When Does Nasal Congestion Require Medicine?

A stuffy nose is never a good time, making it hard to breathe and sleep. But when does a stuffy nose cross over from an annoyance to a medical issue?

At Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Associates in Tampa and Brandon, Florida, our specialists provide expert care for nasal congestion, and while it usually resolves on its own, it sometimes requires medicine.

Here, we want to explain when nasal congestion requires medicine.

What causes nasal congestion?

Inflammation, swelling, and mucus in the nasal cavity cause nasal congestion. It’s a symptom most often associated with common upper respiratory infections like a cold or the flu. But you can also get nasal congestion from allergies, hay fever, and sinusitis.

The irritant, virus, or allergen aggravates the delicate nasal tissue, triggering a chain reaction that causes inflammation and swelling in the nasal cavity. Mucus then builds, worsening the condition. 

Nasal congestion may also occur if you have a deviated septum, which is a misalignment of the cartilage that separates the nostrils, limiting or blocking airflow through the nose. 

Signs and symptoms

Difficulty breathing in and out through your nose is the most common symptom of nasal congestion. And, this may be your only symptom if you have hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis. But you may have other symptoms, such as:

• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Postnasal drip
• Cough
• Fever
• Headache

In most cases, these symptoms resolve on their own without the need for a visit to the doctor, but that doesn’t mean you need to suffer through your symptoms without medication. 

When nasal congestion requires medicine

You can get relief from your nasal congestion right away with over-the-counter (OTC) treatments like saline nasal spray or nasal irrigation. Allergy medications may also help for allergy sufferers.

However, if your symptoms last longer than a week or they’re getting worse, then it’s time to schedule an appointment with us. Your symptoms may mean you have a more serious infection, such as a sinus infection, and need other treatments such as antibiotics. 

It’s also possible that your difficulty breathing is a structural issue, like a deviated septum, and may only improve with surgical intervention.

Nasal congestion is a common symptom of common viral infections. Though medicine isn’t always required, it can help you feel better. 

If you can’t breathe out of your nose and it’s making it hard to sleep, eat, or go about your normal routine, let us help you get relief. 

Call us today or book an appointment online at the location nearest you. We have two offices in Tampa, one in South Tampa and another in Carrollwood, as well as an office in Brandon.