When your nasal passages become inflamed and swollen, it can cause difficulty breathing, pressure in your head, and overall discomfort. The discomfort associated with nasal congestion Los Gatos can make sleeping, working, or performing daily activities difficult. Therefore, finding effective ways to manage and alleviate the congestion can greatly improve your quality of life. Nasal congestion can be due to allergies, infections, or underlying medical conditions.

Sinus infections

Sinuses are the cavities in the bones around your nose, producing mucus to help moisten the nasal passages and trap foreign particles. An inflammation in your sinuses can cause excessive mucus production, leading to nasal congestion, which can cause discomfort and difficulty breathing through your nose. The signature symptoms of a sinus infection include nasal congestion, facial pain or pressure, headache, postnasal drip, and a cough. In some cases, you may develop a fever. Acute sinusitis typically lasts for a few weeks and resolves independently or with treatment, while chronic sinusitis persists for more than 12 weeks and may require more extensive treatment.

Deviated septum

The nasal septum is a thin bone and cartilage wall separating your nostrils. If your septum is bent or crooked, it can obstruct your nasal passages and cause nasal congestion. The extent of the obstruction varies from person to person, with some experiencing mild discomfort while others may have severe symptoms that require treatment. The deviation can cause your nasal tissues to become dry and irritated, leading to inflammation and swelling, causing your nasal passages to become narrower, and making it difficult to breathe through your nose.

Allergies

When your body encounters an allergen, it triggers an immune system reaction that results in inflammation and swelling of your nasal tissues. This inflammation causes your nasal passages to become blocked, making it difficult to breathe through your nose. Allergic rhinitis is an allergy that specifically affects the nasal passages. It can be seasonal or perennial, depending on the allergen. Treatment for allergies typically involves avoiding the allergen if possible, taking antihistamines or decongestants, and in severe cases, immunotherapy.

Nasal polyps

Nasal polyps are benign growths that can develop in your nasal passages or sinuses. They are typically teardrop-shaped and can vary in size. These growths can obstruct your nasal passages, resulting in nasal congestion. The real cause of nasal polyps is still a mystery, but medical experts believe them to result from chronic inflammation in the nasal and sinus tissues. If you have asthma, allergies, chronic sinusitis, or cystic fibrosis, you are at a higher risk of developing nasal polyps.

Environmental irritants

Exposure to smoke, air pollution, and chemicals can irritate the lining of your nasal passages, causing them to become swollen and inflamed. The inflammation can lead to a stuffy nose and other symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and watery eyes. These irritants can also exacerbate chronic conditions like allergies and asthma, which may contribute to nasal congestion.

If you have persistent nasal congestion, call the Silicon Valley ENT & Sinus Center office or book an appointment online for diagnosis and treatment.