Q: My nose is stopped up more than I like. How can I keep it functioning normally?
A: Nasal congestion, commonly known as a stuffy nose, occurs when the tissues lining the inside of your nose become irritated and inflamed. This irritation triggers a chain reaction of swelling and mucus production, not only making it difficult to breathe through your nose, but also affecting your sleep and increasing chronic sinus infections.
The most common causes of congestion are viral infections, airborne irritants such as smoke or strong smells, structural issues like a deviated septum and allergies. In Chattanooga, allergies to tree, grass and weed pollen are particularly troublesome. In addition to congestion, these triggers can lead to a runny nose, cough and headaches.
Allergy testing is helpful in finding triggers and guiding therapy choices. Allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots) can potentially cure congestion caused by allergies, reducing the need for medication. Children who suffer from congestion due to allergies are 40% more likely to develop asthma if their allergies remain untreated. A board-certified allergist will help you determine the most appropriate treatment to alleviate your symptoms and avoid potentially serious consequences in the future.