![Congestion (stuffy nose) occurs when there is swelling of the tissues lining the nose. Congestion is caused by inflamed blood vessels and not excess mucus in the sinuses, which is a common misconception.](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/article/main_image/boy-toddler-blowing-runny-nose-congested-cold-flu-sick-parenting-care.jpg?output-quality=75)
Congestion (also called a stuffy nose) means there is swelling of the tissues lining the nose.
A misconception is that congestion occurs due to excess mucus in the sinuses, but congestion actually occurs due to inflamed blood vessels.
What Are Symptoms of Congestion?
Nasal congestion is a symptom in itself.
Signs of nasal congestion include:
- Stuffy nose
- Sinus pain
- Heavy feeling in the head
- Runny nose
- Postnasal drip, which may also cause:
See your doctor if you have nasal congestion and:
- Swelling of the forehead, eyes, side of the nose, or cheek or that is accompanied by blurry vision
- Throat pain
- White or yellow spots on the tonsils or other parts of the throat
- Nasal discharge
- With a bad smell
- That comes from only one side
- Is a color other than white or yellow
- Cough lasting more than 10 days
- Cough that produces yellow-green or gray mucus
- Nasal discharge following a head injury
- Symptoms that last more than 3 weeks
- Nasal discharge with fever
What Causes Congestion?
Causes of nasal congestion include:
- Common cold
- Influenza
- Sinus infection
- Hay fever or other allergies
- Using some over-the-counter (OTC) nasal sprays or drops for more than 3 days
- Nasal polyps
- Pregnancy
- Vasomotor rhinitis
How Is Congestion Diagnosed?
The cause of nasal congestion is diagnosed with a patient history and a physical examination that focuses on the ears, nose, throat, and airways.
Tests used to diagnose the cause of the congestion may include:
- Blood tests
- Allergy skin tests
- Sputum culture and throat culture
- X-rays of the sinuses
- Chest X-ray
What Is the Treatment for Congestion?
Nasal congestion can often be treated at home. Home remedies to ease the symptoms of nasal congestion include:
- Drinking plenty of clear fluids
- Applying a warm, moist washcloth to the face several times a day
- Inhaling steam 2 to 4 times a day, such as in the shower
- Using a vaporizer or humidifier
- Nasal wash to help remove mucus from the nose
- Use nasal saline spray 3 to 4 times per day
- Can be purchased at a drugstore or made at home
- Use 1 cup warm water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of baking soda
- Keep your head elevated, since congestion is often worse when lying down
- Use adhesive strips placed on the nose to widen nostrils
- For allergies:
- Prescription nasal sprays
- Avoid allergy triggers
- Take over-the-counter (OTC) medications to relieve symptoms
- Decongestants to help dry up a runny or stuffy nose
- Antihistamines to treat allergy symptoms
- Nasal sprays to help relieve stuffiness
- Don't use over-the-counter nasal sprays more than 3 days on and 3 days off, unless directed to do so by your doctor because excess use can worsen congestion
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