When should you seek medical attention for nasal congestion?
The patient should seek medical attention if experiencing: Additionally, if a child is under 2 years of age and experiencing prolonged congestion, a doctor should always be consulted. Primary care physicians, internists, and general practitioners are all equipped to treat nasal congestion.
What kind of Doctor do you see for nasal congestion?
Your doctor will examine your nose, ears and throat to determine the cause of the congestion. An otolaryngologist (ENT physician) may examine your nose using a flexible light called an endoscope. Sometimes, a CT scan is required if a physical obstruction is observed or suspected.
How is nasal congestion diagnosed?
How is nasal congestion diagnosed? Doctors diagnose nasal congestion based on your symptoms and a physical exam. Your doctor will examine your nose, ears and throat to determine the cause of the congestion. An otolaryngologist (ENT physician) may examine your nose using a flexible light called an endoscope.
What is nasal congestion and how is it treated?
N asal congestion is the swelling of the nasal passages. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, sinus pressure, and fevers. Caused mostly by allergies or common colds, most congestion is minor and can be treated at home. However, if the symptoms escalate, certain doctors can help patients find relief. What is nasal congestion?
Is nasal congestion an emergency?
A sinus blockage can occur as a symptom of another illness, such as the flu. You should go to an ER if you're experiencing sinus pain along with any of the following serious symptoms: Difficulty breathing. Rash.
How long should nasal congestion last?
How Long Does Nasal Congestion Last? If your nasal congestion is from a cold or flu, it will likely last as long your cold or flu (anywhere from five to 10 days) or even longer. If your nasal congestion is the result of allergies, it may last longer, depending on your exposure to that particular allergen.
Should I go to the doctor if I think I have a sinus infection?
Many sinus infection symptoms are common in both acute and chronic forms. Seeing a doctor is the best way to learn if you have an infection, find the cause, and get treatment.
How do I get rid of congestion in COVID?
To help clear a stuffy nose, breathe moist air from a hot shower or a sink filled with hot water. If the skin around your nose and lips gets sore from blowing your nose a lot, put a bit of petroleum jelly on the area. Always wash your hands after touching your face.
How do you know if you have a sinus infection or COVID?
“COVID-19 causes more of a dry cough, loss of taste and smell, and, typically, more respiratory symptoms,” Melinda said. “Sinusitis causes more discomfort in the face, congestion, nasal drip, and facial pressure.”
What are the 4 main symptoms of sinusitis?
Common signs and symptoms of sinusitis include:Post nasal drip (mucus drips down the throat).Nasal discharge (thick yellow or green discharge from nose) or stuffy nose.Facial pressure (particularly around the nose, eyes, and forehead), headache and or pain in your teeth or ears.Halitosis (bad breath)Cough.More items...•
What are the stages of a sinus infection?
TypesAcute sinusitis usually starts with cold-like symptoms such as a runny, stuffy nose and facial pain. It may start suddenly and last 2 to 4 weeks.Subacute sinusitus usually lasts 4 to 12 weeks.Chronic sinusitus symptoms last 12 weeks or longer.Recurrent sinusitis happens several times a year.
What are the symptoms of sinus infection in a 2-year-old?
Severe sinus pain. Additional warning signs in a young child are: Severe cold or flu symptoms. A fever (age 2 or younger) Difficulty breathing or feeding. Inability to keep down food or liquid. Read on for more information and see your doctor if any of these apply, or if your nasal congestion simply won't improve.
Why does my nose run?
A runny or stuffy nose is something you might chalk up to allergies or the common cold and try to manage with at-home treatments or medications that usually work for you. But you can also develop nasal congestion for other reasons, such as the flu and other upper respiratory infections, that may require medical care to manage both ...
Why does my sinus hurt?
Congestion can cause inflammation in the sinuses, or it can trap bacteria, allowing it to multiply and start an infection. This is called sinusitis, one of the chief symptoms of which is pain. Sinus pain can occur in a few different places, depending on where the inflammation is, including: 8 . Behind your forehead.
How long does a cold last?
By definition, the common cold, which doctors call viral rhinosinusitis, has symptoms that last for 10 days or less. It doesn't require medical treatment, as it'll go away on its own. Nonviral rhinosinusitis, on the other hand, has symptoms that increase after five days or persist for more than 10 days.
Can sinusitis be treated by antibiotics?
