Diseases
nasal congestion
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Nasal congestion or "stuffy nose" occurs when nasal and adjacent tissues and blood vessels become swollen with excess fluid, causing a "stuffy" plugged feeling. Nasal congestion may or may not include a nasal discharge or "runny nose."
Symptoms
- a stuffy or runny nose
- sinus pain
- mucus buildup
- swollen nasal tissue
Causes
- allergies, or hay fever.
- noncancerous growths, called nasal polyps, or benign tumors in the nasal passages
- a long-lasting sinus infection, known as chronic sinusitis
Risk factors
- churg-strauss syndrome, or common cold.
- decongestant nasal spray overuse.
- deviated septum.
Diagnosis
- physical exam.
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is nasal congestion?
Nasal congestion or "stuffy nose" occurs when nasal and adjacent tissues and blood vessels become swollen with excess fluid, causing a "stuffy" plugged feeling. Nasal congestion may or may not include a nasal discharge or "runny nose."
What are the symptoms of nasal congestion?
a stuffy or runny nose, sinus pain, mucus buildup, swollen nasal tissue
What causes nasal congestion?
allergies, or hay fever.; noncancerous growths, called nasal polyps, or benign tumors in the nasal passages; a long-lasting sinus infection, known as chronic sinusitis
Which medicines are used for nasal congestion?
hypertonic saline, isotonic seawater, naphazoline, oxymetazoline, phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine, tetrahydrozoline, xylometazoline
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