A stuffy nose is one of the most common complaints among patients, especially during allergy season or a cold. But when nasal congestion becomes a constant problem—lasting for weeks or even months—it’s more than just a nuisance. Persistent congestion can signal an underlying issue that requires evaluation by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.
Why Chronic Nasal Congestion Happens
Chronic nasal congestion occurs when the nasal passages remain swollen or blocked for an extended period. Common causes include:
- Deviated Septum: When the cartilage dividing your nostrils is off-center, it can block airflow on one or both sides.
- Nasal Polyps: These soft, noncancerous growths can form inside the nasal passages or sinuses, making it hard to breathe through your nose.
- Chronic Sinusitis: Long-term inflammation of the sinuses can cause pressure, congestion, and postnasal drip that doesn’t resolve with standard treatments.
- Swollen Turbinates: The turbinates are structures inside the nose that help filter and humidify air. When they become enlarged—often from allergies or irritants—they can restrict airflow.
When to Seek Help from an ENT
If your stuffy nose hasn’t improved after using allergy medications, nasal sprays, or decongestants, it may be time to see an ENT. You should also schedule an appointment if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing through your nose
- Frequent sinus infections
- Facial pain or pressure
- Headaches related to sinus congestion
- Reduced sense of smell or taste
- Snoring or disturbed sleep
These symptoms may indicate a structural or inflammatory problem that needs more than over-the-counter remedies.
How an ENT Can Help
At Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C., Dr. Ramie A. Tritt uses state-of-the-art diagnostic tools—such as nasal endoscopy and CT imaging—to determine the root cause of your congestion. These advanced evaluations allow for a precise diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
Depending on your condition, treatment options may include:
- Medical Management: Prescription medications, nasal steroid sprays, or antihistamines to reduce inflammation and congestion.
- In-Office Procedures: Minimally invasive treatments like VivAer®, ClariFix®, or Neuromark® to remodel nasal tissue and target overactive nasal nerves that contribute to chronic runny or stuffy noses.
- Surgical Solutions: For patients with a deviated septum or persistent sinus blockage, corrective surgery or balloon sinuplasty may be recommended to restore airflow and sinus drainage.
Don’t Ignore Ongoing Nasal Congestion
Chronic nasal congestion doesn’t just make it hard to breathe—it can disrupt sleep, cause fatigue, and impact your overall quality of life. By addressing the underlying cause with expert care, you can finally experience lasting relief.
Don’t let chronic congestion become your new normal.
Call 404-891-6576 or request an appointment online with Dr. Ramie A. Tritt at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C. to breathe easier and feel better again.
Author
Ramie A. Tritt, MD
Ramie A. Tritt, MD, FRCSC, specializes in nasal and sinus surgery as well as snoring and sleep apnea surgery at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C.’s Sandy Springs location in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dr. Tritt graduated from medical school with honors from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He completed his otolaryngology residency at McGill University and his fellowship in otology and head and neck surgery at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York.
He is a diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology and a fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Tritt is a member of the Medical Association of Georgia and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
Dr. Tritt has been an instructor at national ENT meetings, a Medical Advisory Board member for computer image-guided sinus surgery, and been recognized by Atlanta Magazine as a “Doctor Who Doctors Go To”.
