Nasal congestion, often described as “nostrils closing up,” is a common experience. It manifests as difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils, a stuffy feeling, or a sense of fullness in the nose. This symptom indicates an underlying issue, rather than a condition itself, and can arise from various factors affecting the nasal passages.
Understanding Nasal Passages
The nasal passages are intricate structures designed to prepare inhaled air before it reaches the lungs. Key components are the turbinates, also known as nasal conchae. These are bony structures covered by a specialized lining called mucosa, which contains numerous blood vessels.
The turbinates warm, humidify, and filter inhaled air. Their rich blood supply allows for rapid size changes. When blood vessels dilate and mucosal tissue swells, it reduces space within the nasal passages, leading to congestion.
Primary Reasons for Nasal Congestion
Nasal congestion stems from various causes, each involving inflammation or obstruction of the nasal passages.
Infections are a common cause of nasal congestion. Viral infections, like the common cold or flu, trigger inflammation in the nasal lining, leading to tissue swelling and increased mucus that impede airflow. Bacterial infections, such as sinusitis, also cause inflammation, swelling, and fluid buildup in the sinuses, contributing to congestion.
Allergies, particularly allergic rhinitis, are a frequent culprit. Exposure to allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander causes the immune system to release chemicals, including histamine. These chemicals inflame and swell nasal tissues, increasing mucus and resulting in symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and congestion.
Structural issues within the nose can also lead to chronic congestion. A deviated septum, where the wall separating the nostrils is shifted off-center, can physically block nasal passages. Nasal polyps, non-cancerous growths of inflamed tissue in the nasal cavity or sinuses, can obstruct airflow. Enlarged turbinates (turbinate hypertrophy) can result from chronic inflammation due to allergies or infections, or be a persistent issue, limiting nasal airflow.
Other factors can contribute to nasal congestion without an allergic reaction or infection. Environmental irritants like smoke, strong odors, or temperature changes can trigger inflammation and swelling of nasal tissues. Certain medications or hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy, can also lead to nasal congestion by increasing blood flow and swelling in the nasal lining.
When to Consult a Doctor
While nasal congestion often resolves on its own, certain signs indicate medical attention may be beneficial.
Consult a healthcare provider if nasal congestion persists for more than 10 to 14 days without improvement, or if symptoms worsen after initial improvement. Accompanying symptoms like a high fever, facial pain or pressure, or green or yellow nasal discharge can suggest a bacterial infection. Vision changes or unexplained nosebleeds also warrant medical evaluation.
If nasal congestion interferes with daily activities, such as sleep or feeding, especially in infants and young children, medical consultation is important. Babies with nasal congestion may have difficulty nursing or taking a bottle. These situations indicate the congestion could benefit from medical intervention.