A stuffy nose is commonly thought of as being caused by excessive mucus buildup, but is actually the result of swollen nasal passages, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. A stuffy nose and sinus congestion can be caused by the common cold, allergies or environmental factors leading to a runny nose, postnasal drip and sinus pressure pain. Alleviating a stuffy nose and sinus congestion can be accomplished with the use of medications, home remedies and sinus surgery. Talk with a doctor to diagnose the cause of the nasal congestion and determine the best treatment for the condition.
OTC Drugs
The most common over-the-counter drugs used to alleviate sinus congestion are decongestants and antihistamines. Decongestants work by preventing blood from entering the sinus cavity. This action reduces the inflammation and enables freer breathing, according to the Family Doctor website. Oral decongestants can make you feel nervous, excited and sleepless. Do not take decongestants if you have a heart issue or liver disease. Use nasal spray decongestants no longer than three consecutive days; Continual use of nasal spray decongestants can cause rebound congestion.
Antihistamines are used to treat a stuffy nose resulting from allergies. When the body experiences an allergic reaction in the sinuses, they become irritated and inflamed. Antihistamines block the body's ability to produce excessive amounts of histamine, alleviating sinus allergy symptoms, according to MedlinePlus.
Natural Remedies
Use steam to help soothe the sinuses and open them up, advises to MedlinePlus. Steam can be administered by running a hot shower and allowing the steam to fill the bathroom; sit in the bathroom for 10 to 15 minutes.
Saline sprays and nasal rinses use saltwater to cleanse and help remove any irritants or allergens lodged in the sinus cavity.
Drink plenty of liquids, especially hot beverages such as herbal teas and broth. The heat from the beverage will help thin the mucus in the sinus cavity and drain it more effectively.
Sinus Surgery
In some cases, sinus surgery may be required to alleviate sinus congestion. The most common conditions requiring sinus surgery are a deviated septum and nasal polyps. A deviated septum is a condition where the center bone in the nose is crooked, cutting off the ability to breathe through one or both nostrils. Corrective surgery is the only treatment, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths that are commonly treated with corticosteroids but in extreme cases may need to be removed surgically, according to MayoClinic.com.
