Nasal congestion is the blockage of the nasal passages usually due to membranes lining the nose becoming swollen from inflamed blood vessels. It is also known as nasal blockage, nasal obstruction, blocked nose, stuffy nose, or stuffed up nose.

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

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 and hypoxia, as well as right-sided heart failure. The problem usually resolves after surgery to remove the adenoids and tonsils.

A blocked nose can also cause mild facial and head pain, and a degree of discomfort.

Common causes

• Allergic reaction
• Common cold or influenza
• Hay fever, allergic reaction to pollen or grass
• Sinusitis or sinus infection
• Many women suffer from nasal congestion during pregnancy due to the increased amount of blood flowing through the body.

Treatment

Drinking plenty of fluids, more than usual, aids the body in expelling the irritant and clearing congestion. Water, fruit juice, and teas are recommended by medical experts to resolve congestion, and rest and sleep are also suggested remedies in a case of nasal congestion. Siting up right and not laying down will releve some nasal congestion. Avoid caffeine. Increasing air moisture with a humidifier or a steamy bath or shower usually helps relieve the congestion and accompanying discomfort.

Neither influenza nor the common cold can be cured with medication; however, drugs such as acetaminophen, decongestants, nasal sprays or drops, cough remedies and throat lozenges may provide some symptom relief. Furthermore, medications have recently been approved which, when started shortly after the onset of symptoms, may shorten the duration of influenza.

A cause of nasal congestion may also be due to an allergic reaction caused by hay fever, so avoiding allergens is a common remedy if this becomes a confirmed diagnosis. Antihistamines and decongestants can provide significant symptom relief although they do not cure hay fever. Antihistamines may be given continuously during pollen season for optimum control of symptoms.