Sinusitis can be the result of multiple factors that irritate the sinuses, including viral infection, allergies, and air pollution. Some cases of sinusitis get better on their own, but you may need antibiotics and/or a nasal steroid spray to get better. 8 .
Is it normal for a snot to turn yellow?
It's normal for your snot to turn yellow or green a few days into a cold. That alone isn't indicative of a problem. However, discolored nasal discharge may point to something more serious if it: Persists for more than two weeks. Accompanies a fever. Accompanies a cough.
Can you see your doctor if you have seasonal allergies?
However, if symptoms seem worse than they have in the past, it may be time to see your doctor or allergist for help finding better treatments. It's time to make the call when:
What type of doctor treats nasal congestion?
What type of doctor to choose. Primary care physicians, internists, and general practitioners are all equipped to treat nasal congestion. If the congestion becomes severe, a patient will be referred to an ear nose and throat (ENT) specialist. The ENT specialist is also called an otolaryngologist.
How long can you take nasal decongestants?
Oral decongestants should not be taken for more than a week. Using a nasal spray for more than 3 days can have the reverse effect and make congestion worse. Antihistamines control the body’s reaction to allergens. Certain antihistamines are designed for long-term use.
What is nasal congestion?
N asal congestion is the swelling of the nasal passages. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, sinus pressure, and fevers. Caused mostly by allergies or common colds, most congestion is minor and can be treated at home. However, if the symptoms escalate, certain doctors can help patients find relief.
How to get rid of dry nasal passages?
Humidifiers and vaporizers put moisture back in the air and can soothe irritated and dry nasal passages. Drinking fluids, hot or cold, will thin out mucus. A saline spray will prevent nasal passages from becoming too dry. Steam from long showers can decrease swelling and open the nasal passages.
Why does my nose get sore?
Nasal congestion occurs when the sinus cavities become inflamed and swollen. Breathing through the nose becomes difficult and can be blocked entirely. Often the result of a sinus infection, congestion is identified by sinus pain, mucus build-up, and a stuffy or runny nose.
How to get rid of sinus congestion?
Elevating the head up on a pillow will make breathing easier. Placing a warm towel across the nose can decrease pressure and open the sinuses. Decongestants and antihistamines are both effective in treating congestion. These medications work by reducing swelling, thinning mucus, and relieving overall sinus pressure.
How long does congestion last?
Symptoms typically last 5-7 days. Congestion lasting more than a week is often a sign of an underlying health issue. Chronic congestion can be caused by allergies, both environmental and food, sinusitis or rhinitis, nasal polyps, chemical exposure, environmental exposure, or a deviated septum. Certain medications can also cause congestion.
How do doctors diagnose nasal congestion?
Doctors diagnose nasal congestion based on your symptoms and a physical exam. Your doctor will examine your nose, ears and throat to determine the cause of the congestion. An otolaryngologist (ENT physician) may examine your nose using a flexible light called an endoscope.
How to treat congestion in the nose?
Steps you can take at home to relieve congestion include: Apply adhesive strips to nose to open nasal passages. Clear nasal secretions in babies with a nasal bulb syringe.
Why does my nose get stuffy?
Inflammation (swelling) of the blood vessels in the tissues lining the nose causes nasal congestion. Increased mucus secretions (discharge) in the nose can also cause stuffiness. In rare cases, a tumor or polyp may lead to this symptom.
How long does nasal congestion last?
Is accompanied by a fever. Lasts more than 10 days. If you have a newborn, contact your pediatrician if your baby has nasal congestion that interferes with his or her ability to nurse or take a bottle.
What is nasal congestion?
Nasal congestion refers to obstructed (blocked) breathing through the nose. It is a common symptom of many different medical conditions. In most cases, nasal congestion causes nothing more serious than discomfort. It can cause feeding problems in babies and sleep problems in children and adults.
Why do you need a CT scan for congestion?
Sometimes, a CT scan is required if a physical obstruction is observed or suspected. In rare cases, a doctor may use tests including an X-ray or throat culture (test to examine substances in the back of the throat) to rule out other medical issues that could be causing the congestion.
Why is breathing difficult in the nose?
Structural problems in areas of the head and neck that make breathing through the nose more difficult. Changes in temperature and humidity (especially dry, cold winters, and forced air heating) Use of supplemental oxygen.
How to keep your nasal passages from drying out?
