Nasal congestion

Nasal congestion
Synonyms	nasal blockage, nasal obstruction, blocked nose, stuffy nose, plugged nose
Medical products for diminution of nasal congestion
Classification and external resources
Specialty	Otorhinolaryngology
ICD-9-CM	478.19
MedlinePlus	003049
MeSH	D015508
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This article concerns nasal congestion as a symptom. For the natural partial congestion of the nose, see nasal cycle.

Nasal congestion is the blockage of the nasal passages usually due to membranes lining the nose becoming swollen from inflamed blood vessels.

Nasal decongestants target the discomfort directly. These come as nasal sprays, inhalers, and as oral pills.

Nasal congestion has many causes and can range from a mild annoyance to a life-threatening condition. The newborn infant prefers to breathe through the nose (historically referred to as "obligate nasal breathers"). Nasal congestion in an infant in the first few months of life can interfere with breastfeeding and cause life-threatening respiratory distress; in older children and adolescents it is often just an annoyance but can cause other difficulties.

Nasal congestion can interfere with the hearing and speech. Significant congestion may interfere with sleep, cause snoring, and can be associated with sleep apnea. In children, nasal congestion from enlarged adenoids has caused chronic sleep apnea with insufficient oxygen levels and hypoxia, as well as right-sided heart failure. The problem usually resolves after surgery to remove the adenoids and tonsils, however the problem often relapses later in life due to craniofacial alterations from chronic nasal congestion.

Nasal congestion can also cause mild facial and head pain, and a degree of discomfort, often from allergies or the common cold.

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