Congestion
Definition:
A person with nasal or sinus congestion has mucus in the nose or sinuses that blocks the flow of air through the air passageways. Sinus congestion causes the nasal stuffiness that occurs with a cold. The most common causes of nasal or sinus congestion are a viral upper respiratory infection, nasal allergies, and sinusitis.
Signs & Symptoms:
Symptoms of nasal or sinus congestion include a runny nose, stuffy nose, nose congestion, posterior nasal drip, cough, eye redness, fever, and sore throat. Additional symptoms of sinusitis include headache, fever, facial pain, posterior nasal drip, and a thick, colored nasal discharge.
Cause:
Congestion can be caused by anything that irritates or inflames the nasal tissues. Infections such as colds, flu or sinusitis allergies and various irritants, such as tobacco smoke, may all cause a runny nose. Some people have a chronically runny nose for no apparent reason a condition called no allergic rhinitis or vasomotor rhinitis (VMR).
Less commonly, nasal congestion can be caused by polyps or a tumor.
Potential causes of nasal congestion include:
Acute sinusitis
Allergies
Chronic sinusitis
Churg-strauss syndrome
Common cold
Decongestant nasal spray overuse
Deviated septum
Drug addiction
Dry air
Enlarged adenoids
Foreign body in the nose
Hormonal changes
Influenza (flu)
Medications, such as high blood pressure drugs
Nasal polyps
Nonallergic rhinitis
Occupational asthma
Pregnancy
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Stress
Thyroid disorders
Tobacco smoke
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s granulomatosis)
How To Cure:
- Garlic
Garlic is one of the best home remedies for reducing nasal congestion. Its antiviral and antifungal properties help fight the respiratory infection causing congestion.
Boil two to three garlic cloves in one cup of water. You may also mix in one-half teaspoon of turmeric powder. Drink it daily until the congestion clears.
Eating fresh garlic cloves can also help relieve stuffiness and discomfort.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can quickly clear a stuffy nose as it helps thin the mucus. Plus, being rich in several nutrients, it is also good for your overall health and immunity.
Mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and one tablespoon of honey in a cup of warm water.
Drink this two or three times a day at least for a few days.
- Warm Water
When suffering from nasal congestion, it is important to aid a steady flow of mucus through your nasal passages. Warm water can be of great help in this regard. It will also keep the nasal passages moist and prevent them from drying out.
Using a humidifier can help open up clogged nasal passages.
You can also run a hot shower for several minutes so that steam builds up in the bathroom. Breathe in the soothing vapors. Repeat twice daily until you recover completely.
Another option is to wet a washcloth in warm water and place it over your face. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat several times a day.
