{"id":240,"date":"2021-04-15T15:06:03","date_gmt":"2021-04-15T22:06:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nesilv.fm1.dev\/ear-nose-throat-care\/congestion-stuffy-nose\/"},"modified":"2021-04-30T14:52:17","modified_gmt":"2021-04-30T21:52:17","slug":"congestion-stuffy-nose","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/ent\/congestion-stuffy-nose\/","title":{"rendered":"Congestion &#038; Stuffy Nose"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [{\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What Causes Nasal Congestion?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Congestion occurs when nasal tissues and blood vessels become swollen and inflamed. It has little to do with excess mucus, as many people believe. This swelling causes obstructed breathing.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"What Irritates the Nasal Tissue and Causes Congestion?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Anything that irritates the nasal tissues can cause congestion. The list of possible causes is lengthy and includes infections (colds, influenza and acute or chronic sinusitis), allergies, structural abnormalities (deviated septum, enlarged adenoids\/tonsils, nasal polyps or tumors), non-allergic rhinitis, dry air, cold temperatures, bright lights, cluster headaches, hormonal changes, medications, thyroid problems, spicy foods, tobacco smoke and stress.\"\n    }\n  }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How Is Congestion Treated?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Home remedies are usually effective in treating congestion. Saline nasal and a humidifier can moisten the air and keep nasal passages from drying out. Drink lots of fluids, especially hot tea, broth or chicken soup. Decongestants (to shrink the blood vessels in the nasal passages) and antihistamines (to reduce the amount of mucus) provide quick relief, but they are only effective for a few days. If used longer, they may actually worsen the condition.\"\n    }\n }, {\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How Can Congestion Be Treated in Children?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"For infants and younger children \u2013 who rely on their nose for breathing \u2013 a stuffy nose can be dangerous. Try removing mucus from the nose with a nasal bulb (aspirator) and having your child lie on his or her stomach to help mucus drain. Try saline nose drops (either purchased from a drugstore or homemade by mixing one-quarter teaspoon salt with one-half cup lukewarm water).\"\n }\n }\n ]\n  }\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>A congested, stuffy nose is a nuisance that can affect your ability to smell, taste and breathe. It is one of the most common patient complaints, especially when it persists with nasal discharge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>What Causes Nasal Congestion?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"820\" src=\"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/iStock-497835726-1280x820.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-579\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/iStock-497835726-1280x820.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/iStock-497835726-768x492.jpg 768w, https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/iStock-497835726-1536x984.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/iStock-497835726.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Congestion, or nasal obstruction, occurs when airflow through the nose is restricted; this can be due to changes in anatomy or swelling and inflammation of nasal tissues and blood vessels. It has little to do with excess mucus, which many people believe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Anything that irritates the nasal tissues can cause congestion. The list of possible causes is lengthy and includes infections (colds, influenza and acute or chronic sinusitis), allergies, structural abnormalities (deviated septum, enlarged adenoids\/tonsils, nasal polyps or tumors), non-allergic rhinitis, dry air, cold temperatures, bright lights, cluster headaches, hormonal changes, medications, thyroid problems, spicy foods, tobacco smoke and stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Treating Congestion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Decongestants: <\/strong>For occasional congestion, decongestants are a good short-term choice. They constrict blood vessels, decreasing blood flow to the nose\u2019s lining and diminishing that lining thickness; this leaves more room for air flow. Decongestants come in pill form and topical sprays, and they are very effective. They do have some side effects, though. Decongestants commonly cause a rapid heart rate and can raise blood pressure. If you have a history of coronary heart disease or heart attack, you should avoid them. They can also give you the jitters and make it difficult to sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, topical decongestant sprays are notorious for being habit-forming. For that reason, doctors recommend that you use these sprays for only a few days at a time. Some people who use decongestant sprays can become dependent on them and may find that they can\u2019t breathe well through their nose without them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Antihistamines<\/strong>: Antihistamines can reduce swelling and mucus production. They are most effective when your congestion is due to allergies. Well-known antihistamines are Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Zyrtec (cetitirizine), Allegra (fexofenadine) and Claritin (loratidine). The last 3 in this list have the advantage of not having as many sedating side effects that Benadryl has.