Nasal congestion

Nasal congestion is usually caused by a virus and typically resolves spontaneously within a week. It is also known as nasal blockage, nasal obstruction, and stuffy nose.

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Nasal congestion has many causes and can range from a mild annoyance to a life-threatening condition. The newborn infant is an obligate nose breather (must breathe through the nose). Nasal congestion in an infant in the first few months of life can interfere with nursing and cause life-threatening respiratory distress. Nasal congestion in older children and adolescents is often just an annoyance but can cause other difficulties.

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Nasal congestion can interfere with the ears, hearing, and speech development. 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 (hypoxia) and right-sided heart failure. The problem usually resolves after surgery to remove the adenoids and tonsils.

Related Topics:
Sleep apnea - Adenoids - Hypoxia - Tonsils

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Blocked nose can also causes mild facial and head pain and discomfort.

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