Common Causes of Nasal Problems

May 6, 2022

Has your nose been stuffy or runny for some time now? Or maybe you’re experiencing constant postnasal drainage? If that’s the case, we recommend visiting a doctor. Persisting stuffy nose, sinus pains, and postnasal drainage could be symptoms of an underlying medical condition like chronic sinusitis or nasal congestions.

 

If you have a common cold or the flu, home remedies are typically sufficient to treat them. However, if your symptoms are long-lasting and on and off, you might require medical attention.
 
Various conditions could be causing your nasal problems. Here are some of them.


Nasal Congestion


When the tissues in your nose become swollen with excess fluid, it can lead to a stuffy or plugged feeling. This condition is referred to as nasal congestion. It’s commonly caused by inflammation of the blood vessels in the nasal passage. If you encounter particular allergens or are recovering from a common cold or the flu, it could cause inflammation in your sinuses, resulting in nasal congestion.


Allergic Rhinitis


Allergic rhinitis or hay fever is an allergic reaction to tiny particles in the air called allergens. Common allergens include dust mites, pollen, mold, and pet dander.
 
When you come into contact with allergens, your body produces histamine, a natural chemical that tries to get rid of unwanted substances. Histamine triggers allergic reactions, leaving you with a stuffy nose or watery eyes.

 

If someone in your family has severe allergies, you’re more likely to experience allergic rhinitis. Doctors usually prescribe antihistamine medications, nasal sprays, or decongestants to treat allergic rhinitis.


Deviated Septum


When the thin wall dividing your nasal passages is displaced to one side, it’s referred to as a deviated septum. This means that one of your nasal passages is smaller than the other. If your septum has severely deviated, it can restrict airflow into your nostrils and cause breathing difficulties.

 

When usual medications such as nasal sprays and antihistamines don’t work, your doctor might suggest surgery to correct a deviated septum. Talk to a trusted healthcare expert about undergoing rhinoplasty or septoplasty and decide if it’s the right choice for you.


Chronic Sinusitis


When your sinuses are swollen and inflamed for longer than three months despite undergoing treatment, chances are you have chronic sinusitis. This is a common condition that can affect both adults and children alike. Chronic sinusitis can be caused by infections in your nasal passage, exposure to allergens, and the growth of nasal polyps on your sinuses. If home remedies and over-the-counter medication haven't worked, talk to your doctor about the treatment options available to you.


Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths on your sinuses caused by inflammation in your nasal passage. They’re painless growths that usually occur in people in their 30s and 40s.

 

Steroid sprays are prescribed to shrink the polyps and reduce symptoms. However, when they don’t work, you may have to undergo endoscopic sinus surgery to have them removed.

 

 

 

If you’re experiencing frequent troubles with your nose, contact our experts at ENT Medical and Surgical Group. Whether you’re experiencing a stuffy nose or a persistent mouth sore, you can rely on our over 25 years of proven experience to bring you relief. We are dedicated to providing the best possible patient experience to you. Call us at (203) 752-1726 or contact us online! 




A woman with sinus tumor is holding her hand to her forehead because she has a headache.

Are Sinus Tumors Curable?

March 17, 2025
Sinus tumors, though relatively rare, can be a concerning diagnosis for anyone. Understanding the nature of these tumors and the available treatment options is crucial for patients and their loved ones. This blog aims to provide clear, accessible information about sinus tumors, their treatment, and prospects for a cure.
A teenage boy with hearing problems is using a hearing aid.

How Do I Know If I Need a Hearing Aid?

March 3, 2025
Hearing is something we often don't think about until it becomes a problem. For some people, changes in hearing happen slowly and can be hard to notice at first. So, how can you tell if you might need a hearing aid? Here are some signs to look for and what to do if you think your hearing might not be as sharp as it used to be.
A woman is experiencing Thyroid Disorder Symptoms

When to Consult an ENT Specialist for Thyroid Disorder Symptoms

February 10, 2025
Thyroid disorders can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. The thyroid, a small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, plays an integral role in regulating the body's metabolism, energy production, and overall health. When something goes wrong with the thyroid, it can lead to a range of symptoms that may affect various bodily functions. Recognizing these symptoms early helps manage the condition effectively.
Surgeons operating sinus tumors

What to Expect During Sinus Tumor Surgery

January 24, 2025
Sinus tumors can develop in the nasal cavity or the sinuses, which are air-filled spaces in the skull that connect to the nose. Surgery is often recommended to remove the tumor and prevent it from causing further complications. The exact nature of the surgery depends on the location, size, and type of tumor and whether it has spread
A black and white photo of a bald man wearing glasses and hearing aid

How Hearing Aids Can Help with Hearing Loss

January 7, 2025
Hearing is essential to our daily lives, connecting us to conversations, experiences, and the world around us. For most people, it can take a while to recognize a hearing problem and take appropriate action. The sooner you take action, the more it helps you. If you’ve been wondering whether hearing aids might be right for you, understanding the signs of hearing loss can help you make that decision and start taking appropriate action.
A woman in a white sweater suffering from blocked ears is looking down with her eyes closed.

How to Unblock an Ear During a Cold

December 28, 2024
A blocked ear is a common problem during or after a cold. It can make hearing muffled, cause discomfort, and sometimes lead to dizziness. This happens because colds can affect the eustachian tube, a small canal connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat. When the tube becomes inflamed or clogged with mucus, it disrupts the normal pressure in the ear, causing that blocked feeling. If you’re dealing with this, here’s how to address it safely and effectively.
A woman is laying in bed blowing her nose into a napkin.

How Long Do Sinus Infections Last?

December 10, 2024
A sinus infection, or sinusitis, occurs when the tissues lining the sinuses become swollen or inflamed. This inflammation can cause blockages and lead to nasal congestion, facial pain, pressure, and a stuffy nose. The infection can be triggered by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or allergens. Knowing how long it lasts and the factors influencing its duration can help individuals manage their symptoms effectively.
A woman is sitting on a couch wrapped in a blanket.

Effective Remedies to Relieve a Sore Throat

November 29, 2024
A sore throat can be irritating and uncomfortable, making simple actions like swallowing or talking challenging. It often accompanies colds, flu, and allergies, causing pain and inflammation in the throat. The good news is that there are effective, simple remedies that can bring relief.
A woman is covering her ears while a man snores in the background.

How to Stop Snoring

November 12, 2024
Snoring is more than just a nighttime issue; it can indicate something is wrong with your body. Many people may brush it off as a harmless habit, but for some, snoring can disrupt sleep patterns, lead to daytime fatigue, and even strain relationships. Moreover, it can sometimes indicate underlying health conditions like sleep apnea. Understanding the reasons behind snoring and finding effective ways to address it can make a big difference in sleep quality and overall well-being.
portrait of a woman experiencing dizziness

How Do You Know If Dizziness Is Serious?

October 29, 2024
Dizziness is something almost everyone experiences at some point. It refers to a sensation of lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or feeling like the world is spinning. It can have many causes, from dehydration to anxiety or even changes in your inner ear. Though uncomfortable, dizziness usually resolves on its own. However, sometimes it can be a sign of a more significant problem.
More Posts
Share by: