A stuffy nose, more properly called nasal congestion or sinus congestion, can make you feel as though your head is full of cotton. You may have a problem with chronic nasal congestion for no obvious reason; this may or may not be accompanied by nasal discharge. It can be very hard to pinpoint to cause of sinus congestion because there are so many possibilities. Dairy products may be a factor in sinus congestion for some people.
Sinus Congestion
Sinus congestion results from swelling in the nasal tissues and blood vessels. It does not necessarily mean you have an infection, although a sinus infection can produce similar symptoms. The congestion can interfere with normal nasal drainage and allow mucus to build up. You may experience swelling of the eyes or face – or feel swollen even if there is no outward evidence. Sometimes sinus congestion is accompanied by facial pain or a headache.
Milk and Mucous Production
According to an article published in the December 2005 “Journal of the American College of Nutrition,” there is no connection between milk and mucous production. Researchers reviewed a number of studies on dairy products and symptoms of excess mucous production. People who believed that milk caused increased mucous were more likely to report such symptoms even when the test beverage was not dairy milk but a similar beverage such as flavored soy milk.
Milk Allergy and Sinus Congestion
There may be a connection between milk allergy and sinus congestion. MayoClinic.com discusses possible causes of sinus or nasal congestion and lists more than 40 potential causes; milk allergy is listed as one of them. Allergens can cause swelling, and milk allergy can cause a runny nose. Providence Health and Services notes food allergy as a source of rhinitis or runny nose, which is related to sinus congestion.
Managing Sinus Congestion
You may be able to manage sinus congestion with simple strategies. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, but avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, as they may have dehydrating effects. Alcohol can also make the swelling in the sinuses worse. Try a warm shower, warm compresses applied to the face or warm saline nasal rinses. Sleep with your head elevated, which helps your sinuses drain. Avoid known allergens, such as pollens or dairy products.
Other Considerations
Sinus congestion is usually a minor problem, but chronic inflammation of the sinuses can increase your chances of getting a sinus infection. If you are running a fever, the mucous from your nose is yellow or green, or if you have severe pressure in the upper face, consult a health care professional.
References
- “Journal of the American College of Nutrition”; Milk Consumption Does Not Lead to Mucus Production or Occurrence of Asthma; Brunello Wüthrich, M.D., et al.; December 2005
- MayoClinic.com; Nasal Congestion; September 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Milk Allergy; August 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Chronic Sinusitis; October 2010
- Providence Health Services; Sinus Congestion; February 2011