Use a nasal saline spray. It’s salt water, and it will help keep your nasal passages from drying out. Try a Neti pot, nasal irrigator, or bulb syringe. Use distilled, sterile water or H2O that’s been boiled and cooled to make up the irrigation solution. Rinse the irrigation device after each use and let it air dry.
How to relieve sinus pressure?
Pain relievers. Although they won’t clear up congestion, pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen can ease the pain caused by sinus pressure .
What is the best medicine for sinus pressure?
They come as nasal sprays, like naphazoline ( Privine ), oxymetazoline ( Afrin, Dristan, Nostrilla, Vicks Sinus Nasal Spray ), or phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine, Sinex, Rhinall ).
How to get rid of allergy stuffiness?
Steroid nasal sprays. These can also help with allergy stuffiness. Ask your doctor if you should use ones that you can buy without a prescription. They can take a couple of days to kick in, so start them before you have symptoms and use them throughout your allergy season.
How to get rid of a runny nose?
Home Treatments. When you’re stuffed up, focus on keeping your nasal passages and sinuses moist. Although people sometimes think that dry air might help clear up a runny nose, it actually has the opposite effect. Drying out the membranes will irritate them further. To keep your nasal passages moist, you can:
How to breathe more comfortably?
Keeping your head elevated may make breathing more comfortable. Avoid chlorinated pools. They can irritate your nasal passages. Blow your nose the right way: gently, so you don’t force mucus into your ears or other parts of your sinuses, into a disposable tissue so you don’t spread germs. Wash your hands afterward.
How to keep your nose moist?
To keep your nasal passages moist, you can: Use a humidifier or vaporizer. Take long showers or breathe in steam from a pot of warm (but not too hot) water. Drink lots of fluids. This will thin out your mucus, which could help prevent blocked sinuses. Use a nasal saline spray.
What to do if nasal spray isn't effective?
If the sprays aren't effective enough, your doctor might recommend rinsing with a solution of saline mixed with drops of budesonide or using a nasal mist of the solution. Saline nasal irrigation, with nasal sprays or solutions, reduces drainage and rinses away irritants and allergies. Oral or injected corticosteroids.
What test to do if you have sinusitis?
An allergy test. If your doctor suspects that allergies might be triggering your chronic sinusitis, he or she might recommend an allergy skin test. A skin test is safe and quick and can help detect what allergen is responsible for your nasal flare-ups. Samples from your nasal and sinus discharge (cultures). Cultures are generally unnecessary ...
How to diagnose sinusitis?
Methods for diagnosing chronic sinusitis include: Imaging tests. Images taken using CT or MRI can show details of your sinuses and nasal area. These might pinpoint a deep inflammation or physical obstruction that's difficult to detect using an endoscope. Looking into your sinuses.
What is the best treatment for sinusitis?
Treatments for chronic sinusitis include: Nasal corticosteroids. These nasal sprays help prevent and treat inflammation. Examples include fluticasone, triamcinolone, budesonide, mometasone and beclomethasone. If the sprays aren't effective enough, your doctor might recommend rinsing with a solution of saline mixed with drops ...
How to help sinuses heal faster?
Moisturize your sinuses. Drape a towel over your head as you breathe in the vapor from a bowl of medium-hot water. Keep the vapor directed toward your face.
Can corticosteroids cause sinusitis?
Aspirin desensitization treatment, if you have reactions to aspirin that cause sinusitis. Under medical supervision, you're gradually given larger doses of aspirin to increase your tolerance.
Can antibiotics help with sinusitis?
Antibiotics. Antibiotics are sometimes necessary for sinusitis if you have a bacterial infection. If your doctor can't rule out an underlying infection, he or she might recommend an antibiotic, sometimes with other medications.
How to prevent sinus infection?
It can be an important step in preventing episodes of both acute and chronic sinusitis. Wash your hands frequently, especially during cold and flu season, to keep your sinuses from becoming irritated or infected by viruses or bacteria on your hands . Talk to your doctor to see if allergies are causing your sinusitis.
How long does it take for sinusitis to go away?
Acute sinusitis usually goes away within one to two weeks with proper care and medication. Chronic sinusitis is more severe and may require seeing a specialist or having long-term treatment to address the cause of the constant infections.
How to make a nasal solution?
Nasal solutions can be made at home by mixing 1 cup of prepared warm water with 1/2 teaspoon of table salt and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and spraying it into your nose using a nasal sprayer, or by pouring it in your nose with a Neti pot or sinus rinsing system.
How to treat sinus infection in children?
