A stuffy nose is easy to ignore. Maybe it's a cold. Maybe it's allergies. Maybe it will go away in a few days.
But if nasal congestion keeps coming back or never completely goes away, it may be time to look beyond the common cold.
September is Sinus Health Awareness Month, making it a good time to understand what may be causing ongoing nasal and sinus symptoms—and when an ENT evaluation can help.
When Is Nasal Congestion a Problem?
Everyone experiences congestion from time to time. Colds, allergies, and other temporary illnesses can cause the tissues inside the nose to swell.
But persistent nasal congestion may be a sign of an underlying problem, especially when it's accompanied by:
- Difficulty breathing through your nose
- Facial pressure
- Post-nasal drainage
- Frequent sinus infections
- Decreased sense of smell
- Snoring or mouth breathing
- Difficulty sleeping
It May Not Be "Just a Cold"
If congestion continues for weeks or repeatedly returns, there may be another cause.
Allergies can cause ongoing inflammation inside the nose, leading to congestion, sneezing, itching and drainage. Fall allergens such as ragweed can be particularly troublesome. Allergy testing can help identify specific triggers and guide treatment. For appropriate patients, SLIT allergy drops may be an option for longer-term allergy management.
Chronic sinusitis can also cause persistent congestion, drainage, facial pressure, and reduced sense of smell. Unlike an occasional sinus infection, chronic sinus problems may make you feel like you're never completely clear.
Sometimes the problem is structural. A deviated septum or enlarged turbinates can make it difficult to breathe through your nose. Nasal polyps and chronic rhinitis are other possible causes of nasal obstruction.
Don't Let Chronic Congestion Become Your Normal
Many people get used to having a stuffy nose. They sleep with their mouth open, rely on medications, or assume that difficulty breathing through their nose is normal.
It doesn't have to be.
If congestion is affecting your sleep, exercise, concentration, or quality of life, an ENT specialist can help determine what's causing it.
When Should You See an ENT?
Consider an ENT evaluation if:
- Your congestion isn't going away
- Symptoms keep returning
- You frequently have sinus infections
- You have persistent facial pressure or drainage
- You have difficulty breathing through your nose
- Your sense of smell has decreased
- Symptoms are affecting your sleep
- Treatment hasn't provided lasting relief
Treatment depends on the cause. Options may include medications, allergy treatment, or procedures to address chronic rhinitis, nasal obstruction or sinus disease. Depending on your individual needs, treatments may include RhinAer™, VivAer™, septoplasty, turbinate reduction or minimally invasive sinus procedures.
The first step is finding out what's causing your symptoms.
Better Breathing Starts With Better Answers
This September, take a closer look at those sinus symptoms you've learned to live with.
Constant congestion, recurring sinus problems or difficulty breathing through your nose deserve a closer look.
The specialists at ENT and Allergy Specialists can evaluate your symptoms and help you understand your treatment options.
Don't just live with nasal congestion. Find out why it's happening.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Physician Reviewed by: Brian J. Broker, MD
