chronic nasal congestion

Chronic nasal congestion

Chronic nasal congestion is a condition marked by the swelling of the little bony structures that are covered by mucous membranes in nasal passages, and it should not be mistaken for a common cold or sinus infections. Chronic nasal congestion is a condition when the nose is constantly stuffed, which can be very annoying and cause many problems when eating, drinking and sleeping.

Causes of chronic nasal congestion

Hay fever, which is medically called allergic rhinitis, is one of the causes for the occurrence of chronic nasal congestion. The mucous membranes swell because they are sensitive to certain allergens and pollens. When this condition prolongs and lasts more than a year, then nasal congestion becomes chronic. Irritative rhinitis is also a cause for the occurrence of nasal congestion and this condition is caused by chemicals, strong smells and cigarette smoke. Furthermore, chronic nasal congestion may be caused by a medical condition called chronic lymphocytic leukemia, which is a type of cancer that affects the bone morrow and blood. The most common symptoms of this condition are enlarged lymph nodes, sinusitis and fatigue. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia typically affects elderly people. Human immunodeficiency virus – HIV is also a cause for the appearance of chronic nasal congestion. Frequently the symptoms of HIV are very similar to the symptoms of the common flu such as enlarged lymph nodes, fever and skin rash. However, the symptoms of the flu disappear after a short time, while the symptoms of HIV are persistent.

Frequent use of decongestant pills may not be good for the nasal chronic congestion and may cause rapid pulse rate, hypertension and insomnia. It is also proven that regular use of nasal sprays leads to the addiction and may only aggravate nasal congestion. Nasal sprays usually provide temporary relief, but when they are used constantly, they may damage the sensitive nasal passages which, thus, stay inflamed all the time.

Treatment of chronic nasal congestion

When the symptoms of chronic nasal congestion are noticed, it is important to go and consult a doctor. To treat chronic nasal congestion, the doctor must find out the cause for the occurrence of this condition. Medications that are usually used for the treatment of chronic nasal congestion include antihistamines, steroids and decongestants, but when the deviation of the septum is the main cause of chronic nasal congestion, the doctors usually recommend surgery. The person with nasal congestion should avoid every contact with allergens that are main reasons for the occurrence of this condition.