Stuffy nose is a condition that has plagued most adults at one time or another. It is an inability to breath easily through the nose. It may be a short term problem or a chronic condition, sometimes with serious consequences. The basic problem lies either with the bone and cartilage that form the structure of the nose or with the membranes that line the nose. Many people have a combination of structure and membrane abnormalities that contribute to the symptoms.
Structural problems can arise at any time in life. Trauma to the nose can produce damage that causes deviation of the nasal bones or of the nasal septum. The septum divides the nose into left and right sides. Deviation of the septum can occur gradually and not become obvious until adulthood. A hole can develop in the septum for various reasons. The hole can lead to turbulent air flow that is perceived as congestion.
Membrane problems arise in several ways. Infections such as the common cold and sinusitis directly affect the membranes. Allergies are another common cause of stuffiness. Hormonal changes such as with thyroid conditions or pregnancy can also lead to congestion. Vasomotor rhinitis is another condition that occurs more commonly in older adults that causes variable restriction to breathing. Some medications taken to treat other conditions can produce a stuffy nose as a consequence. Much less commonly, a tumor can arise in the nose leading to airflow obstruction.
When a stuffy nose develops, simple measures are best to try first. If a cold or allergy is suspected, then several over-the-counter remedies are available to try. Saline irrigation is quite helpful to remove excess mucus, soothe the tissues, and provide some temporary relief to the congestion. If the congestion persists beyond 10-14 days and home remedies have been unsuccessful, then a thorough evaluation would be helpful to find the reason for the symptoms. Prescription medication, allergy desensitization, or nasal surgery are treatment options to consider to alleviate the stuffy nose.
