Stuffy Nose
Everyone has experienced a stuffy nose from a cold, allergies or other causes. When the nasal passages are inflamed or producing excessive amounts of mucus, you may feel a fullness or pressure in and around your nose. A stuffy nose can be a sign of other issues that may need medical treatment. If you have an ongoing problem with a stuffy nose, come see us at Julie Zweig, MD Integrative Sleep & ENT. We can provide diagnosis and treatment for your congested nose at our medical clinic in Alpharetta, GA.
What Causes Nasal Congestion?
The nasal passages and sinus cavities are all lined with mucosa, a tissue that creates mucus. Mucus is vital for keeping the nasal and sinus passages moist, which traps contaminants that come in with the air you breathe. Nasal congestion, or a “stuffy nose,” occurs when the mucosa becomes inflamed or begins producing excessive mucus. You may also feel congested in the nasal area if there are growths or other abnormalities within the nasal passages. Some possible causes of a congested or stuffy nose include:
- Colds or flu
- Allergies
- Sinusitis (acute or chronic)
- Nasal polyps
- Turbinate dysfunction
- Enlarged adenoids
- Exposure to smoke, fumes or other irritants
- Hormonal imbalance or changes
In most cases, a stuffy nose is a reaction to some type of trigger. Whether it is bacteria, viruses, smoke or allergies, excess mucus may be part of an immune response to protect the body.
Relief for Nasal Congestion
One of the most common causes of chronic or ongoing nasal congestion is allergies. Whether it is seasonal hay fever or year-round reactions to dust mites, pet dander or poor air quality, allergies trigger inflammation in the nose and sinuses. For relief from a stuffy nose caused by allergies, you need the right medication or treatment plan.
At Julie Zweig, MD Integrative Sleep & ENT, we provide comprehensive treatment for patients with nasal congestion caused by allergies or other issues. We look beyond the symptoms and create a treatment plan to address the source, whether it is controlling allergies or removing nasal polyps. To schedule an exam and consultation with our ENT specialist, contact our clinic in Alpharetta, GA.
