Do you feel like your nose has been obstructed and it gives you difficulty in breathing? You may have experienced nasal congestion.
It is an upper respiratory tract condition wherein your nasal passages are blocked because of swollen membranes that line the nose from inflammation of blood vessels or sometimes by anatomical obstructions. These may urge the membranes to start secreting excess mucus as a means of expelling out whatever is the cause of irritation, whether it is a bacteria, foreign object, virus or allergen.
Some of the causes are influenza, allergy to irritants like pollen, dust, smoke or pet dander, common cold, chronic rhinitis, cystic fibrosis, prolonged use of decongestant sprays or drops, measles, sinus infection, whooping cough and injury. The nasal tract may also be obstructed by foreign bodies or it may happen because of an anatomical defect like a deviation in the nasal septum.
Nasal congestion may cause annoyance to people and it can also interfere with sleep. Mild facial and head discomfort have also been reported. To combat this, several ways have been adapted to cause symptomatic relief. These include gently blowing of the nose, increase intake of fluids, avoidance of irritants like cigarette smoke, use of decongestants such as pseudoephedrine, use of nasal sprays and antihistamine such as diphenhydramine if the cause is allergy. Warm compress on the nasal part are also recommended and the person with nasal congestion should lie on bed with the head elevated using pillows.
Certain methods are now also employed to alleviate nasal congestion symptoms. One is by use of a humidifier. Because a dry nasal membrane can aggravate the ailment, a humidifier can alleviate this by emitting water vapor thus when it is inhaled, it promotes moisture in the airways.
Another method is nasal irrigation. This is very beneficial because it aids in flushing out the excess debris and mucus. It is done with the use of a saline solution which helps in thinning and loosening of mucus. Nasal irrigation can also be done by using a netipot. It is a container which is devised to wash and cleanse the nasal cavity. The netipot is filled with saline water and while tilting the person's head, the solution is poured onto the upper nostril and it comes out of the lower nostril. Do this interchangeably and you will achieve relief of nasal decongestion.
Before using all the mentioned methods, always consult your doctor before application so that you will know what the best remedy for you is.
2011-11-04