Nasal congestion is caused when the tissues in your nose and adjacent areas, along with the blood vessels, become swollen with excess fluid (or mucus), causing a stuffy feeling. This may be accompanied by a runny nose as well. The congestion is often a symptom of an underlying health issue, like a sinus infection. In kids, the effects of nasal congestion must be taken seriously, especially in cases where their sleep is disturbed. In infants, it may cause breastfeeding problems and even fatal respiratory problems at times. Nasal congestion may also prevent normal speech and hearing development in children.

Symptoms
The symptoms that define nasal congestion are as follows:

  • Pain in the sinuses
  • A runny nose
  • Swollen nasal tissue
  • Buildup of mucus

Causes
Anything that irritates or inflames the nasal tissues is a cause of nasal congestion:

  • Infections like flu
  • Cold or sinusitis
  • Allergies
  • Irritants like foreign bodies and tobacco smoke
  • Overuse of a decongestant nasal spray
  • Having a deviated septum
  • Drug addiction
  • Enlarged adenoids
  • Hormonal changes
  • Using certain high blood pressure medications
  • Occupational asthma
  • Pregnancy
  • Stress
  • Thyroid disorders

Home remedies
Usually, home remedies are known to do the trick to alleviate nasal congestion, especially if caused by the common cold. If the condition is not severe, we recommend trying out the home remedies before visiting a doctor:

  • Focus on keeping the sinuses and nasal passages moist. While people may think that dry air could help, it actually has the opposite effect, irritating those passages further.
  • Humidifiers or vaporizers can use moisture to help break up mucus and reduce inflammation.
  • Prop up your head on a pillow to encourage mucus flow out of the nasal passages.
  • Saline sprays are used by people of all ages, but you will need to use an aspirator or nasal bulb afterward for babies.
  • Try using a nasal irrigator, neti pot, or bulb syringe, and always use distilled and sterile water in these devices. Rinse and clean them properly after each use, and let them air dry.
  • Drink plenty of fluids as this will thin out your mucus and help your condition.
  • Place a warm, wet towel over your face to relieve discomfort and open the nasal passages.
  • Avoid swimming pools because chlorine can irritate your nasal passages.

Medical treatment may be necessary if the condition is painful, interfering with your everyday activities, and lasting for more than 10 days.

Treatment

  • Based on your diagnosis, treatments may use alpha-adrenergic agonists like oxymetazoline to constrict the blood vessels to relieve the symptoms.
  • Nasal decongestants like nasal sprays, inhalers, or pills are also used to work on the discomfort directly.
  • While oral decongestants can be used for close to 10 days, it is recommended to not use nasal sprays for more than 3 days since they have a tendency to worsen the situation.
  • Other treatments for nasal congestion focus on managing the underlying condition, like aspirin and ibuprofen for influenza, anti-allergens for allergic reactions, and so on.