Nasal Congestion Treatment in Atlanta

Do you ever wonder why you are constantly struggling with nasal congestion?

How and why does it start? What is causing nasal congestion in your daily life? How in the world do you treat nasal congestion? If you are visiting this page, chances are you have asked yourself similar questions at some point in your life. Well our ENT doctors of Northeast Atlanta ENT are here to discuss nasal congestion and to answer the most common questions our patients ask us.

What Causes Nasal Blockage or Nasal Congestion?

Many people experience problems with their nasal (nose) breathing, including nasal congestion, nasal restriction, obstruction, or stuffiness. In fact, this is one of the most common complaints our patients have (and the most oldest complaint).

Some people may view it as a nuisance, whereas others view nasal congestion as a significant discomfort in their daily lives. There are actually 4 main causes of nasal obstruction, including:

1. infection
2. structural abnormalities
3. allergies
4. non allergic (vasomotor) rhinitis

Nasal Congestion Due to Infection. How is Nose Congestion Treated?

Nasal congestion can become apparent due to infections and the common cold. Do you know that, on average, most adults get a cold 2-3 times per year. Actually, they occur more so in children since their immunity is not as strong as an adult’s immunity system.

How does a person “catch a cold?” It starts with a virus, whether the virus is airborne or transmitted by bodily contact (specifically hand-to-nose contact). When the virus is absorbed through the nose, histamine is released by the body. Histamine is a chemical that significantly increases blood flow to the nose, and causes the nasal tissue to swell.

When this happens, the nasal membranes become very congested with blood. Also at this time, the nasal membranes produce excessive amounts of mucus— this creates the stuffiness in your nasal passageway.

Common treatments for chronic nasal congestion due to infections and the common cold include

• antihistamines
• decongestants

These two treatments are effective at lessening the symptoms, however, no medication exists to cure it. Instead, time and waiting patiently will get rid of the infection.

If someone suffers from a viral infection, his or her nose has poor resistance to bacteria. This is precisely why nose and sinus infections commonly follow a cold. You know you probably have a bacterial infection when the nasal mucus turns from clear to yellow or green. At this point, it is always the best course of treatment to call an ENT doctor for an appointment.

When someone is diagnosed with an acute sinus infection, the following may occur

• nasal congestion
• appearance of thick discharge
• pain in the cheeks
• pain near your upper teeth regions
• pain between and behind the eyes
• pain above the eyes and in the forehead

What you experience depends on which sinuses are infected. Treatment for acute sinus infections include antibiotics prescribed by your ENT doctor.

If someone consistently experiences sinus infections, this becomes known as chronic sinus infections. This condition may or may not cause pain. However, the following symptoms may become evident

• nasal obstruction
• offensive nasal discharge
• postnasal discharge
• polyps (sometimes this fleshy growth in the nose may appear)

If the infection does not get treated, it can spread to the lower airways. At this point someone may experience:

• bronchitis
• asthma
• a chronic cough

Treatment for chronic sinusitis may require surgery. It is always best to seek treatment right away if you have a sinus infection.

Nasal Congestion Due to Structural Abnormalities and Its Treatment

Structural abnormalities include:

• deformities of the nose
• deformities of the nasal septum
• nasal tumors and foreign bodies

The nasal septum is the thin, flat cartilage and bone which divides the two sides of the nose and nostrils. Deformities of the nasal septum are experienced by adults and children, but are usually caused by injuries typically during childhood.

Furthermore, nasal injuries can occur during the birth process. In fact, 7% of newborn babies experience nasal injury.

If breathing becomes obstructed, then surgical correction may be the best course of treatment. Actually, a very common cause of nasal obstruction in kids is enlargement of the adenoids. Adenoids have tissue similar to tonsils, and they are located in the back of the nose, behind the palate.

• Noisy breathing at night and snoring can be implications in children who have this problem.
• If your child consistently sleeps with his or her mouth open (a mouth breather), he or she may develop a sagging face and/or dental problems/deformities.
• The best course of treatment for these conditions is typically surgery. During surgery, the adenoids and/or the tonsils will be removed.

As far as nasal tumors and foreign bodies causing nasal congestion, an ENT physician should be called if a foul-smelling discharge is draining from one of the nostrils. This can happen if a child lodges or inserts a small object into his or her nose.

