Nasal Congestion (patient information): Difference between revisions
| Line 47: | Line 47: | ||
==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?== | ==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?== | ||
Your doctor may perform a physical examination, focusing on the upper respiratory system, ears, nose, and throat. | |||
Your doctor will ask questions, including: | |||
*When did the stuffy nose begin? Is it always stuffy? | |||
*What have you done to try to relieve the congestion? How well has it worked? | |||
*What other symptoms do you have? | |||
The following diagnostic tests may be done: | |||
*Allergy skin tests (performed only by allergists) | |||
*Blood tests (such as CBC or blood differential) | |||
*Sputum culture and throat culture | |||
*X-rays of the sinuses and chest x-ray | |||
*Serum total IgE (the allergy-related immunoglobin) | |||
Over-the-counter medications may be recommended. Stronger, prescription medications may be advised. For treatment of severe hay fever, see hay fever. | |||
==Possible complications== | ==Possible complications== | ||
Revision as of 17:43, 4 March 2013
Template:Nasal Congestion(patient information) For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click Nasal Congestion
'Editor-In-Chief:' C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Shivali Marketkar, M.B.B.S. [2];
Overview
Nasal congestion refers to a stuffy nose.
What are the symptoms of Nasal congestion?
What causes Nasal congestion?
A stuffy nose is usually caused by a virus or bacteria. Causes include:
- Common cold
- Flu
- Sinus infection
The congestion typically goes away by itself within a week.
Congestion also can be caused by:
- Hay fever or other allergies
- Use of some nasal sprays or drops for more than 3 days (may make nasal stuffiness worse)
- Nasal polyps
- Pregnancy
- Vasomotor rhinitis
Who is at highest risk?
Diagnosis
When to seek urgent medical care?
Call your doctor if you or your child have any of the following:
- A stuffy nose along with swelling of the forehead, eyes, side of the nose, or cheek.
- A stuffy nose along with blurred vision
- Increased throat pain, or white or yellow spots on the tonsils or other parts of the throat
- Coughing episodes that last longer than 10 days
- A cough that produces yellow-green or gray mucus
- A stuffy nose that lasts longer than 2 weeks and significantly interferes with your life
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for Nasal congestion?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Condition
Prevention
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Your doctor may perform a physical examination, focusing on the upper respiratory system, ears, nose, and throat.
Your doctor will ask questions, including:
- When did the stuffy nose begin? Is it always stuffy?
- What have you done to try to relieve the congestion? How well has it worked?
- What other symptoms do you have?
The following diagnostic tests may be done:
- Allergy skin tests (performed only by allergists)
- Blood tests (such as CBC or blood differential)
- Sputum culture and throat culture
- X-rays of the sinuses and chest x-ray
- Serum total IgE (the allergy-related immunoglobin)
Over-the-counter medications may be recommended. Stronger, prescription medications may be advised. For treatment of severe hay fever, see hay fever.