What Is Nasal Congestion?

Whether it's allergy season, or cold and flu season, nasal congestion can be both inconvenient and miserable. Nasal congestion can, in most cases, be mild. However, severe nasal congestion can cause speech development issues in children, and can even be life threatening for those with severe respiratory illnesses.

Definition

• Nasal congestion is the blockage of the nasal cavity by excess mucus that is unable to exit the nose by typical means. This causes a backup of pressure through the nasal cavity and into the sinuses. Nasal congestion can cause the feeling of "stuffiness" and pressure inside the sinuses.

Causes

• Nasal congestion is usually caused by a virus (such as the cold or flu virus) or an allergy irritant. Both viruses and allergies cause nasal congestion through the swelling of the blood vessels and tissues of the nose. The swelling blocks the nasal passages and causes excess mucus to build up behind the blockage. This causes the feeling of congestion. Although the main causes for nasal congestion are the cold and flu and allergens, nasal congestion can also occur with drug abuse, pregnancy and diseases such as rubella, DiGeorge syndrome and the chickenpox.

Treatment

• Decongestants and antihistamines are the two most common forms of treatment for nasal congestion. Decongestants reduce the swelling of the blood vessels in the nose, allowing mucus to make its way out and relieve the pressure behind it. Antihistamines reduce the amount of mucus being produced, which also helps relieve the congestion. Other natural methods include drinking plenty of fluids and the use of a vaporizer or humidifier.

Children

• With children you need to be particularly careful with nasal congestion. Infants who are breast feeding are especially susceptible to serious problems when it comes to nasal congestion. Children with chronic nasal congestion can have difficulty learning to talk correctly. Using an aspirator bulb can help relieve some of the pressure during nasal congestion without exposing the child to harmful medications.

Medical Help

• Most cases of nasal congestion can be taken care of at home. However, there are a few symptoms that can tell you that it's time to see a doctor. These symptoms include: forehead and eye swelling, cough lasting more than eight days, or white or yellow spots on the tonsil or throat. Yellowish or gray mucus is also a sign to see your doctor, as this is usually the sign of an infection.