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Nasal congestion can be caused by anything that irritates or inflames the nasal tissues. Infections — such as colds, flu or sinusitis — and allergies are frequent causes of nasal congestion and runny nose. Sometimes a congested and runny nose can be caused by irritants such as tobacco smoke and car exhaust.
Is it normal to be congested all the time?
Living with chronic nasal congestion can be annoying and disruptive. Believe it not, it’s also bad for your health. Being constantly congested leaves you vulnerable to frequent sinus infections and colds. Also, because your sinuses are constantly inflamed, nasal congestion can actually lead to fatigue.
What causes congestion that won’t go away?
Your stuffy nose that just doesn’t seem to go away may be a sign of an underlying issue like allergies. Untreated allergies can cause chronic sinusitis with and without nasal polyps. Fortunately, chronic nasal congestion is very treatable. The first step is to visit a health care provider.
Why have I been congested for a month?
Chronic sinusitis can be caused by an infection, growths in the sinuses (nasal polyps) or swelling of the lining of your sinuses. Signs and symptoms may include a blocked or stuffy (congested) nose that causes difficulty breathing through your nose, and pain and swelling around your eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead.
How do I stop being so congested?
To keep your nasal passages moist, you can: Use a humidifier or vaporizer. Take long showers or breathe in steam from a pot of warm (but not too hot) water. Drink lots of fluids. Use a nasal saline spray. Try a Neti pot, nasal irrigator, or bulb syringe. Use a micro-current wave device.
Can you be congested without being sick?
Nasal congestion can be caused by anything that irritates or inflames the nasal tissues. Infections — such as colds, flu or sinusitis — and allergies are frequent causes of nasal congestion and runny nose. Sometimes a congested and runny nose can be caused by irritants such as tobacco smoke and car exhaust.
Can you live with chronic sinusitis?
The vast majority of patients can be treated on an outpatient basis and are nearly or completely symptom-free within weeks. “Many patients feel better than they have for decades — if not their entire lives — after sinus surgery,” Dr. Suh says.
Does chronic sinusitis ever go away?
Can chronic sinusitis go away on its own? This is unlikely. Most people who have had sinus problems for more than 12 weeks have an underlying cause which will need treatment.
What can mimic a sinus infection?
Several conditions mimic sinus infection, including the common cold, influenza, nasal polyposis, sarcoidosis, neoplasia, acquired and congenital immuno-deficiency, allergic and nonallergic rhinitis, Wegener’s granulomatosis, and fungal infection.
What causes nighttime congestion?
When a person lies down at night, there is more blood flowing to the head, leading to an increased congestion of the nasal lining. A flat lying position also inhibits gravity-dependent sinus and nasal drainage and can worsen nasal congestion.
When should I see a doctor for sinus congestion?
See a doctor if you have: Severe symptoms, such as severe headache or facial pain. Symptoms that get worse after initially improving. Symptoms lasting more than 10 days without improvement.
What kind of doctor should I see for chronic sinusitis?
An ENT For Chronic Sinusitis Chronic or recurrent sinus infections may require an ear nose and throat specialist called an Otolaryngologist. An ENT specialist is trained in medical and surgical treatment of adults and children concerned with diseases of the ear, nose, and throat.
When should I go to the doctor for nasal congestion?
For adults – seek medical attention if: Your symptoms last more than 10 days. You have a high fever. Your nasal discharge is yellow or green and you also have sinus pain or fever. This may be a sign of a bacterial infection.
Why is my nose always running even when I’m not sick?
Some of the most common causes include allergies, infections, and nasal polyps. Some other factors that can trigger a constant, clear runny nose include food, medications, and changes in hormones. Most causes of a constant clear runny nose can be treated with OTC medications and home remedies.
Can you have sinus congestion with Covid?
Symptoms for COVID-19 Common symptoms of a COVID-19 infection may include: Body aches. Congestion or runny nose.
How do you manually drain your sinuses?
Find the area between your nasal bone and the corner of the eyes. Hold a firm pressure in that spot with your fingers for about 15 seconds. Then, using your index fingers, stroke downward along the side of the bridge of your nose. Repeat the slow downward strokes for about 30 seconds.
What foods help clear sinuses?
Take Antioxidants in Plenty Bright colored vegetables and fruits such as berries, kiwi, pumpkin, papaya, sweet potatoes, and pineapple are all rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Pineapple also contains enzymes that break down the buildup on the sinuses and reduces inflammation.
What does an ENT do for chronic sinusitis?
Typically, an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) will examine your nose with a tiny nasal endoscope that allows the specialist to look for mechanical obstruction, redness, swelling, and sinus drainage. If previous antibiotics have failed, a culture of the sinus drainage may guide further therapy.
Does Claritin help chronic sinusitis?
Along the same lines as OTC options, antihistamine medications, such as Sudafed, Claritin, Zyrtec or Benadryl, can also offer sinus infection symptom relief. While these medications specifically target allergy symptoms, sinus infection symptoms can be similar, making antihistamines worth a try.
