Nasal congestion has a variety of causes, and is usually attributed to either a structural, anatomic (how your body is shaped) blockage or swelling of the nasal tissue due to acute (occurring suddenly) or chronic (ongoing) inflammation. Nasal congestion may be described as a feeling of “wetness” in the nose, pressure in the nose, or nasal obstruction with inability to breathe well through the nose. Anatomic blockage or inflammation can narrow the nasal cavity and give a sensation of a “stuffed up” nose. When the nasal passage is obstructed (narrowed), you may snore in your sleep.
Some potential causes of nasal congestion include:
- Allergies, such as dust, mold, or pollen
- Benign and cancerous tumors
- Chronic sinusitis
- Deviated (crooked) nasal septum
- Enlarged turbinates (structures inside the nasal cavity)
- Environmental irritants, such as a chemicals, weather change, or temperature change
- Nasal polyps
- Viral infection
Tests
Physical Exam
Your ENT doctor will perform a complete examination of your nose, nasal passage, and sinuses to check for blockage.
Treatments
Nasal Spray
Your ENT doctor may recommend that you regularly use a nasal spray to help clear out your nasal passage.
Medication
There are over-the-counter and prescription medications, such as decongestants, available to help give you relief from nasal congestion.
Homeopathic Remedies
At-home remedies, like using a humidifier or standing in a hot shower, may help open your nasal passage.
Why Choose UHealth?
Ranked No. 28 in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report. The ranking reflects the team’s dedication to excellence in research patient care and outcomes. Surgeons, audiologists, biomedical engineers, speech pathologists, researchers, and psychologists collaborate with many research programs at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine to deliver the best possible multidisciplinary care to pediatric and adult ear, nose, and throat patients.
Highly specialized rhinology doctors. The experts at University of Miami Health are here to help you breathe easier, smell better, and rest better with an accurate diagnosis and leading edge treatments in a compassionate setting. Our fellowship-trained providers specialize in the nasal airway, and our rhinology specialists have completed specialized training in nasal and sinus disorders. They have dedicated their clinical and research careers to caring for nasal and sinus disorders.
Our academic health center provides you with more treatment options. Our ENT specialists are experts in the field of rhinology. As part of an academic health center, we are proud to offer breakthrough treatments not available to other facilities in South Florida. We also offer our patients early access to clinical trials and new medical and procedural treatments. We provide comprehensive care for a wide array of rhinologic conditions, backed by expertise, research, and education.
Questions? We're here to help.
Our appointment specialists are ready to help you find what you need. Contact us today.