A blocked nose (nasal congestion) is a common symptom in everyday life. For people with nasal congestion, the smell of nasal congestion is really uncomfortable, like someone pinching their nose, and every breath is like playing a tug-of-war with the air.
Although physiological nasal congestion may be relieved on its own, recalcitrant nasal congestion caused by pathological changes in the nasal cavity may have a serious impact on our work, study and life, so we should pay more attention.
Why is it sometimes just one nostril that is blocked? What to do about nasal congestion caused by enlarged adenoids in my child? Is nasal spray hormone really safe...... To find out, read on.
Both nostrils cannot be ventilated at the same time
This is the most common cause of bilateral nasal congestion. Patients often have a runny nose. If there is also a large amount of purulent nasal discharge and headache symptoms, it is likely that acute rhinitis is accompanied by transient acute sinusitis.
Coping: Drugs that shrink the nasal mucosa, such as nasal drops and sprays containing ephedrine or oxymetazoline, can be used for a short period of time.
Reminder: Since long-term use of such drugs can easily cause drug-induced rhinitis, it is recommended to use them continuously for no more than 1 week.
2
Chronic rhinitis
Chronic rhinitis occurs mainly in the nasal mucosa or inferior turbinate area. These patients may have intermittent nasal congestion throughout the year. For example, patients with vasomotor rhinitis in chronic rhinitis often experience nasal congestion after a change in hot and cold temperatures.
Patients with allergic rhinitis often experience seasonal nasal congestion, which is more common in spring and autumn. These patients may also react to allergens such as dust, dogs and cats, pollen, dust mites, fungi, etc.
Coping: Patients with vasomotor rhinitis should try to avoid the cause, such as avoiding sudden changes in temperature, exposure to inhaled irritating gases, and large mood swings. Patients with allergic rhinitis should try to stay away from allergens.
Patients with chronic rhinitis can be treated with nasal spray hormone regularly for 1~2 weeks during the onset of the disease. If nasal hormone sprays are ineffective, a combination of oral or nasal spray antihistamines (i.e., allergy drugs) may be considered.
Reminder: Only patients with allergic rhinitis who use dust mites as an allergen can try to go to the hospital for desensitization treatment. There is also a group of patients with chronic rhinitis who also have a deviated septum. If medical treatment is ineffective, surgery to correct a deviated septum may be considered.
3
Chronic rhinocystitis
Chronic sinusitis occurs mainly in the sinuses and is common in the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses.
Coping: Nasal spray hormone combined with nasal discharge-stimulating drugs, such as those containing eucalyptus or myrtle oil, and nasal irrigation.
Reminder: If nasal polyps have covered the common nasal passages and the medication is not working, surgery should be performed as soon as possible.
4
Nasopharyngeal lesions
Nasopharyngeal lesions can cause persistent nasal congestion. In children under 10 years of age, adenoid hypertrophy is one of the common causes of nasal congestion.
Approach: Children with adenoid hypertrophy often have symptoms of chronic rhinitis and need to be evaluated by a physician before a treatment plan (including possible medical or surgical treatment).
Nasopharyngeal lesions in adults are routinely performed with nasal endoscopy. Benign nasopharyngeal tumors are usually removed surgically, and suspected malignant lesions require surgical biopsy as soon as possible to confirm the diagnosis.
Reminder: Once the nature of the malignancy has been confirmed, radiation therapy is usually the treatment of choice.
One side of the nose is not ventilated,
The other side is normal
This condition is common in unilateral sinus lesions and is caused by odontogenic infection of the sinuses, fungal sinusitis, posterior nostril polyps, and nasal sinus tumors.
Coping: If unilateral nasal congestion persists, seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid missing the underlying tumor lesion, and decide whether to treat the lesion with medication or surgery depending on the nature of the lesion.
The prevention and treatment of nasal congestion is particular
Increase physical activity
Increase physical activity, maintain a balanced diet, and get enough sleep.
Keep away from allergens
Patients with vasomotor rhinitis should keep warm when the weather turns cooler. Patients with allergic rhinitis can use daily nasal irrigation with spray-type saline and try to avoid contact with known allergens.
Scientific use of nasal spray hormones
In fact, nasal spray hormone is quite safe and can be used for a long time depending on the condition. However, long-term use of nasal sprays may cause side effects such as dryness or erosion of the nasal mucosa and a small amount of nosebleeds. In such cases, the drug can be suspended for a period of time and the nasal mucosa can be lubricated with paraffin oil nasal drops.