Americans suffer more than 1 billion bouts of stuffy nose each year, based on incidence estimates for the common cold from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. While the common cold proves the most frequent cause of stuffy nose, other disorders of the nasal airways also frequently lead to congestion. Examination of the precipitating and aggravating factors, and symptoms occurring along with a stuffy nose can help determine the underlying cause of this bothersome symptom.
Common Cold
A runny, stuffy nose is the hallmark symptom of a common cold. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, or NIAID, reports that more than 200 types of viruses can cause a cold including various strains of rhinovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, coronavirus, paramyxovirus, enterovirus, coxsackvirus, respiratory syncytial virus and echovirus. Sneezing, dry cough and watery eyes may accompany the stuffy nose of a common cold. Symptoms typically clear within one to two weeks. According to NIAID, the frequency of catching a cold correlates with age. On average, children contract six to 10 head colds per year. Adults catch cold two to four times yearly. Persons age 60 and older typically have less than one cold per calendar year.
Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, occurs when inhaled particles that adhere to the mucous membranes lining the nose trigger an immune response. Chemicals released by the immune cells cause dilation of the blood vessels in the lining of the nose, leading to nasal congestion. Sneezing and watery eyes often accompany nasal stuffiness. Information provided by the American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery explains that allergic rhinitis may be seasonal or occur year round, depending on what provokes the nasal allergic response. Allergic reactions to pollens and molds tend to occur seasonally. Allergic rhinitis due to dust mites, tobacco smoke and animal dander frequently occurs year-round.
Sinusitis
The sinuses are air-filled spaces embedded in the facial bones surrounding the nose. Their primary functions are filtering and warming air inhaled through the nose. Openings in the sinuses communicate with the nasal cavity. Irritation of the lining of the nose can spread into the sinuses. Swelling of the sinus tissues may cause obstruction of the openings between one or more of the sinuses and the nose. Irritation of the sinuses with blockage is termed sinusitis. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology states that symptoms of sinusitis typically include nasal stuffiness, ear fullness, pain or pressure in the forehead or cheekbones, thick nasal discharge and dry cough. Sinusitis often develops after a head cold, due to viral spread into the sinuses. Allergic rhinitis can also trigger acute or chronic sinusitis.
References
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Common Cold and Runny Nose
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: Common Cold, Cause
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: Common Cold, Overview
- American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery: Allergic Rhinitis, Sinusitis, and Rhinosinusitis
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: Tips to Remember--Sinusitis