Nasal sprays, saline sprays, and pain relief are all effective treatments for acute sinusitis. Do not give over-the-counter cough or cold medicines or decongestants to your child if they’re under 2 years old. Most children will fully recover from a sinus infection without antibiotics.
What is the best medicine for sinus infection?
Currently, fluticasone and triamcinolone nasal sprays are available over-the-counter. Other over-the-counter medicines that contain antihistamines and decongestants can help with sinus infections, particularly if you also suffer from allergies. Popular medicines of this kind include: Sudafed. Zyrtec.
Why does my sinus hurt?
Sinusitis is usually caused by a virus and often persists even after other upper respiratory symptoms are gone. In some cases, bacteria, or rarely fungus, may cause a sinus infection. Other conditions such as allergies, nasal polyps, and tooth infections can also contribute to sinus pain and symptoms.
How long does sinusitis last?
Acute sinusitis only lasts for a short time, defined by the American Academy of Otolaryngology as less than four weeks. An acute infection is usually part of a cold or other respiratory illness. Chronic sinus infections last for more than twelve weeks or continue to recur. Specialists agree that the main criteria for sinusitis include facial pain, ...
What to do if you cough after mucus is gone?
If you continue to cough after the mucus has progressed from your system, then you should also visit a physician. Unfortunately, as we progress through the winter months, many individuals will be confronted by health issues that are often uncomfortable and always unwelcome.
What does chest congestion mean?
In some cases, chest congestion can be an indication of pneumonia. This is an infection that can seem similar to bronchitis and can be accompanied by other issues such as shortness of breath, fever, and chills.
What is it called when you have a cold and chest issues?
Colds And Bronchitis . If you are already contending with a cold and begin to have chest issues in the chest, you could be dealing with a chest cold, which is normally referred to as bronchitis. This occurs due to the production of mucus, which your body uses to contend with a cold.
What to do if you have chest pain?
If you are experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, or any difficulty with breathing, then it is important for you to seek immediate medical attention. If you or someone in your family is dealing with excessive vomiting or a high fever that is not improving, then you should contact your physician.
What to do if you have a high fever and vomiting?
If you or someone in your family is dealing with excessive vomiting or a high fever that is not improving, then you should also contact your physician. If you are also experiencing a cough, this could be a simple matter of mucus which is a normal process toward eliminating the issue from your system.
Can bronchitis cause coughing?
If bronchitis emerges, it will create coughing. But in addition to coughing, other symptoms of bronchitis include fever, wheezing when you attempt to breathe, and a reduced level of energy. These related symptoms can become more intense than a cold but are not as serious as a case of pneumonia.
What is the treatment for congestion in the ear?
There are numerous over-the-counter (OTC), prescription, and natural treatments for ear congestion. However, the exact treatment depends on the underlying cause. Ear congestion refers to a feeling of fullness in the ears. A person may feel that their ears are clogged or blocked up.
How to reduce ear congestion due to elevation?
Treatment. To relieve ear congestion due to elevation changes, a person can try : yawning or chewing gum during takeoff or landing. wearing a filtered earbud that equalizes air pressure.
What causes a sneezing nose?
Allergic rhinitis can also lead to: sneezing. runny or stuffy nose. itchy, watery eyes. itchy mouth, nose, and throat. difficulty breathing through the nose. headache. Treatment. To relieve ear congestion that occurs due to allergies, a person can take allergy medications, such as decongestants and antihistamines.
How to heal ear infection fast?
Plenty of rest and drinking clear fluids, such as water or tea, may help an ear infection heal faster. A person can use OTC medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to relieve pain and fevers. Doctors can treat fungal ear infections with topical antifungal medications.
What causes ear congestion?
Other causes of ear congestion include: Acoustic neuroma: This is a noncancerous tumor that develops on the nerves in the inner ear. Cholesteatoma: This is a benign skin growth that develops behind the eardrum. Serous otitis media: This is an infection of the cavity behind the eardrum.
What is allergic rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis, or nasal allergi es, occurs when the immune system overreacts to allergens in the environment, such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. A 2019 article. Trusted Source. notes that allergic rhinitis can also affect the ears. People with allergic rhinitis may experience:
Can ear infections cause congestion?
Ear infections can also lead to ear congestion. Ear infections occur when a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection develops in the middle ear. The infection leads to inflammation and fluid accumulation in the eustachian tube. Fluid buildup can cause a feeling of fullness or congestion in the ear.