Why is nose stuffy

A nasal wash can help remove mucus from your nose. You can buy a saline spray at a drugstore or make one at home. Use gentle saline nasal sprays 3 to 4 times per day. Congestion is often worse when lying down. Keep upright, or at least keep the head elevated. Medicines you can buy at the store without a prescription can help your symptoms.

Decongestants are drugs that shrink and dry up your nasal passages. They may help dry up a runny or stuffy nose. Antihistamines are drugs that treat allergy symptoms. Some antihistamines make you drowsy so use with care. Nasal sprays can relieve stuffiness. Don't use over-the-counter nasal sprays more often than 3 days on and 3 days off, unless told to by your health care provider.

If you have allergies: Your provider may also prescribe nasal sprays that treat allergy symptoms. Learn how to avoid triggers that make allergies worse. When to Contact a Medical Professional. Call your provider for any of the following: A stuffy nose with swelling of the forehead, eyes, side of the nose, or cheek, or that occurs with blurred vision More throat pain, or white or yellow spots on the tonsils or other parts of the throat Discharge from the nose that has a bad smell, comes from only one side, or is a color other than white or yellow Cough that lasts longer than 10 days, or produces yellow-green or gray mucus Nasal discharge following a head injury Symptoms that last more than 3 weeks Nasal discharge with fever.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit. Symptoms usually improve right away with proper treatment. If you experience chronic congestion, speak to your doctor to investigate the underlying problem. Congestion occurs frequently in newborn babies. Newborn congestion is usually treated at home or resolves without treatment within a couple of days….

If your nasal discharge is any color other than clear, it could be a sign of an infection. Check out our handy table comparing conditions to colors to….

A neti pot can help you clear up nasal congestion or mucus from allergies. It's best to follow certain steps that ensure sure you use it safely and…. Parosmia is a condition that distorts one's sense of smell and taste.

A variety of health conditions — most of which are related to your sinuses — can trigger a rotten smell in your nose. Most are not serious, but some…. Loss of the sense of smell can be temporary or permanent. Nasal polyps can cause pressure, congestion, and loss of smell. Medication and surgery can both be used to treat them. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. What Causes a Stuffy Nose?

Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Colds, flu, and stuffy nose. In: Differential Diagnosis in Common Complaints. Accessed Jan. Nonallergic rhinitis. Walls RM, et al. Upper respiratory tract infections. Koh JH, et al. Traumatic nasal injuries in general practice. Australian Family Physician ; Omoruyi EA. Practice guideline: Approach to the child with rhinorrhea. Journal of Pediatric Health Care. Caring for your two-month old.

Litin SC expert opinion. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. See also Acute sinusitis Acute sinusitis: Do over-the-counter treatments help?

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