Nasal Congestion Specialist

What is nasal congestion?

Nasal congestion, or a stuffy nose, occurs when nasal tissue becomes swollen and holds excess fluid in your nose. This can lead to a plugged-up or stuffy feeling and also a runny nose.

What are the symptoms of nasal congestion?

The following signs and symptoms may indicate nasal congestion:

• A stuffy nose
• A runny nose
• Mucus buildup
• Sinus pain
• Swollen nasal tissue
• Breathing difficulty

In some cases, nasal congestion is temporary and goes away on its own after a few days. Other times, it’s seasonal or remains indefinitely without proper treatment.

What causes nasal congestion?

Numerous factors can lead to acute or chronic nasal congestion. Examples include:

• Common cold
• Influenza, or flu
• Sinus infection
• Allergies
• Hay fever
• Deviated septum
• Overusing decongestant sprays
• Nasal polyps
• Environmental irritants
• Nonallergic rhinitis

If nasal congestion doesn’t subside on its own or reduces your ability to breathe clearly, the ENT specialists at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C. are here for you. They review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and perform a thorough examination.

Your doctor may utilize allergy or imaging tests to diagnose your condition and determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on your unique needs.

How is nasal congestion treated?

Your personalized nasal congestion treatment plan is based on what’s causing symptoms, their severity, and your preferences. Your otolaryngologist at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C. might recommend one or more of the following treatments:

Home care

Home remedies that may help alleviate nasal congestion include using a humidifier to moisten the air in your home, saline sprays, over-the-counter decongestants, and avoiding smoke and other irritants.

Oral medications or sprays

Your doctor can prescribe medications or nasal sprays to relieve symptoms related to nasal congestion.

Surgery

Sometimes surgery is the best way to eliminate nasal congestion long term. Your doctor can surgically correct a deviated septum, remove nasal polyps or reduce turbinate hypertrophy.   In the office under local anesthesia, VivAer and ClariFix procedures also are available to reduce nasal congestion.   If sinus infections are causing nasal congestion, then balloon sinuplasty in the office under local anesthesia may reopen your sinus pathway and restore sinus drainage.

Don’t let nasal congestion reduce your quality of life when simple treatments are available. Call Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C. for an appointment today or use the online booking tool.