Do you or your child constantly deal with a stuffed nose? Nasal obstruction can make some hobbies like cooking or exercise much less enjoyable when you’re not able to smell or breathe as well. While you could be tempted to attribute it to “just a cold,” maybe there’s another reason hidden beneath the surface.
Here are three possible causes for your stuffy nose, and how CEENTA can help:
Environmental allergies
Allergens like ragweed, pollen, or proteins in an animal’s dander or saliva can cause your body’s immune system to release histamine, which can irritate the nasal passage. When this happens, your nasal tissue can swell and create extra mucus build-up, leading to the familiar feeling of a stuffy nose.
If you suspect that you have seasonal or environmental allergies, a CEENTA allergy specialist can administer a test to determine the root cause. If your results do indicate allergies, they can offer immunotherapy options that fit your lifestyle.
Chronic sinusitis
Your sinuses are air-filled pockets that surround your face, specifically by your cheekbones, the center of your forehead, between your eyes, and behind your nose. When you have a sinus infection (sinusitis), those cavities become inflamed and filled with more mucus that causes congestion. According to Dr. John Kilde, a CEENTA ENT specialist at their Albemarle location, “Persistent nasal congestion can be a nuisance for some but can become more serious and significantly impact your quality of life. Determining the cause and best course of treatment can be challenging but also very rewarding.”
Home treatments for a sinus infection may include staying hydrated, using a humidifier, or placing a warm compress on your face to alleviate pressure. If your symptoms persist for weeks at a time (chronic sinusitis), then it’s time to schedule an appointment with a CEENTA otolaryngologist who can recommend various treatment options for your sinuses available at their offices.
Deviated septum
Between your nasal passages lies a thin wall of cartilage and bone called the septum. It divides the cavity into two sides, and typically this separation is even. When it is not even, known as a deviated septum, it can make breathing difficult by blocking one or both nostrils.
Medically, deviated septum symptoms can be treated with decongestants and nasal steroid sprays. However, severe deviations may need surgical intervention, which can be done by a CEENTA surgeon with a septoplasty. This procedure can also be paired with rhinoplasty in order to correct the nose’s appearance.
Nasal obstruction can disrupt your life, but luckily there are options to help you breathe easier. CEENTA’s ENT specialists are trained to diagnose and treat many of the causes for your stuffy nose. Schedule an appointment with a CEENTA otolaryngologist today to breathe in, breathe out, and breathe better.
This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor. New patients can make appointments online with any of our ENT doctors in North and South Carolina. Current patients can also make appointments through myCEENTAchart with physicians they have already seen.
Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates
