What Are The Causes Of Nasal Congestion?
All people, at some point in their life, have experienced nasal congestion. It is a very frequent symptom that, in addition, can become very annoying and unpleasant. Although this sensation is believed to be due to excess thick mucus, it is not always the case.
In fact, on many occasions nasal congestion is associated with a liquid and fluid discharge, such as a drip. The main cause of this symptom is the common cold. However, it is not the only reason it can happen. We explain everything you need to know about it.
Causes of nasal congestion
Nasal congestion, as we have pointed out, is a very common sign that can appear as a result of many reasons. Any issue that irritates or inflames the lining of the nose can cause it. In most cases it is a benign and self-limited process, such as a common cold.
According to a study carried out at the University of Chicago, the clinical syndromes that most frequently cause nasal congestion are the processes of the upper airways, such as the following:
- Allergic rhinitis.
- Vasomotor rhinitis.
- Chronic sinusitis.
Other causes of nasal congestion
Any situation that irritates the mucosa of the nose, such as smoke, a foreign body located in the nose or even a draft of air that is too dry, can lead to nasal congestion. According to the MSD Manual, nasal septum deviation is also a problem frequently associated with this symptom.
Other less common diseases, such as Churg-Strauss syndrome or Wegener’s granulomatosis, are related to nasal congestion. The two pathologies are produced by an alteration of the blood vessels.
Home remedies and tips
There are numerous home remedies and simple measures that help relieve and reduce nasal congestion. Ideally, avoid any substance that can further irritate the lining of the nose. Remember that the underlying problem is not always an infection, but also exposure to allergens.
For example, you have to try to stay in a room free of smoke, either tobacco or combustion. If possible, the air should be humidified, so that the dryness of certain environments is counteracted.
In addition, staying well hydrated is essential to make the mucus more liquid and fluid. Thus, in cases in which the cause is an infection, the mucus is eliminated more quickly. In many cases, serum or salt water washes can be helpful.
In an article published in the Offarm Magazine they recommend using sea water to wash the nostrils. This is because it does not have any toxic effect on the lining of the nose. However, although it is harmless, its effect is not as fast as that of certain medications that a professional has the ability to prescribe.
Can it be prevented?
The truth is that, most of the time, nasal congestion is caused by an infection of the upper respiratory tract, as we pointed out at the beginning. In this way, one of the basic prevention measures for this symptom is to try to avoid colds and flu.
For this, vaccination against certain viruses can be useful. They comment on this in an article in the Cuban Journal of Pediatrics, in which they mention that, in addition to reducing symptoms such as nasal congestion, the incidence of complications and even mortality are reduced.
When the cause is an allergic process, prevention is based on staying away from the substance in question that triggers the reaction. However, not all sources of congestion are preventable, although many of them can be treated. Therefore, the ideal is to always consult a doctor.
Nasal congestion and its multiple origins
Nasal congestion is a symptom that can appear for many reasons. The main causes are respiratory infections and allergic processes. However, it may be a hormonal imbalance, a systemic illness, or an irritant such as smoke.
The differentiation between one origin and the other can be simple in winter, for example, when there is flu and cold circulation. But it is complicated in other times and in environments where factors converge, such as low humidity and the existence of passive smoking. When in doubt, it is preferable to make a consultation to evaluate the use of inhalers or medications, acute or chronic.
