Nasal congestion is the partial or complete blockage ofnasal passages, leading to impairednasal breathing, usually due to membranes lining the nose becoming swollen frominflammation of blood vessels.[1]
Nasal congestion can interfere with hearing and speech. Significant congestion may interfere with sleep, causesnoring, and can be associated withsleep apnea orupper airway resistance syndrome.[5] In children, nasal congestion from enlargedadenoids has caused chronic sleep apnea with insufficientoxygen levels andhypoxia. The problem usually resolves after surgery to remove theadenoids andtonsils; however, the problem often relapses later in life due to craniofacial alterations from chronic nasal congestion.[6]
Nasal obstruction characterized by insufficient airflow through the nose can be a subjective sensation or the result of objective pathology.[10] It is difficult to quantify by subjective complaints or clinical examinations alone, hence both clinicians and researchers depend both on concurrent subjective assessment and on objective measurement of the nasal airway.[11]
Prevalence ofkyphosis has been linked to nasal obstruction in a study.[12]
According toWebMD, congestion can be addressed through the use of ahumidifier, warm showers, drinking fluids, using aneti pot, using a nasal saline spray, and sleeping with one's head elevated. It also recommends several over-the-counter decongestants and antihistamines.[13] A 2012 study concluded that combining nasal sprays with "nasal breathing exercises" (NBE) led to improvement of symptoms. Though it may seem an odd recommendation, crying may also be helpful.[14]
^abcdefgNasal congestion at MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. Update Date: 8/2/2011. Updated by: Neil K. Kaneshiro. Also reviewed by David Zieve.
^Pacheco-Galván A, Hart SP, Morice AH (April 2011). "Relationship between gastro-oesophageal reflux and airway diseases: the airway reflux paradigm".Archivos de Bronconeumologia.47 (4):195–203.doi:10.1016/j.arbres.2011.02.001.PMID21459504.
