Define Congestion

It's hard for a person to feel well when they can't breathe right or have so much fluid in their body that moving is uncomfortable. If someone goes to the doctor and complains they are feeling this way, the doctor very well may tell them what they are experiencing is congestion. What does this mean, and is congestion treatable?

Definition

• Congestion most commonly refers to a buildup of fluid in the lung and sinus areas. The buildup of fluid can put pressure on tissues in these areas. Generally, this makes it harder to breathe. You may experience a runny nose, cough, itching sensation or watery eyes in conjunction with the congestion.

  Congestion less commonly refers to a buildup of blood or other fluid in body tissues. Congestion by this definition does not necessarily result in congestion co-symptoms such as watery eyes, but depending on the cause of the congestion, pain or a tingling sensation may occur.

Causes

• The most prevalent cause of congestion as relates to the nasal and lung congestion is infection (e.g., the common cold). Allergic reaction also can result in congestion, especially if the allergen is inhaled. The congestion that occurs with hay fever is an example of this.

  The causes of non-sinus and lung congestion most often are related to some kind of physical impact on the body. For example, when doctors do operations, they may clamp a vein or artery, which keeps blood from leaving an area of the body as it normally does. Sitting on your foot is another example of actively causing congestion, since the weight of your body stops blood from getting to the foot. Trauma also can cause congestion.

Treatment--Respiratory

• Decongestants shrink the blood vessels in the affected body tissue, but they shouldn't be used for more than a few days. Allergy medication or therapy also may help if the congestion is not caused by a virus. Try to sit upright, use a humidifier and try a saline nasal spray.

Treatment--Non-respiratory

• There are many treatments for non-respiratory congestion because so many factors can cause blood and fluid to build up in the tissue. During surgery, congestion may be relieved as soon as a doctor releases a clamp. Doctors may need to put in stents to keep arteries open and relieve congestion. Pregnant women can relieve water congestion in the feet by delivering the baby, keeping the feet elevated and avoiding long periods of sitting.

Warning

• If your congestion is so bad you are feeling faint from not getting enough oxygen, or if it is accompanied by pain, go to the emergency room immediately. If the pain or tingling is in your left arm or if one side of your body feels very weak, these are true medical emergencies, as they suggest the congestion may be causing a heart attack or stroke.