Nasal congestion

Alternative names:

congested nose; deviated nasal septum; nasal obstruction; nose congested; nose obstruction; obstruction of the nose; rhinitis medicamentosa; stuffy nose

Home care:

Drink plenty of fluids, more than usual. Water, fruit juice, teas, and carbonated drinks are recommended. Rest as much as possible. Increase air moisture with a vaporizer or humidifier.

Neither influenza nor the common cold can be cured with medication; however, nonprescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, decongestants, nose drops or sprays, cough remedies (Cough/Cold Combinations - oral), and throat lozenges may provide some symptom relief.

For a stuffy nose caused by hay fever, avoid exposure to as many allergens (such as pets, foods that cause allergic reaction, and dust) as possible. Antihistamines and decongestants help relieve symptoms but do not cure hay fever.

For a baby too young to blow his or her nose, use an infant nasal aspirator. If mucus is thick and sticky, loosen it by putting 2 or 3 drops of salt solution (consisting of one-half teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of warm water) into each nostril.

Don't insert cotton swabs into a child's nostrils. Instead, catch the discharge outside the nostril on a tissue or swab, roll it around, and pull the discharge out of the nose.

For an infant or very young child, lay the child on the stomach to sleep. This improves nasal drainage and breathing.

Call your health care provider if:

• the stuffy nose is accompanied by swelling of the face (forehead, eyes, side of the nose, or cheek) or blurred vision.
• there is increased throat pain, or white or yellow spots on the tonsils or other parts of the throat.
• there are coughing episodes that last longer that 10 days or if the cough produces yellow-green or gray sputum.
• a stuffy nose lasts longer than 2 weeks and impairs lifestyle.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting your symptom in detail may include:

• time pattern
  • When did it develop?
  • Is it always present?
  • How long has it lasted?

• relieving factors
  • What have you done to try to relieve the congestion?
  • How well has it worked?

• other
  • What other symptoms are also present?
  • Is there nasal drainage?
  • Is there a loss of smell?
  • Is there difficulty breathing through the nose?
  • Are there watery eyes?
  • Is there eye burning, itching, or redness?
  • Is there sneezing?
  • Is there a fever?
  • Is there a cough?
  • Is there a headache?
  • Is there pain in the face?

The physical examination may include an examination of the upper respiratory system, ears, nose, and throat.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• allergy skin tests
• blood tests (such as CBC or blood differential)
• sputum culture and throat culture
• X-rays of the sinuses and chest X-ray

Intervention:
Over-the-counter medications may be recommended (see antihistamines and decongestants). Stronger, prescription medications may be advised. For severe hay fever cases, desensitization injections for known allergens may be administered. Other treatment, including surgery, may be advised depending on the cause.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to nasal congestion to your personal medical record.