Nasal swelling can be caused by injury, allergies, colds, or sinus infections. Treatment depends on the cause, and may include medication, saline rinses, or humidifiers. A broken nose requires medical attention.
The most common causes of nasal swelling include injuries to the nose, a cold or allergies that inflame the nasal passages, and a sinus infection that causes pain and swelling in both the nose and cheeks and forehead. Identifying the cause of the swelling is the first step in treating it. Some people find that even something as simple as dry air in their home can cause swelling of the nasal passages and difficulty breathing. It’s also important to make sure your nose isn’t broken if it’s swollen from trauma.
A broken nose will definitely cause nasal swelling, which can make it difficult to determine whether the nose is actually broken or just bruised. A broken nose typically causes a severe nose bleed, and the nose can actually feel crooked and will be extremely painful to the touch. When in doubt, it’s best to visit a doctor to be sure. Otherwise, the best way to deal with a swollen nose from injury or trauma is to apply ice in intervals and sit quietly until the swelling starts to subside. The bleeding should stop shortly; if it continues, you will also need to see a doctor.
Nasal swelling that isn’t caused by any specific injury can be more frustrating. Allergies or a cold can both cause swelling and irritation of the nasal passages. Taking a decongestant or allergy medication might help, as could rinsing the nasal passages with warm saline using a neti pot. This can be especially helpful in clearing your nose of dust and allergies that could be causing inflammation. Also, a warm saline rinse is a good way to prevent sinus infections; if a sinus infection occurs, antibiotics are usually needed to treat it, which should soon help relieve pain and swelling.
If you can’t determine the cause of your nose swelling, it could be the air in your workplace or home, or the type of heating you use; the heat from forced air or recycled air in an office building can make the environment very dry, for example. Some people find that using a humidifier at night can be helpful in reducing nose congestion and swelling. Additionally, sleeping with your head more elevated can help prevent pressure from building up in your sinuses, which can lead to pain and swelling.
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