It’s believed that about 12% of the US population suffers from nasal congestion. Unfortunately, it’s a common condition. If you’re battling nasal congestion, you might want to read on to learn a few treatment options presented by Edmund Fisher, MD, FACS, Board Certified Otorhinolaryngologist.
What Is Nasal Congestion? What Causes Nasal Congestion?
Wondering how to clear nasal congestion? You need to know what it is first.
Nasal congestion is a stuffy or blocked nose. This condition occurs when your nasal passages’ tissues and blood vessels become swollen and inflamed. Unfortunately, various factors, including viral infections, allergies, the common cold, and environmental irritants can cause this.
When you experience nasal congestion, the swelling obstructs airflow, leading to symptoms like difficulty breathing through your nose, a sensation of fullness, and an impaired sense of smell. That’s why it’s unsurprising that many people who experience chronic nasal congestion seek treatment.
Read more: Post Nasal Drip Treatment: What It Is and Causes
What Are the Treatments for Nasal Congestion?
- Balloon Sinuplasty
One of the best nasal congestion treatments is balloon sinuplasty. This procedure is minimally invasive. It is performed by a plastic surgeon to treat chronic sinusitis and nasal congestion.
During this procedure, a small balloon is inserted into your blocked sinus passage and inflated, widening the space and promoting drainage. Unlike traditional sinus surgery, it preserves tissue and allows for a quicker recovery since it is less invasive.
If you are considering endoscopic balloon sinuplasty because you don’t want to undergo sinus surgery, you should consider consulting with Dr. Fisher. A balloon sinuplasty will help relieve sinus congestion and have you breathing better than ever.
- Antihistamines
Antihistamines are medicines designed to block the effects of histamines, which are released when your body believes it is having an allergic reaction. These medications alleviate symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose. You can find them in most multi-symptom flu medications, or you can buy them over-the-counter at pharmacies.
It’s important to note that while antihistamines can help with nasal congestion caused by allergies, they may be less effective for non-allergic congestion.
- Decongestants
Decongestants are medications that narrow blood vessels in the nasal passages, reducing swelling and congestion. They are commonly available in oral or nasal spray forms and temporarily relieve stuffy noses caused by colds or allergies.
However, you should know you can risk further (rebound) congestion if you use decongestants for more than three consecutive days. Therefore, they are only a short-term solution for those with nasal congestion.
- Steroidal Nasal Spray
Steroidal nasal sprays contain corticosteroids that reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. These sprays effectively treat chronic nasal congestion associated with allergic rhinitis or sinusitis.
Unlike decongestants, steroidal nasal sprays can be used for extended periods without causing rebound congestion. However, you should consult your doctor on whether you can use a steroidal nasal spray in the long term or if a permanent, non-steroidal solution is necessary.
Call us for Rhinoplasty
- VivAer
VivAer is a revolutionary treatment for nasal congestion. Unlike other treatments, VivAer is able to shrink swelling in different parts of your nose with a simple office procedure. It only takes four to six weeks for results to be noticeable.
Read more: Get Rid of Sinus Pressure Fast
Wrap-Up on Nasal Congestion and the Available Treatments
With nasal congestion becoming a significant problem, it’s only natural for individuals to seek solutions. Fortunately, there are short-term and long-term solutions. If you want to try a permanent solution, you can speak with FaceByFisher to learn more about our endoscopic balloon sinuplasty procedure.
