Nasal congestion is caused when irritants enter through the nose and are not rooted out by the hair and cilia responsible for protecting your nasal passageways. When this happens, the interior tissue lining of the nose becomes inflamed and begins to swell. In response to this, your immune system floods your nose with mucus to help wash away the irritants. However, the combination of swollen nasal tissues and mucus often stuffs up your nose, making you feel congested.
 
It is common for infections, such as cold and flu, and allergies to cause flare ups of nasal congestion. Other causes of nasal congestion include:
 
• A deviated septum
• Acute and chronic sinusitis (nasal and sinus infection)
• Alcohol consumption
• Asthma
• Certain medications
• Churg-Strauss syndrome
• Dry air
• Enlarged adenoids
• Hormonal changes
• Nasal polyps
• Nonallergic rhinitis
• Overusing nasal spray
• Pregnancy
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• Sleep apnea
• Some types of food
• Stress
• Thyroid disorders
• Tobacco smoke
 
Depending on what is triggering your condition and the severity if your symptoms and how often you’re experiencing congestion flare ups, you may be referred to a specialist for more focused care.

Nasal congestion is characterized symptoms of sneezing, coughing, and headache. You may also experience redness and swelling inside and around the nose.

While nasal congestion typically dissipates within 2-3 days, symptoms that persist for longer may indicate a more severe condition, such as a bacterial infection. If you have any of the following symptoms, you should seek care from a medical provider at your earliest convenience:
 
• Nasal congestion that lasts for more than 10 days
• Discolored mucus coming from the nose (green, yellow, or bloody)
• Nasal congestion is accompanied by a fever.
 
If your newborn baby has nasal congestion that is preventing them from feeding, you should bring them in to see a pediatrician as soon as possible.
 
While you may not be able to completely prevent nasal congestion, a medical practitioner can help you reduce how often you experience it by identifying the root cause. This may include factors such as seasonal allergies, colds, flu, certain medications, and coinciding medical conditions.

Nasal congestion will typically resolve itself after 2-3 days. However, if you have congestion that has lasted for more than 10 days, it may be a sign that something more significant is going on (such as an infection). When left untreated, nasal congestion can cause infections, sinusitis, nasal polyps, and ear infections.
 
It’s always best to consult your healthcare provider to get to the bottom of nasal congestion that is long-lasting or keeps reoccurring over time. Healthcare providers may not be able to completely cure the condition but they can help you to treat uncomfortable symptoms and recommend the best practices to prevent recurrences.
 
Nasal congestion can be uncomfortable and disruptive to your life, especially if it lasts a prolonged amount of time or happens consistently throughout the year. If you’re looking for more insight into your congestion, or would like to discuss potential treatment options, contact our specialists at Southern ENT Associates. We’re happy to answer any of your questions so that you can feel comfortable and confident moving forward into the next phase of treatment. We serve patients from Thibodaux LA, Houma LA, Raceland LA, Morgan City LA, New Iberia LA, Youngsville LA, and surrounding areas!