Nasal Obstruction occurs due to common cold or sinusitis. It is manifested in the form of a stuffy or runny nose, sinus pain, mucus build up and swollen nasal tissue. Simple home remedies can cure nasal obstruction. But if the problem persists, medical intervention is required.
Nasal obstruction is more risky and threatening in infants than in older children and adults. It interferes with infant feedings and can develop fatal breathing problems. Often, it may prevent normal speech and hearing development.
Causes of Nasal Obstruction
Nasal obstruction or congestion is caused by minor illnesses such as: a cold, flu, and sinus infections. These cause stuffy noses and inflammation in the nose. These minor illness-related congestions usually improve within a week.
Often nasal obstruction can continue for more than a week. It obviously indicates some other health issues such as:
- allergies
- hay fever
- noncancerous growths such as: nasal polyps, or benign tumors in the nasal passages
- chemical exposures
- environmental irritants
- a long-lasting sinus infection which is known as chronic sinusitis
- a deviated septum
During pregnancy, nasal obstruction may occur at the end of first trimester due to hormone fluctuations and increased blood supply. The nasal membrane gets affected by these changes in hormone and blood supply and as a result becomes inflamed, dry or starts to bleed.
Some Home Remedies to Cure Nasal Obstruction
Treating nasal obstruction using humidifiers at home is supposed to be the best home remedy. Humidifiers help breaking up mucus and soothing inflamed nasal passageways by adding moisture to the air.
Propping head up on the pillow helps mucus to flow out of the nasal passages.
Saline spray also helps removing nasal obstruction. But for babies and children an aspirator or nasal bulbs are used to remove any remaining mucus in the child’s or baby’s nose.
When to Consult a doctor for Nasal Obstruction
If home remedies for nasal obstruction fail, or if the problem interferes with your normal activities or if the congestion becomes painful, it is better to consult a doctor. Here are a few more conditions of nasal obstruction that require medical intervention:
- congestion lasting longer than 10 days
- congestion accompanied by a high fever lasting more than 3 days
- green nasal discharge along with sinus pain and fever
- a weakened immune system, asthma, or emphysema
- bloody nasal discharge or a constant flow of clear discharge due to some head injury
Treatment for Nasal Obstruction
For chronic nasal obstruction, the doctors prepare a treatment plan after diagnosing the proper cause of the symptoms. The treatment plan includes medication and therapy such as:
- Treatment of allergy using oral antihistamines
- Use of nasal spray that contains antihistamines
- Using nasal steroids, such as mometasone or fluticasone
- Using antibiotics
- Certain exercises like deep breathing, chaotic breathing etc.
The doctors however, suggest for surgery if the nasal obstruction is caused by tumors or nasal polyps in your nasal passages or sinuses which keep mucus from draining out.
Nasal obstructions are not life threatening. With proper treatment you can get rid of nasal obstructions.
About CURA
CURA, Maternity Hospital in Bangalore has a very well equipped and modern ENT ../department where renowned doctors are treating patients suffering from various ailments related to their ears, noses and throats. The laboratories and OTs at Suresh Hospital have all the modern tools and equipments to carry out all kinds of diagnosis procedures and surgeries ensuring 100% success. For any kind of issues and ailments related to your ear, nose and throat consult the specialists at Suresh Hospital and avail the best treatment.