Nasal Congestion

Nasal Congestion services offered in Chelmsford, Concord and Woburn, MA and Nashua and Derry, NH

Whether from a cold or allergies, nasal congestion can affect your daily routine. The team at Massachusetts Ear, Nose and Throat Associates provides comprehensive care for those struggling with ongoing nasal congestion at their offices in Chelmsford, Woburn, and Concord, Massachusetts, and Nashua and Derry, New Hampshire. For expert care from ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists, call the office nearest you or schedule an appointment online today.

What is nasal congestion?

Nasal congestion, or a stuffy nose, is a blocked nasal passageway that makes breathing through the nose difficult. It’s a common symptom of many medical conditions.

Though not always a serious health concern, nasal congestion can make it hard to sleep and cause dryness in the mouth and throat. In children, nasal congestion may affect appetite.

What causes nasal congestion?

Inflammation and swelling of the nasal passageway causes nasal congestion. An excess production of mucus can also block the nose.

Common medical conditions that cause the inflammation, swelling, and excess mucus production include:

Allergies
Cold or flu infection
Sinusitis
Rhinitis
Deviated septum
Enlarged adenoids
Nasal irritants (e.g., chemicals or perfume)
Nasal polyps
Weather changes
Side effect of medications
Pregnancy
Need for supplemental oxygen

In most cases, nasal congestion clears up on its own within a week. However, if you have chronic or frequent nasal congestion, the team at Massachusetts Ear, Nose and Throat Associates can help.

What can I expect during a nasal congestion evaluation?

You can expect a patient-centered evaluation when you visit Massachusetts Ear, Nose and Throat Associates with concerns about nasal congestion. The ENT specialists use the most advanced tools and technology to find the cause of your nasal congestion to get you the right treatment.

Your specialist reviews your symptoms and medical history and examines your ears, nose, and throat. They use an endoscope, a thin flexible tube with a light and camera, to examine your nose, looking for abnormalities.

The team may also request a CT scan to evaluate your sinus cavity and perform allergy testing.

What are some treatments for nasal congestion?

The Massachusetts Ear, Nose and Throat Associates team customizes your nasal congestion treatment plan based on the underlying cause. Treatment may include:

Nasal saline spray
Nasal corticosteroid spray
Antihistamines
Decongestant
Nasal irrigation
Allergy medication

In some cases, the team may recommend surgery to fix any structural abnormality responsible for your nasal congestion, such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum. For nasal congestion from sinusitis, the team may recommend balloon sinuplasty, an endoscopic procedure that opens up the sinus cavity.

When nasal congestion affects your daily routine, it’s time to get help from the experts at Massachusetts Ear, Nose and Throat Associates. Call the office nearest you or schedule an appointment online today.