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{{Nasal Congestion}}
'''For patient information, click [[Nasal Congestion (patient information)|here]]'''


{{Search infobox}}
{{CMG}}; '''Associate Editor-In-Chief:'''{{SM}}
{{CMG}}


==Overview==
==[[Nasal Congestion overview|Overview]]==
'''Nasal congestion''' is the blockage of the [[nose|nasal]] passages usually due to membranes lining the nose becoming swollen from inflamed blood vessels.  It is also known as '''nasal blockage''', '''nasal obstruction''', '''blocked nose''', '''runny nose''', and '''stuffy nose'''.


==Natural history==
==[[Nasal Congestion historical perspective|Historical Perspective]]==
Nasal congestion has many causes and can range from a mild annoyance to a life-threatening condition. The newborn [[infant]] is an obligate nose breather and must breathe through the nose. Nasal congestion in an infant in the first few months of life can interfere with nursing and cause life-threatening respiratory distress. Nasal congestion in older children and [[adolescent]]s is often just an annoyance but can cause other difficulties.


Nasal congestion can interfere with the ears, hearing, and speech development. Significant congestion may interfere with sleep, cause snoring, and can be associated with [[sleep apnea]]. In children, nasal congestion from enlarged [[adenoids]] has caused chronic sleep apnea with insufficient [[oxygen]] levels and [[Hypoxia (medical)|hypoxia]], as well as right-sided heart failure. The problem usually resolves after surgery to remove the [[adenoids]] and [[tonsils]].
==[[Nasal Congestion classification|Classification]]==


A blocked nose can also cause mild facial and head [[Pain and nociception|pain]], and a degree of discomfort.
==[[Nasal Congestion pathophysiology|Pathophysiology]]==


== Common causes ==
==[[Nasal Congestion causes|Causes]]==
* Allergic reaction
* [[Common cold]] or [[influenza]]
* [[Hay_fever|Hay fever]], allergic reaction to pollen or grass
* [[Sinusitis]] or sinus infection
* Many women suffer from nasal congestion during pregnancy due to the increased amount of blood flowing through the body.
== Differential diagnosis of causes of nasal congestion==  


In alphabetical order. <ref>Sailer, Christian, Wasner, Susanne. Differential Diagnosis Pocket. Hermosa Beach, CA: Borm Bruckmeir Publishing LLC, 2002:77 ISBN 1591032016</ref> <ref>Kahan, Scott, Smith, Ellen G. In A Page: Signs and Symptoms. Malden, Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishing, 2004:68 ISBN 140510368X</ref>
==[[Nasal Congestion differential diagnosis|Differentiating Nasal Congestion from other Diseases]]==


* Congenital abnormality
==[[Nasal Congestion epidemiology and demographics|Epidemiology and Demographics]]==
* [[Cystic Fibrosis]]
* [[Folliculitis]] of nasal hair
* Foreign body in nose
* Idiopathic rhinitis
* Intranasal [[cocaine]] use
* Medication side effects
* NARES
* [[Nasal polyps]]
* Perennial [[allergic rhinitis]]
* Rhinitis medicamentosa
* [[Sarcoidosis]]
* Seasonal allergic rhinitis
* [[Sinusitis]]
* [[Upper respiratory infection]]
* [[Vasomotor rhinitis]]
* [[Wegener's Granulomatosis]]


== History and Symptoms ==  
==[[Nasal Congestion risk factors|Risk Factors]]==
* Duration
* Onset
* Recurrence pattern
* Medications/illicit drug use
* Associated symptoms


=== Physical Examination ===
==[[Nasal Congestion screening|Screening]]==
* Examination should include the following exams:
*:* Ears
*:* Sinuses
*:* Eyes
*:* Nares
*:* Oral mucosa
*:* Posterior pharynx
*:* Tongue
*:* Neck
*:* Chest
*:* Heart
== Laboratory Findings ==
* Nasal cultures
=== MRI and CT ===
* CT scan of sinuses
=== Other Diagnostic Studies ===
* Rhinoscopic exam/nasopharyngolaryngoscopy
* Nasal lavage
* Allergy testing
== Treatment ==


In general:
==[[Nasal Congestion natural history, complications and prognosis|Natural History, Complications and Prognosis]]==


