We have all had a stuffy nose, or nasal congestion, at some point in life. In addition to the irritation that a stuffy nose can cause, it can also cause us to miss work, school, or the enjoyment of free time with our friends and family. A stuffy nose occurs because the nasal tissues and blood vessels become full of fluid, according to the Mayo Clinic. In addition, nasal congestion can have other effects on your body depending on the cause. In particular, if you are experiencing chronic (greater than 8 weeks) nasal congestion, or sinusitis, look for these other side effects and seek treatment from your doctor.
Pain
Nasal congestion can be a painful condition, according to the Mayo Clinic. This pain is caused by a buildup of pressure in the sinuses. The pain can be located around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead. Touching these areas can also be fairly sensitive, because of the buildup in pressure pushing on the bones in your face. The Mayo Clinic states that the aching may occur in the jaw and teeth as well. Because it may be difficult to distinguish what may be causing your pain, it is important to seek your doctor's guidance.
Drainage
Nasal drainage is a common side effect associated with nasal congestion, according to the Mayo Clinic. Mucous can drain externally through your nose, or into the back of your throat. Drainage into the back of your throat is termed postnasal drip, and can be associated with cough and a sore throat. The drainage can range from clear and thin, to thick and yellow or green. According to the National Institutes of Health, the color of the drainage does not mean that you necessarily have a bacterial infection. Therefore, antibiotics for treatment may not be necessary. Your doctor will run the appropriate tests to determine if an infection is the cause and to treat your symptoms appropriately.
Other Side Effects
According to the Mayo Clinic, other side effects include ear pain, sore throat and cough (likely from postnasal drip), bad breath, fatigue and nausea. If you are experiencing these side effects from a stuffy nose, you should seek medical attention from you doctor. If these side effects are recurrent and difficult to resolve, she may refer you to a specialist for proper treatment.
