Stuffed or Runny Nose (Congestion) : Causes and Treatment

Common Causes of Stuffed or Runny Nose (Congestion)

In addition to cold temperatures, some other causes of chills can include:

• Cold
• COVID-19
• Decongestant nasal spray overuse
• Deviated septum
• Granulomatosis with polyangiitis
• Hormonal changes
• Influenza
• Medicines, like those used to treat high blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, depression, seizures, and other conditions
• Non-allergic rhinitis
• Pregnancy
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• Leaking cerebrospinal fluid
• Tobacco smoke

Conditions That Lead to a Runny Nose or Congestion:

• Common Cold: Caused by viruses; results in sneezing, cold, and watery nasal discharge.
• Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever): Caused by allergens, such as pollen, dust or pet dander.
• Sinusitis: Inflammation or infection of the sinuses that causes pressure and nasal stuffiness.
• Flu (Influenza): A viral infection that often includes nasal symptoms, fever, and aches throughout the body.
• COVID-19: Can cause runny nose or congestion, plus cough, sore throat or fever.
• Nasal Polyps: Soft lumps in the nasal passages which can inhibit airflow and create congestion.
• Deviated Septum: A structural problem in the nose that can cause long-food nasal stuffiness.
• Allergic Rhinitis: Triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust or animal dander.
• Nasal Decongestants: Overuse can cause rebound congestion
• Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy or thyroid disorders can also evoke nasal symptoms.
• Environmental Irritants: Exposure to pollution, chemicals or cold air.

Symptoms of Nasal Congestion

Nasal congestion can present with several symptoms, including:

• Difficulty breathing through the nose.
• A feeling of pressure or fullness in the nasal passages.
• Swelling or inflammation inside the nose.
• Mucus buildup, leading to a runny or stuffy nose.
• Postnasal drip, causing throat irritation or coughing.
• Diminished sense of smell or taste.
• Headaches or facial pain in severe cases.

When to Visit a Doctor?

Call your physician for any of the following:

• Stuffy nose with swelling of the forehead, eyes, side of the nose or cheek, or which occurs with blurred vision
• More pain in the throat, or white or yellow patches on the tonsils or other parts of the throat
• Runny nose that smells bad, comes from only one side or is a color other than white or yellow
• Cough that lasts more than 10 days or produces yellow-green or gray mucus
• Runny nose following head trauma
• Symptoms that last more than 3 weeks
• Runny nose with fever

Diagnosis of Runny Nose

To diagnose a runny nose, a doctor will typically perform a physical examination and review your medical history. Additional tests may include:

• Nasal swab tests to check for infections like flu or COVID-19.
• Allergy tests if allergies are suspected.
• Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans if structural problems (such as sinus problems or polyps) are suspected.

The diagnosis helps determine whether the runny nose is due to an infection, allergies, or other underlying health conditions.

Treatments for Runny Nose

Once your physician has determined the cause of chronic nasal congestion, they may recommend a treatment plan. Treatment plans often include over-the-counter or prescription medications to relieve or alleviate symptoms.

Medicines used to treat nasal congestion include:

• Oral antihistamines to treat allergies, such as loratadine and cetirizine
• Nasal sprays containing antihistamines, such as azelastine
• Nasal steroids, such as mometasone or fluticasone
• Antibiotics
• Over-the-counter or prescription decongestants
• If you have nasal tumors or polyps in your nasal passages or sinuses that prevent mucus from draining, your physician may recommend surgery to remove them.

Prevention of Runny Nose or Nasal Congestion

• Avoid exposure to known allergens like pollen, dust, pet dander, and mold.
• Wash hands frequently to prevent viral infections like colds and flu.
• Get vaccinated against seasonal flu and respiratory illnesses.
• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke to reduce nasal irritation.
• Limit exposure to air pollutants and strong fumes or perfumes.
• Use air purifiers to reduce indoor allergens and maintain clean air.
• Avoid sudden temperature changes that can trigger nasal symptoms.

Lifestyle Changes for Runny Nose or Nasal Congestion

• Stay well-hydrated to help thin mucus and clear nasal passages.
• Use a humidifier to add moisture to dry indoor air.
• Practice daily nasal irrigation with saline spray or a neti pot.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in immune-boosting nutrients.
• Practice steam inhalation for quick relief from congestion.
• Elevate your head while sleeping to allow easier breathing.
• Engage in regular physical activity to support overall health.
• Avoid sleeping under fans or in extremely cold environments.
• Reduce stress through relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.

Effective Home Remedies for Congestion, Runny or Stuffy Nose

Managing congestion, a runny, or a stuffy nose can often be achieved with simple home remedies that promote comfort and relief:

• Steam Inhalation: Soak your lungs by breathing in steam from a bowl of hot water (a towel draped over your head to trap the steam) to help loosen mucus and clear nasal passages.
• Saline Nasal Spray: Rinse the nasal passages and relieve congestion using over-the-counter saline sprays.
• Warm Compress: The sinus will be drained when a warm cloth is placed over your nose and forehead.
• Honey and Warm Water: Stir a teaspoon of honey in warm water or herbal tea to soothe irritation and mucus.
• Ginger Tea: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling of the nasal passage and relieve symptoms.
• Turmeric Milk: Drunk warm, milk with turmeric may help take some inflammation down and support recovery.
• Peppermint Oil Steam: Steep a few drops of peppermint oil in hot water and inhale; menthol could help open airways.
• Eucalyptus Oil: Aim to ease congestion and promote clearer breathing by using eucalyptus oil in a diffuser or by inhaling its vapors.
• Stay Warm: Keeping your body warm can improve circulation, which can helps the body fight off infections that cause nasal symptoms.
• Spicy Foods: Consuming foods with chili or black pepper can temporarily thin mucus and enhance drainage.