Nasal congestion is a type of allergy that may occur when the nasal passages are blocked. This kind of blockage causes thick, clotted material to build up and cause inflammation in the upper airway. There are many different causes of nasal congestion, including allergies and physical obstructions like a deviated septum.
Many people suffer from this condition for extended periods without relief due to prolonged issues with the mucus membranes in various parts of their body, which leads them to seek medical help. Sometimes you might need to get the expert advice of a surprise facial plastic surgeon for relief if you have blocked sinuses.
Nasal congestion is usually treated with decongestants, which are available in various forms, such as sprays and pills. However, sometimes this may not be enough and surgery may be required to completely treat the problem.
Let us now see into the common causes of nasal congestion.
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Airborne allergies
Nasal congestion can be caused due to the allergic reaction of the body to airborne particles. This may be due to the common pollen posed by various plants or other tree leaves. It may also occur when you’re exposed to certain airborne chemicals.
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Nasal polyps
Polyps are growths on the lining of the nose and throat that occur when tissue grows abnormally. Typically these are benign, but they can become malignant. This kind of abnormal growth can make it difficult for your heart to pump blood through your head and your nasal passages to function normally.
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Sinusitis or chronic sinusitis
Nasal congestion is commonly caused by sinusitis, which is an inflammation of the sinuses. This inflammation may be due to infection or allergies. It is also possible for nasal congestion to be caused by an enlarged or deviated septum, which blocks the lymph drainage in the nose and causes swelling in the sinuses.
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Cold and flu
It is natural for your nasal passages to swell when you suffer from cold and flu. During such times, it is not uncommon to feel that your nasal passages have been blocked. In fact, this can be a sign of inflammation caused by the virus or bacteria that you are infected with.
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Deviated septum
A septum is a wall of cartilage that separates the two nasal passages. When a person has a deviated septum, the cartilage wall is not straight and the inner portions are pushed to the side. This makes it difficult for you to breathe freely and have easy access to oxygen, which leads to nasal congestion.