What is nasal congestion?
Nasal congestion refers to the swelling of your nasal passages that impairs breathing through your nose. The swelling is caused by inflammation in the blood vessels that line your nasal passage. In addition to the stuffiness, you may also experience nasal discharge.
It’s not unusual to develop nasal congestion during a viral infection, such as a cold or flu. But your nasal congestion may also be a symptom of an underlying chronic condition, such as sinusitis, allergies, deviated septum, or nasal polyps.
When should I see a doctor for nasal congestion?
Nasal congestion is common, and you may be able to alleviate your symptoms with at-home care, such as the use of a vaporizer or dehumidifier or an over-the-counter decongestant. However, you should seek medical care at Felipe J. Martinez MD for your nasal congestion if you’re also experiencing:
- Facial swelling or blurred vision
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Nasal discharge that has a bad smell or is white or yellow
- Nasal discharge from only one nostril
- Symptoms that last three or more weeks
- Prolonged coughing
You should also schedule an appointment if your nasal congestion is due to allergies, and your current regimen is no longer working.
What can I expect during a nasal congestion evaluation?
Felipe J. Martinez MD is a full-service ENT and allergy practice and conducts comprehensive examinations when you come in with concerns about nasal congestion. To better understand the underlying cause of your symptoms, you can expect a review of your medical and family history, as well as a physical exam.
To confirm or rule out a diagnosis, you may need to undergo special diagnostic testing, such as blood testing, sputum culture, nasal endoscopy to evaluate your nasal and sinus passages, X-rays, or an MRI. A recommendation for skin allergy testing is also possible if allergies are the suspected cause of your nasal congestion.
How is nasal congestion treated?
Treatment for your nasal congestion depends on the underlying cause. The full-service ENT and allergy practice, Felipe J. Martinez MD, offers the most advanced treatment options available to help you get relief. Your treatment plan may include:
- Allergy medication
- Immunotherapy
- Decongestant
- Nasal spray
- Lifestyle modification
Felipe J. Martinez MD also offers many in-house procedures to alleviate nasal congestion, including submucosal resection of the turbinates, which are the tissues in your nose responsible for cleaning and humidifying the air as you breathe in. This procedure also helps if you have a deviated septum.
Other in-office procedures that may be recommended to alleviate nasal congestion include nasal polypectomy, septoplasty, or balloon sinuplasty.
To get relief from your nasal congestion, contact Felipe J. Martinez MD by phone or online today.
