Common Causes of Nasal Problems

May 06, 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! 




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