Seven Causes Of Chronic Nasal Congestion
When anything irritates or inflames the nasal tissue, nasal congestion is caused. The condition if mild, then there is nothing to worry. However, if it is chronic, measures are needed to be taken. There can be numerous things that trigger or cause nasal congestion. Few of the causes are listed below:
- Allergies
Various names for allergic rhinitis are hay fever, grass fever, rose fever and summertime cold. Allergy is the exaggerated inflammatory reaction to substances that cause nasal congestion as well.
These substances usually are mold, pollen, animal dander or any other dust particles and elements of the house. Pollen usually causes trouble in the summer, spring and fall seasons. Whereas, most house dust allergies are evident in the winters. Molds may cause symptoms throughout the year. The release of histamine in allergic patients results in nasal congestion and, it leads to excess production of watery nasal mucus. Infection
A common cold is suffered by an average man at least twice or thrice per year. As the immunity strength is weak during childhood, most viral infections are caused during that time. Many different viruses can cause a cold. Some of them include the airborne viruses, while hand-to-nose contact transmits some. As soon as the nose absorbs the virus, it causes the body to release histamine. Histamine is a chemical that dramatically increases the blood flow to the nose and causes nasal tissues to swell. This causes inflammation of the nasal membranes, and it gets congested with blood and excessive mucus. This tends to stuff up the nasal airway. Structural abnormalities
Structural abnormalities include deformities of a nose and nasal septum. The nasal septum is the thin, flat cartilage and bone that divides the two side of the nose and nostrils. Most of these deformities happen due to injuries. In the birth process, seven percent newborn babies suffer significant nasal injuries. Also, nasal injuries are common in adults as well as children. These structural abnormalities lead to nasal congestion in many people. If these deformities cause difficulty in breathing, surgical correction can be helpful. Bacteria
Bacteria may cause nasal congestion that lasts for a week to ten days and which leads to thickened discolored nasal discharge, headaches and fatigue. The right environment for bacteria to grow can be caused by viral infection and allergies as well. With the white cells releasing inflammatory factors, the body mounts a defense to the bacteria. The inflammation can cause severe congestion in the nose. Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Haemophilus influenza are there most common forms of acute bacterial infection. Unfortunately, one can hardly prevent the bacteria from entering his/her body. As soon as your immune system lets its guard down, the bacteria multiplies and causes nasal congestion. Nasal polyps
A grapelike growth of your nasal mucus is known as nasal polyps. It is formed in your sinuses. Since your sinus is unable to drain properly due to the interference of the polyps, they can cause sinus blockages and a feeling of congestion as well. Polyps can hamper your ability to breathe and your sense of smell as well, depending on its location. If you have asthma or other chronic allergies, you tend to be more prone to nasal polyps. The cause of nasal polyps is not precisely known. However, it is usually associated with allergies and smoking. Pollutants
Nasal congestion that is caused due to inflammation of the nasal tissues is linked with indoor as well as outdoor pollution. You unwillingly tend to inhale these pollutants such as dust, exhaust, even perfume. These pollutants cannot be avoided entirely as they are present everywhere. However, some precautionary measures can be taken for the same. Swimming
It is essential to make sure that you don’t extend the period you spend in chlorinated pools if you are predisposed to nasal congestion and sinus infections. This is because chlorine acts as an irritant and it disrupts the normal functions of your nasal membrane lining and sinuses. Also, you carry a separate risk if you dive into a swimming pool. As, when your head impacts with water, a pressure is created in your sinuses. Further, water can be pushed into the sinuses and cause further irritation and inflame the tissues leading to nasal congestion.
A common cold is suffered by an average man at least twice or thrice per year. As the immunity strength is weak during childhood, most viral infections are caused during that time. Many different viruses can cause a cold. Some of them include the airborne viruses, while hand-to-nose contact transmits some. As soon as the nose absorbs the virus, it causes the body to release histamine. Histamine is a chemical that dramatically increases the blood flow to the nose and causes nasal tissues to swell. This causes inflammation of the nasal membranes, and it gets congested with blood and excessive mucus. This tends to stuff up the nasal airway.
Structural abnormalities include deformities of a nose and nasal septum. The nasal septum is the thin, flat cartilage and bone that divides the two side of the nose and nostrils. Most of these deformities happen due to injuries. In the birth process, seven percent newborn babies suffer significant nasal injuries. Also, nasal injuries are common in adults as well as children. These structural abnormalities lead to nasal congestion in many people. If these deformities cause difficulty in breathing, surgical correction can be helpful.
Bacteria may cause nasal congestion that lasts for a week to ten days and which leads to thickened discolored nasal discharge, headaches and fatigue. The right environment for bacteria to grow can be caused by viral infection and allergies as well. With the white cells releasing inflammatory factors, the body mounts a defense to the bacteria. The inflammation can cause severe congestion in the nose. Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Haemophilus influenza are there most common forms of acute bacterial infection. Unfortunately, one can hardly prevent the bacteria from entering his/her body. As soon as your immune system lets its guard down, the bacteria multiplies and causes nasal congestion.
A grapelike growth of your nasal mucus is known as nasal polyps. It is formed in your sinuses. Since your sinus is unable to drain properly due to the interference of the polyps, they can cause sinus blockages and a feeling of congestion as well. Polyps can hamper your ability to breathe and your sense of smell as well, depending on its location. If you have asthma or other chronic allergies, you tend to be more prone to nasal polyps. The cause of nasal polyps is not precisely known. However, it is usually associated with allergies and smoking.
Nasal congestion that is caused due to inflammation of the nasal tissues is linked with indoor as well as outdoor pollution. You unwillingly tend to inhale these pollutants such as dust, exhaust, even perfume. These pollutants cannot be avoided entirely as they are present everywhere. However, some precautionary measures can be taken for the same.
It is essential to make sure that you don’t extend the period you spend in chlorinated pools if you are predisposed to nasal congestion and sinus infections. This is because chlorine acts as an irritant and it disrupts the normal functions of your nasal membrane lining and sinuses. Also, you carry a separate risk if you dive into a swimming pool. As, when your head impacts with water, a pressure is created in your sinuses. Further, water can be pushed into the sinuses and cause further irritation and inflame the tissues leading to nasal congestion.
Along with the above causes, some other causes may include overuse of nasal products, deviated septum, drinking alcohol, smoking, stress, etc. These are the main causes of nasal congestion in most cases. Even though it might seem mild, if lasts more than a couple of days it is advisable to consult your family doctor.
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