From the common cold to seasonal allergies, a stuffy nose is no fun. Also called nasal congestion, this sinus-clogging symptom can be caused by many different things. For some people, this congestion comes and goes throughout the year or after a virus has passed. But others experience this symptom more frequently. Let’s examine chronic nasal congestion causes.
Chronic Nasal Congestion Causes
A deviated septum is one of the most common chronic nasal congestion causes, according to our plastic surgeon in Houston. A deviated septum can happen when your nasal pathways become skewed or crooked. Other common causes include pain and mucus buildup. Let’s take a deeper look at these reasons for congestion.
Sinus Infections
Sinus infections are typically a symptom of a temporary virus, like the flu or the common cold. But long-lasting sinus infections could be a sign that you are dealing with chronic sinusitis, which causes you to always feel congested. If you are dealing with a sinus infection that just won’t go away, you can visit a specialist for medical treatment. There are over-the-counter solutions that can relieve symptoms in the short-term while you seek the help of a professional.
Hay Fever
Hay fever could be a cause of seasonal allergies, but when it’s left untreated, its symptoms can last a really long time. If you are congested due to the allergens in the air, but your nose stays clogged beyond spring, you should consider visiting an allergy specialist for long-term treatment.
Don’t worry – hay fever is very treatable. Over 18 million Americans have hay fever every year and suffer from chronic nasal congestion while symptoms persist. Hay fever may also be a result of asthma or sinus allergies with a deviated septum.
Deviated Septum
Have you always been a little congested even when you don’t have a cold or spring allergies? Is it hard for you to breathe out of your nose? If so, you might have a deviated septum. This means your nose is crooked and might be blocking your nasal pathways, making you feel constantly congested. The septum is the cartilage between your nose that separates your two nostrils. When this cartilage is uneven, it can block one of your nostrils or nasal passages, making it difficult for you to breathe.
Deviated septums can be mild or severe, and can be caused for many different reasons. Some people are born with deviated septums, and others have deviated septums after an injury. Either way, it can be corrected with surgery.
What Septoplasty Can Do for You
If your deviated septum is impeding your ability to breathe comfortably through your nose or is causing persistent nasal congestion, you could benefit from a septoplasty procedure. This is a surgical procedure that aims to correct your deviated septum so you can stop having constant sinus issues. This surgical procedure can correct your septum and balance out your nostrils.
The biggest candidates for septoplasty experience consistent sinus infections, constant nosebleeds, or loud snoring at night. It is important to treat a deviated septum right away, or as soon as this condition starts to cause breathing problems. You can schedule a consultation with your septoplasty specialist to learn if you are a good candidate for this procedure.
Decongest Your Nose ASAP!
Living with constant congestion is exhausting and harmful to your overall health. At the office of Dr. Cain Linville, we offer septoplasty procedures that can adjust your deviated septum and relieve you of your nasal congestion and pain. Start breathing again and save your sinuses from more serious respiratory issues and see if you are a candidate for septoplasty today. Get in touch with us to learn from the best deviated septum doctor Houston has to offer!