Nasal congestion - Breathing is necessary

What causes nasal congestion?

Nasal congestion results from the vasodilation of the blood vessels lining the nose, causing an inflammation, and swelling of the nasal mucosa.

There are several reasons for nasal congestion:  

• Cold or flu; 

• Allergic rhinitis and / or sinusitis; 

• Medicated rhinitis (caused by the prolonged use of nasal decongestants); 

• Presence of foreign bodies in the nose (frequent in children); 

• Deviated septum; 

• Tobacco; 

• Hormonal changes (e.g. pregnancy). 

• Nasal congestion associated with a cold, usually affects both nostrils, with headaches and cough at the same time.  

• In case of allergic rhinitis, it is common to sneeze, rhinorrhoea (runny nose) and nasal itching can occur, and the eyes may be itchy and watery.

• Medicated rhinitis, which results from the use of nasal decongestants, is associated with chronic nasal congestion, and bleeding of the nasal passages may occur.
  
  

Let’s clear the nose

It is important to act as soon as thick nasal discharge starts to develop so that it can become more fluid and be excreted through the nose.

Take the following measures into account:   

• Blow your nose regularly (but not too hard); 

• Wash the nasal cavities with seawater or saline solutions several times a day,   

• Drink more fluids (to make secretions more fluid); 

• Avoid drinking alcohol, caffeine, and smoking (they cause dryness of the nasal mucosa); 

• Inhale water vapour for at least 10 minutes in the bath or use a nebuliser; 

• For babies, use the appropriate nasal aspirator to remove mucus.
  
  

• Topical - in the form of spray, gel, and nasal drops.  They are applied directly to the nose and have a faster and more localized action. 

• Systemic -  they are taken orally, more time and higher doses needed to take the desired effect. They are often present in anti-flu formulas. 
  
  

• Each package must be individual (belong to only one person); 

• Before applying the decongestant, clean your nose with saline solution and blow your nose (this is important to get the desired effect); 

• Wash your hands before and after application. 

Cares to be taken during application depending on the system used 

• Drops - Tilt your head back, apply to each nostril and slowly rotate your head to both sides. Stay in this position for some time.  

• Spray - Keep your head straight, cover one nostril with a finger and apply the medication in the other nostril, inhaling slightly. Exhale through your mouth and at the end, remove the inhalation piece and wash with water. Avoid blowing your nose after applying the decongestant.  

Remember that using nasal decongestants frequently is not recommended, they should be used within a maximum period of 5 days.

Excessive and prolonged use of nasal decongestants can aggravate nasal decongestion instead of improving it.