Nasal Congestion Due to Allergies and Treatment Options

Allergic rhinitis (chronic rhinitis) is also referred to as rose fever, hay fever, grass fever, or summertime colds. An allergy is an exaggerated inflammatory response to a certain substance. Specifically in the case of a stuffy, congested nose, the allergen is typically pollen, animal dander, mold, or house dust.

• Pollen is often the allergy culprit during the summer, spring, and fall months.
• House dust allergies are the common culprit during the winter months.
• Molds and mold spores can cause symptoms any time throughout the year.

When someone has an allergy to a certain substance, histamine and similar substances are released. This release results in nasal congestion, along with excess production of nasal mucus (often watery).

Treatment for allergies include:

• Antihistamines— helps to minimize runny nose and sneezing. The most common antihistamines for allergies include: Alavert®, Zyrtec®, Allegra®, Polaramine®, Tavist®, Seldane®, PBZ®, HIsmanal®, Nolahist®, Claritin®, Teldrin®, Dimetane®, Chlortrimetron®, and Benadryl®. You can buy them over-the-counter without a prescription. They are also available in generic form.
• A combination of antihistamines and decongestants.
• Allergy shots— Injections are typically given for a time period of 3-5 years with much success. In order to create the vials of allergy-inducing substances, SLIT skin tests and blood tests are needed. These vials are specific to the patient’s individual profile. Your ENT doctor will determine the best concentration for your first treatment. The purpose of allergy shots is to block the antibodies in the patient’s bloodstream that interfere with an allergic reaction.

Patients who have allergies are more likely to need treatment when experiencing a sinus infection.

Nasal Congestion Due to Vasomotor Rhinitis, Including Treatment Options

“Rhinitis” is the term used when the nose and nasal membranes become inflamed. “Vasomotor” pertains to the nerves which control blood vessels.

There are many different membranes in the nose. Membranes have an abundant supply of capillaries, arteries, and veins, and they all have the ability to constrict or expand. On a normal level, the blood vessels operate in a half-restricted or half-open state.

Take this example: if someone exercises heavily, then his or her hormone (adrenaline) also increases. Adrenaline causes constriction of the nasal membranes, which means the nasal passageways open up and the person can breathe freely.

As an opposite example: when a person has the common cold (or an allergic attack), the blood vessels expand. When they expand, the membranes become congested, which means the nose becomes stuffy or blocked.

Other instances can cause nasal blood vessels to expand, which can lead to vasomotor rhinitis. These include:

• allergies
• infections
• psychological stress
• certain anti-high blood pressure medications
• inadequate thyroid function
• pregnancy
• prolonged overuse of decongestant nasal sprays
• exposure to irritants (i.e. tobacco smoke, perfumes, etc

If these disorders are caught in their early stages, then nasal stuffiness is typically reversible and it becomes a temporary condition. Once the primary cause(s) is corrected, nasal blockage improves.

However, in the event that the condition(s) persists, the blood vessels will eventually lose their capacity to constrict (similar to varicose veins).

When a patient lies down on one side, their lower side can become congested. This will interfere with his or her sleep patterns. If this is the case, you should sleep with the head of the bed elevated at least 2-4 inches.

Another treatment option is surgery, which can provide significant, long-term relief.

Overall Risks with Nasal Blockage Treatment

• If you often get sleepy when taking antihistamines, you should never drive a car or operate heavy, dangerous equipment after taking them.
• If you have an irregular heart beat, high blood pressure, glaucoma, or difficulty urinating, you should avoid decongestants. This is because decongestants elevate blood pressure and increase the pulse rate.
• If you are pregnant, consult with your obstetrician before taking medicine.
• If you are taking decongestants with cortisone in them (corticosteroids), follow the package’s instructions carefully. These particular types of decongestants are administered as nasal sprays, typically used to lessen the risk of serious side effects associated with other dosage forms. You should immediately consult with your ENT doctor if you develop crusting, pain, nasal bleeding, or vision changes.

Need Nasal Congestion Treatment? Give Northeast Atlanta ENT a Call.

Northeast Atlanta ENT has offices in the Johns Creek/Suwanee area, Dacula, and Lawrenceville. We are here to treat your nasal congestion problems so you can find relief in no time. Call us today to schedule your appointment!