Nasal Congestion Specialist
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Richard Ruiz, MD
Otolaryngology & A Private Medical Practice located in Temecula, CA
Everyone understands the misery of nasal congestion, whether it’s caused by a common cold, allergies, or even pregnancy. Richard Ruiz M.D., Inc. works closely with each patient suffering from a stuffy nose, offering tips for prevention and self-care while providing customized treatment to relieve symptoms. If your symptoms last longer than 10 days or are accompanied by a fever, schedule an appointment online or call the office in Temecula, California.
Nasal Congestion Q & A
What causes nasal congestion?
Nasal congestion occurs when tissues and blood vessels in the nasal passages become swollen. The most common causes of nasal congestion include:
Infection (rhinitis)
Rhinitis refers to nasal congestion that develops when the mucous membranes lining your nose become inflamed. Rhinitis is often a viral infection caused by the common cold. During a viral infection, you’re more susceptible to bacteria, so you can also develop a bacterial infection that worsens your nasal symptoms.
Congestion also occurs when you have allergic rhinitis, which is an allergy to airborne substances such as pollen, mold, and dust.
Structural deformities
A deviated septum and structural deformities caused by a nose injury can lead to nasal congestion.
Abnormal growths
Nasal polyps cause congestion by blocking your sinuses. Although tonsils and adenoids are normal tissues, in children they can become so severely swollen that they cause nasal obstruction.
Other causes
Pregnancy rhinitis develops when high levels of hormones cause swelling in your nasal passages. Decongestant nasal sprays relieve a stuffy nose until you overuse them, then they lead to increased congestion
Will other symptoms often accompany nasal congestion?
Depending on the cause of your nasal congestion, you may also develop the following symptoms:
- A runny nose
- A cough
- Sneezing
- Low-grade fever
- Postnasal drip
- Facial pain and pressure
- A headache
- Itchy nose, eyes, or mouth (allergic rhinitis)
- Thick discharge (chronic or bacterial infection)
Ongoing nasal congestion also makes you generally fatigued and irritable, and it can interfere with your ability to perform daily tasks.
How is nasal congestion treated?
Patient education is an important part of treatment. Dr. Ruiz talks with you about the causes of your ongoing nasal congestion as well as steps you can take to prevent the problem. He also offers guidelines for at-home care and over-the-counter products that help relieve symptoms, including medications such as antihistamines and decongestants.
When your congestion becomes chronic or you have growths or a structural deformity, Dr. Ruiz may recommend minimally invasive surgery to repair the problem. One type of surgery, turbinate reduction, is a procedure to reduce the size of turbinates (bony outgrowths) that can block your nasal passages.
Don’t keep suffering from nasal congestion — call Richard Ruiz M.D., Inc. or book an appointment online.
