STUFFY NOSE

The most common causes are infections and structural abnormalities.An average adult suffers a "common cold", or viral infection two to three times per year. Infected,  the nasal membranes release histamine, causes nasal tissue to swell. This inflames the nasal membranes which become congested with blood and produce excessive amounts of mucus that "stuffs up" the nasal airway.

Sinusitis, (infection in the nasal sinuses), can occur if the cold does not resolve. When the nasal mucus turns from clear to yellow or green, it usually means that a bacterial infection has set in.

Acute sinus infections produce nasal congestion and thick discharge. Pain may occur in cheeks and upper teeth, between and behind the eyes, or above the eyes and in the forehead, depending on which sinuses are involved.

Chronic sinus infections, will cause a chronic stuffy nose as the membranes in the nose and sinuses are constantly swollen. Allergies are common in New York and New Jersey. ENT doctors in our practice our well aware of the effects of allergies and stuffy noses. Some people develop polyps from sinus infections or allergies, and the infection can spread to the lower airways, leading to a chronic cough, bronchitis, or asthma.
Structural abnormalities that cause a stuffy nose can be not medically related or related to the above infections.  Non Medical causes include deformities of the nose and nasal septum, tumors, and foreign bodies. These deformities can be the result theof an injury or congenital. One of the most common causes of nasal obstruction in children is enlargement of the adenoids.

Medical causes include allergic rhinitis, vasomotor rhinitis, turbinate hypertrophy and atrophic rhinitis as well medication induced nasal obstruction. Allergy is an exaggerated inflammatory response to a substance which, in the case of a stuffy nose, is usually pollen, mold, animal dander, or some element in house dust. Pollen may cause problems during spring, summer, and fall, whereas house dust allergies are often most evident in the winter. Molds may cause symptoms year-round.

Allergy shots and now allergy drops are specific and successful treatment methods. Skin prick test and RAST  blood tests are used to determine what you are allergic to and design treatment.

"Vasomotor rhinitis is stuffy nose relating to  the nerves that control the blood vessels in the nasal membranes. Sometimes the nerves will stimulate themselves and cause swelling of the membranes with a water discharge. This is very common in elderly individuals or those who have had head trauma. The symptoms mimic allergic rhinitis but there ae no allergies found on testing.

psychological stress, inadequate thyroid function, pregnancy, certain anti-high blood pressure drugs, prolonged overuse of decongesting nasal sprays, and exposure to irritants such as perfumes and tobacco smoke are some of the causes of vasomotor rhinitis.

Treatment for stuffy noses include finding the cause and treating it with appropriate medication such as nasal sprays, steroids and antibiotics. Surgery is also an option in those who fail medical treatment. A common procedure performed in the office setting, under a topical anesthetic is the shrinking of turbinate tissue.
Turbinate hypertrophy, or swollen turbinates, is the most common sequelae of a stuffy nose. The membranes in the nose that surround the turbinates is shrunk with radiofrequency waves or cautery thus allowing more space in the airway and relieving the stuffyness. Ask your otolaryngologist if this is right for you.