Nasal congestion is one of the most common complaints encountered by both primary care physicians and Ear, Nose and Throat specialists. Many medical and anatomical conditions can cause nasal congestion. Patients often complain of headache, difficulty breathing and a feeling of fullness in the face. Nasal congestion may occur due to structural or systemic causes. One of the most common causes of nasal congestion in adults is the curvature of the septum (septum deviation) and the enlargement of the adenoid in children.
In addition to being an organ of smell, the nose functions as a carrier organ that allows air to pass into the respiratory system. It ensures that the air is heated, humidified and cleaned as it passes. The nose also helps control respiratory infections. The meatus (turbinate) inside the nose is also important for the nose to perform its functions in a healthy way. Nasal contusions can grow and cause nasal congestion due to reasons such as allergies, chronic nasal infections, long-term use of nasal clearing sprays and sinusitis.
