A stuffy nose and coughing could be a sign of postnasal drip from allergies or the common cold, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. A stuffy nose, or nasal congestion, is the result of inflammation in the sinus cavity that causes swelling, obstructing someone's ability to breathe normally. A stuffy nose commonly causes sinus pressure, nasal discharge and coughing. Talk to a doctor about the symptoms and ask for a recommended treatment.
Cause
A common cause of a stuffy nose and coughing is allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Allergens enter the body, causing a reaction that causes nasal congestion, a runny nose and sneezing. Another cause of a stuffy nose and coughing is the common cold. The common cold is a viral infection that produces similar symptoms of allergies, but usually lasts for three to five days and is accompanied with a low-grade fever, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Effect
The inflammation in the sinus cavity causes restriction in the person's ability to breathe and pass discharge through the nose. The excess fluid in the sinus cavity builds up and drains down the throat. The constant dripping at the back of the throat is postnasal drip, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. The mucus builds up in the throat, producing irritation, causing the coughing reflex muscle to inform the brain to have the body cough.
Home Treatment
Medline Plus recommends using hard candy or cough drops to treat the cough. Do not give hard candy or cough drops to young children. Run a humidifier in the home, especially during the night while sleeping. Drink an increased amount of liquids to thin mucus. Hot liquids, such as broth or herbal tea, are good to thin mucus because of the heat. Use a saline nasal rinse to clean and moisten the sinuses, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Medical Treatment
Decongestants and antihistamines are used to reduce inflammation in the sinus and reduce the amount of mucus being produced, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. Decongestants restrict blood flow to the sinuses, while antihistamines prohibit the body from creating histamine, the chemical that causes allergy symptoms. All over-the-counter medications should be taken under a doctor's supervision.
Warning
Seek immediate medical attention if someone becomes faint, unable to breathe or has hives along with a swollen face or lips, according to Medline Plus. See a doctor if the person coughs up blood, has a cough for more than 12 days and develops a fever.
