your forehead (this could be a sign of a sinus infection).
• If a newborn baby's nose is blocked and he is unable to suck milk.

Although nasal congestion is common, it's not something to ignore. Once the cause is identified and treated properly, you can breathe easier again.