Home Remedies and Natural Cures
Filed under: Natural Cures — permalink
When cold and flu season strikes, the congestion that arises in the nose is not caused by the thick pockets of mucus many people imagine is the source of the problem. A stuffy nose develops when the membranes lining the nose become swollen with the inflammation of blood vessels. The end results are uncomfortable and can drive one crazy, as they attempt to unblock the clogged feeling that is taking over their nose.
While a cold, allergies, or other sinus-related condition are often behind nose congestion, stuffiness is caused by many other events, such as a reaction to spicy food or high levels of stress. As a result, the nasal region feels heavy and expanded, accompanied by blocked and clogged sensations of discomfort. Sometimes the voice may change and as you reach for an over-the-counter product (such as a nasal spray), you may even worsen the problem.
Stuffy noses are caused when an inflammation of the nose and nasal membranes occurs as a result of blood vessel interruption. In the nose, an intricate system of arteries, capillaries, and veins are present, which possess an impressive capacity to expand and constrict. Usually, the blood vessels are half-constricted and half-open for the most part, but when a person undergoes influential changes (such as stimulated hormones), the “squeezing” of the nasal membranes takes place – allowing a person to breathe freely with opened-up air passages.
However, when allergies strike or the common cold surfaces, blood in the vessels expand and the membrane becomes congested, meaning the nasal region fills with an excess of blood. The blockage causes a stuffy nose to develop. The occurrence also surfaces when one overuses decongesting nasal sprays or the nose becomes compromised by irritating elements, such as tobacco smoke and strong perfumes. Pregnancy, psychological stress, a malfunctioning thyroid, and some high blood pressure medication may also lead to a stuffy nose.
a) Hay Fever and Allergies: This type of stuffy nose usually brings about a clear, watery discharge, itchiness in the eyes, and sneezing.
b) Sinus Infection: Sinus infections cause stuffy noses to develop, where thick, (yellow-green) nasal discharge, and painful tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones are common symptoms. Usually, this condition worsens when the head is bent forward.
c)Vasomotor Rhinitis: When nasal congestion is not caused by bacteria or allergies, dry air irritants and other forms of pollution may affect nasal membranes.
d) Deviated Septum: Injury to the nose, such as a deviated septum, will cause constant stuffiness because of the blockage and obstruction caused by damage to the nasal region. Usually, an individual must undergo surgery to gain relief.
Usually, the kind of stuffy nose that a bacteria or virus is responsible for will slowly disappear within a week on its own or with treatment. Under these circumstances, a stuffy nose has the potential to cause more than just irritating discomfort, especially when it comes to newborns, young children, and adolescents. In regards to newborns, a baby must breathe through their nose. When serious stuffiness develops during the first couple of months in their lives, nursing may become disrupted and life-threatening breathing issues may develop.
Older children and teenagers battling heavy nasal congestion could face a range of difficulties that have the potential to become an issue with their schooling and overall development. Stuffy noses can sometimes interfere with the ears, hearing, and speech maturity. Deep congestion may also cause interference in sleeping patterns, including snoring habits, where the worst cases bring about a lapse in breathing during the middle of the night (sleep apnea).
In children, the adenoids may enlarge due to their nasal congestion when sleep apnea is chronic. Adenoids are a masses of lymphoid tissue located in the very back of the nose (about the roof of the nasopharynx), where the nose and the mouth meet. Insufficient oxygen levels sometimes lead to right-sided heart failure, which is preventable with surgery, which removes the adenoids and tonsils.
c) Swelling of the Face: The eyes, forehead, side of the nose, and cheeks may become swollen when a stuffy nose affects other parts of the body.
d) Blurry Vision: Issues with vision, such as blurriness, may surface when nasal congestion is at its worse.
e) Throat Pain: An increase in throat pain is cause for concern that a call to medical professionals may solve.
f) White or Yellow Spots: The throat may showcase white or yellow spots on the tonsil and other parts of the throat.