Nasal congestion

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Throat anatomy

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These medicines do not treat the underlying condition. Many over-the-counter allergy and cold medicines contain multiple ingredients, so look carefully to see what is in the one you choose.

Medicines are not the only way to relieve a stuffy or runny nose. Often, gentler solutions are better. Try these steps to thin the mucus, which can help you breathe easier and get nasal secretions back to normal:

• Use gentle saline nasal sprays.
• Increase the humidity in the air with a vaporizer or humidifier.
• Drink extra fluids. Hot tea, broth, or chicken soup may be especially helpful.

Congestion is often worse when you are lying down. Keep upright, or at least keep the head elevated. This is especially helpful for young children.

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Some stores sell adhesive strips that can be placed on the nose. These help widen the nostrils, making breathing easier.

Call your doctor if you or your child have any of the following:

• A stuffy nose along with swelling of the forehead, eyes, side of the nose, or cheek.
• A stuffy nose along with blurred vision
• Increased throat pain, or white or yellow spots on the tonsils or other parts of the throat
• Coughing episodes that last longer than 10 days
• A cough that produces yellow-green or gray mucus
• A stuffy nose that lasts longer than 2 weeks and significantly interferes with your life

Your doctor may perform a physical examination, focusing on the upper respiratory system, ears, nose, and throat.

Your doctor will ask questions, including:

• When did the stuffy nose begin? Is it always stuffy?
• What have you done to try to relieve the congestion? How well has it worked?
• What other symptoms do you have?

The following diagnostic tests may be done:

• Allergy skin tests (performed only by allergists)
• Blood tests (such as CBC or blood differential)
• Sputum culture and throat culture
• X-rays of the sinuses and chest x-ray
• Serum total IgE (the allergy-related immunoglobin)

Over-the-counter medications may be recommended. Stronger, prescription medications may be advised. For treatment of severe hay fever, see hay fever.

Review Date: 11/02/2009
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).