Stuffy Nose

Symptoms & Causes

First it’s important to find out the cause of the symptom. Sometimes sinusitis can cause nasal

congestion and other times allergies are to blame. Sinusitis treatments can range from home

remedies to antibiotics while nasal congestion due to allergies might be treated by an

antihistamine. Contact your doctor if you have blurred vision, swelling of the forehead,

coughing fits for more than 10 days or a stuffy nose lasting longer than a couple weeks.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Your doctor might conduct an allergy skin test, blood test or take a chest x-ray. Depending upon the findings the physician will then prescribe either a home remedy, over-the-counter medicine like pseudoephedrine or a nasal spray. The doctor might also write you a prescription for an oral decongestant if he or she thinks that might help most.

Stuffy Nose Prevention

Preventing nasal congestion is like preventing the common cold: pretty difficult. Wash your hands frequently, avoid germs, use a humidifier, and make sure not to put too much pressure on your nose.