Severe nasal congestion can be caused by allergies, infections, nasal polyps, and physical abnormalities. It can affect breathing, cause discomfort, and impact quality of life. Most cases are not serious, but can be problematic for children.
Severe nasal congestion often occurs due to allergies. Nonallergic causes of severe nasal congestion can include infections, foreign objects lodged in the nose, and nasal polyps. Most causes of sinus congestion aren’t serious, but congestion can make it difficult to talk, eat, and breathe, particularly for children.
Sinus congestion usually occurs when phlegm or mucus blocks the nasal passages. Severe nasal congestion can affect normal breathing and can lead to a chronic cough, a feeling of pressure and discomfort in the face, and headaches.
Colds, flu and allergies are probably the most common causes of severe nasal congestion. Allergies to mold, pollen, dust, dander, and cigarette smoke can cause irritation and inflammation of the nasal passages, leading to increased mucus production and blockage of the sinuses. Bacterial, fungal and viral infections can cause infectious rhinitis. While bacterial and fungal infections of the sinus cavities may be treatable, viral infections usually need to be allowed to run their course. Most cases of nasal congestion caused by allergies or infections are not a cause for serious concern.
Abnormalities in the physical structure of the nasal passages can contribute to nasal congestion. Abnormalities of this nature are most often diagnosed in children. Nasal congestion associated with nasal cavity deformities is usually chronic and does not resolve. Both nostrils are usually equally affected by feelings of congestion.
Chronic sinusitis and nonallergic rhinitis can both cause severe nasal congestion. These conditions can cause symptoms of nasal congestion similar to those of a head cold. Chronic sinusitis is typically diagnosed when a sinus infection continues for more than eight weeks. Doctors don’t fully understand the causes of nonallergic rhinitis, but sufferers of the condition find that their symptoms can worsen in the presence of disease triggers, including strong odors, bright lights, and pregnancy.
Most causes of severe nasal congestion do not indicate a serious illness. However, nasal polyps are sometimes thought to be a symptom of cystic fibrosis when found in children younger than 16 years of age. Cancerous tumors in the nasal passages can also lead to feelings of severe nasal congestion.
Even if the cause of nasal congestion is not serious, the congestion itself can have a significant impact on quality of life. People suffering from severe nasal congestion may also have hearing, smell and taste problems. Infants with nasal congestion may have particular difficulty breathing when the nasal passages are congested, as babies typically breathe through their noses while feeding and sleeping.
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