* Intranasal saline lavage
==Diagnosis==
* Avoid allergens
[[Nasal Congestion history and symptoms|History and Symptoms]] | [[Nasal Congestion physical examination|Physical Examination]] | [[Nasal Congestion laboratory findings|Laboratory Findings]] | [[Nasal Congestion x ray|X Ray]] | [[Nasal Congestion CT|CT]] | [[Nasal Congestion MRI|MRI]] | [[Nasal Congestion other imaging findings|Other Imaging Findings]] | [[Nasal Congestion other diagnostic studies|Other Diagnostic Studies]]


Drinking plenty of fluids, more than usual, aids the body in expelling the irritant and clearing congestion. [[Water]], fruit juice,  [[tea]]s and [[mayonnaise]] are recommended by medical experts to resolve congestion, and rest and [[sleep]] are also suggested remedies in a case of nasal congestion. Carbonated beverages also can help to alleviate nasal congestion. Increasing air moisture with a humidifier or a steamy bath or shower usually helps relieve the congestion and accompanying discomfort.
==Treatment==
[[Nasal Congestion medical therapy|Medical Therapy]] | [[Nasal Congestion surgery|Surgery]] | [[Nasal Congestion primary prevention|Primary Prevention]] | [[Nasal Congestion secondary prevention|Secondary Prevention]] | [[Nasal Congestion cost-effectiveness of therapy|Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy]] | [[Nasal Congestion future or investigational therapies|Future or Investigational Therapies]]


Neither influenza nor the common cold can be cured with medication; however, drugs such as [[acetaminophen]], [[decongestants]], [[nasal spray]]s or drops, cough remedies and throat lozenges may provide some [[symptom]] relief. Furthermore, medications have recently been approved which, when started shortly after the onset of symptoms, may shorten the duration of influenza.
==Case Studies==
[[Nasal Congestion case study one|Case #1]]
{{WH}}


A cause of nasal congestion may also be due to an allergic reaction caused by [[hay fever]], so avoiding [[allergen]]s is a common remedy if this becomes a confirmed diagnosis. [[Antihistamines]] and decongestants can provide significant symptom relief although they do not cure hay fever. Antihistamines may be given continuously during pollen season for optimum control of symptoms.
{{WS}}
 
[[Topical decongestant]]s should only be used by patients for a maximum of 3 days in a row, because rebound congestion may occur in the form of [[rhinitis medicamentosa]].
 
Insertion of cotton swabs into a child's nostrils as a remedy is generally discouraged. An alternative solution is for the discharge to be caught outside the nostril on a tissue or swab, be rolled around, and have the discharge pulled out of the nose. [[Petroleum jelly]] applied to the nasal openings can assist in providing protection against [[irritation]], though it is important to ensure that the nostrils are not blocked by the jelly.
 
The ancient use of [[nasal irrigation]], which originated from the [[Yoga]] practice of jala neti, is also said to help reduce nasal congestions. It involves rinsing the [[nasal cavity]] regularly with salty water.
 
Alternately thrusting the tongue against the roof of the mouth and pressing between the eyebrows with a finger for approximately thirty seconds can loosen congestion. This method causes the [[vomer bone]], which runs through the nasal passages to the mouth, to rock back and forth, forcing sinuses to drain.<ref>http://health.msn.com/menshealth/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100119940&GT1=7538</ref>
 
=== Acute Pharmacotherapies ===
* Intranasal or oral decongestants
* [[Amoxicillin]]
* [[Trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole]]
* [[Doxycycline]]
* Intranasal steroids
* [[Antihistamines]]
* [[Cromolyn sodium]]
 
==References==
<references/>
 
==External links ==
* [http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/runny-nose/ID00006 Runny nose and stuffy nose: Self-care]
* Unblock a [http://www.buteykoscotland.co.uk/nose.htm Stuffy Nose: self help]
 
 
 
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[[Category:Symptoms]]
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Latest revision as of 22:52, 29 July 2020

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-In-Chief:Shivali Marketkar, M.B.B.S. [2]

Overview

Historical Perspective

Classification

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Nasal Congestion from other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Screening

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | X Ray | CT | MRI | Other Imaging Findings | Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Medical Therapy | Surgery | Primary Prevention | Secondary Prevention | Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy | Future or Investigational Therapies

Case Studies

Case #1 Template:WH

Template:WS