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Topical Nasal Steroids: <\/strong>These can be very effective, especially with allergies. They have a general local anti-inflammatory effect, but the exact way they work is not entirely understood. Commonly used nasal steroids include Flonase (fluticasone) and Nasonex (mometasone). These meds can have a drying effect, and if you are prone to nose bleeds, you might want to choose other options to treat your nasal congestion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Anti-Leukotrienes:<\/strong> These meds were first used for asthma and later for allergic nasal congestion since they help with allergies. If polyps are part of the cause of your congestion, then this class of medications may be beneficial. The best-known anti-leukotriene is Singulair (montelukast).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Nasal Saline: <\/strong>Saline can come as a spray (in a bottle) or as irrigation (basically saltwater used to flush out the nose). Some people even make homemade saline irrigation recipes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><p class=\"site-cta\">Call <span class=\"company-name \">Nevada Ear + Sinus Institute<\/span> at <a href=\"tel:+17027357668\" class=\"phone \"> <span class=\"phNum\">(702) 735-7668<\/span><\/a> for more information or to schedule an appointment. <div class=\"nvd-cutout-icon-wrapper\"><span class=\"cut-out\"><svg class=\"logo-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" width=\"24px\" height=\"24px\" viewbox=\"0 0 121 121\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\r\n  <path d=\"M60.0224 5.0457e-05C37.1446 -0.0295484 16.2448 12.9653 6.15073 33.4959C-3.94338 54.0265 -1.47144 78.5124 12.5224 96.6112L34.1336 96.6112C44.3342 96.4594 52.5236 88.1463 52.5224 77.9445L52.5224 71.6667C49.1495 74.5534 44.8509 76.1309 40.4113 76.1112C32.8184 76.0795 25.9871 71.4913 23.0857 64.4745C20.1843 57.4577 21.7803 49.3849 27.1335 44L28.1336 43.0556C27.4181 42.5614 26.7487 42.0036 26.1336 41.3889C21.4572 36.2934 21.543 28.4418 26.3295 23.4497C31.1161 18.4576 38.9572 18.042 44.2447 22.5C45.371 20.0063 46.9537 17.7452 48.9113 15.8334C53.2872 11.457 59.2225 8.99837 65.4113 8.99837C71.6001 8.99837 77.5354 11.457 81.9113 15.8334C88.5853 22.5067 90.582 32.5434 86.9701 41.2629C83.3583 49.9824 74.8493 55.6674 65.4113 55.6667C63.3457 55.6701 61.2895 55.3897 59.3002 54.8334L59.3002 77.9445C59.8425 87.9037 68.0762 95.7013 78.0502 95.7013C88.0242 95.7013 96.2579 87.9037 96.8002 77.9445C97.1195 73.0262 94.6768 68.3386 90.4628 65.7826C86.2487 63.2267 80.9628 63.2267 76.7488 65.7826C72.5347 68.3386 70.092 73.0262 70.4113 77.9445C70.4113 82.1787 73.8438 85.6112 78.078 85.6112C82.3122 85.6112 85.7447 82.1787 85.7447 77.9445C85.7154 76.7602 84.7623 75.8071 83.578 75.7778C82.4031 75.808 81.4665 76.7692 81.4669 77.9445C81.4669 79.8161 79.9496 81.3334 78.078 81.3334C77.1696 81.3483 76.2933 80.9978 75.6457 80.3607C74.9981 79.7235 74.6334 78.853 74.6336 77.9445C74.6336 73.0046 78.6381 69 83.578 69C88.5179 69 92.5224 73.0046 92.5224 77.9445C92.0485 85.5896 85.71 91.5474 78.0502 91.5474C70.3904 91.5474 64.0519 85.5896 63.578 77.9445C63.1878 70.5376 66.9174 63.52 73.2748 59.6993C79.6322 55.8786 87.5793 55.8786 93.9367 59.6993C100.294 63.52 104.024 70.5376 103.634 77.9445C103.625 89.4792 95.8898 99.5781 84.7558 102.592C73.6219 105.606 61.849 100.788 56.0224 90.8334L55.9113 90.6667C55.9113 90.7223 55.8558 90.7778 55.8002 90.8334C51.3707 98.3853 43.3835 103.144 34.6335 103.444L18.6891 103.444C38.2261 122.055 67.7826 125.334 90.9243 111.46C114.066 97.5862 125.1 69.9712 117.891 43.97C110.683 17.9687 87.0045 -0.0224246 60.0224 5.0457e-05\" fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"none\" \/>\r\n  <path d=\"M3.45297 20.5C5.69579 22.7351 8.73107 23.9931 11.8974 24C16.7358 23.9896 21.0945 21.0745 22.952 16.6069C24.8095 12.1392 23.8022 6.99317 20.3974 3.55556L20.3974 3.55556C18.1536 1.2813 15.0922 0.000728379 11.8974 0C7.07087 0.0634513 2.74747 2.99972 0.909001 7.46284C-0.929469 11.926 0.0714571 17.0555 3.45297 20.5\" transform=\"translate(28.513916 45.277832)\" fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"none\" \/>\r\n  <path d=\"M10.7222 10.7222C11.8887 9.53596 12.5464 7.94146 12.5556 6.27778C12.5524 4.61291 11.8937 3.01626 10.7222 1.83333C9.53596 0.666853 7.94146 0.00912196 6.27778 0C2.81066 0 0 2.81066 0 6.27778C0 9.7449 2.81066 12.5556 6.27778 12.5556C7.94146 12.5464 9.53596 11.8887 10.7222 10.7222\" transform=\"translate(29.133545 25.888916)\" fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"none\" \/>\r\n  <path d=\"M4.83335 28.2481L4.83335 28.2481C10.4138 33.8435 19.171 34.7148 25.7445 30.3285C32.3181 25.9423 34.8751 17.5216 31.8505 10.2207C28.8259 2.91987 21.0629 -1.2254 13.3134 0.322223C5.5638 1.86984 -0.0115332 8.67882 1.79156e-05 16.5814C0.00641242 20.9561 1.74408 25.1505 4.83335 28.2481L4.83335 28.2481\" transform=\"translate(48.855713 15.751953)\" fill=\"currentColor\" stroke=\"none\" \/>\r\n<\/svg>\r\n<\/span><\/div><\/p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A congested, stuffy nose is a nuisance that can affect your ability to smell, taste and breathe. It is one of the most common patient complaints, especially when it persists with nasal discharge. What Causes Nasal Congestion? Congestion, or nasal obstruction, occurs when airflow through the nose is restricted; this can be due to changes&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":212,"menu_order":3,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","schema":"","fname":"","lname":"","position":"","credentials":"","placeID":"","no_match":false,"name":"","company":"","review":"","address":"","city":"","state":"","zip":"","lat":"","lng":"","phone1":"","phone2":"","fax":"","mon1":"","mon2":"","tue1":"","tue2":"","wed1":"","wed2":"","thu1":"","thu2":"","fri1":"","fri2":"","sat1":"","sat2":"","sun1":"","sun2":"","hours-note":""},"service_tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/240"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=240"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/240\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/212"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=240"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"service_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nesilv.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/service_tags?post=240"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}