Stuffy Nose or Nasal Congestion?

Mother helping her daughter blow her nose

WHAT CAUSES NASAL CONGESTION?
CONGESTION DOESN’T HAVE TO BE A HEADACHE IF YOU TAKE THE RIGHT STEPS 

If you’ve ever had a stuffy nose, you’ve had nasal congestion.

Even so, the causes of your suffering can vary wildly; allergies, a cold, or even the flu can cause or contribute to that plugged-up feeling referred to as nasal congestion.

Here’s what you need to know.

The condition occurs when the membranes lining your nasal passages become inflamed. Once swollen, these passages can quickly fill with excess mucus and fluid.

Combine this with the pressure build-up of swollen sinuses/nasal passages, and you’ll quickly discover why your sinus congestion can feel like it spreads pain throughout your nose, eyes, and forehead.

That very same production of mucus is also why nasal congestion is so frequently associated with a runny nose.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON CAUSES OF NASAL CONGESTION?

When someone refers to their stuffy nose, it’s worth remembering that congestion is a symptom, not a disease in-and-of-itself.

We associate the sinus pressure of nasal congestion with catching a cold because it’s one of the most common ways we’re likely to experience the symptom. In fact, there are other afflictions that can contribute to your nasal congestion.

COMMON CAUSES OF NASAL CONGESTION

  • The Common Cold
  • The Flu
  • Seasonal Allergies
  • Sinus Infections 

In each one of these common conditions, it’s the swelling of nasal passageways and sinus cavities that are central to symptoms of nasal congestion.

When you let your symptoms go on for too long, they may escalate nasal irritation, leading to chronic sinus pressure, nasal blockages or even seasonal sinus headaches. 

Pay close attention to your secondary symptoms, like sinus pain, to better understand what’s at the root of your nasal congestion.

HOW TO GET RID OF NASAL CONGESTION
HOME REMEDIES FOR CONGESTION - RECOVER FASTER

Every home remedy shares three important characteristics. So, as soon as your symptoms strike, remember the three W’s - “Wet, Warm & Well Rested”: 

Hydration – thin mucus passes out of the body more easily. ‘Better out, than in’ mucus that leaves the body, can’t backup in your sinus cavities. So at the first signs of nasal congestion, start hydrating right away.

Warmth – a warm compress or a warm wet towel applied to the nose and forehead is an easy first step, which makes you more comfortable when nasal congestion builds.  

Humidity – the sinus cavity is naturally moist and nasal congestion is much more likely when your nasal passages dry out. A hot shower or a steaming cup of tea will draw moisture and warmth into your sinus.

Massage – manually stimulating your sinus is easy. Give it a try right now; start by simply making concentric circles under the eyes and near the bridge of the nose, stimulating your nasal passages to flow more easily.

No matter if you’re trying to remedy your blocked nose or prevent nasal congestion before it strikes, always remember, “Wet, Warm & Well Rested” are your keys to improving your recovery time.

NEED RELIEF TO GET BACK TO WHAT MATTERS MOST?  

TYLENOL® Cold & Sinus is designed to directly combat the symptoms of nasal congestion. This product contains: acetaminophen (an analgesic to ease pain), pseudoephedrine hydrochloride (a decongestant to reduce swelling), and chlorpheniramine maleate (an antihistamine to block the physical reaction caused by histamine in the immune response).

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TYLENOL® Sinus

Get relief from your pain, congestion, and all other related sinus discomforts with TYLENOL® Sinus.

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Learn more about safe acetaminophen usage.