Sinus Congestion: Causes, Symptoms, and Relief

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What is the difference between nasal congestion and sinus congestion?

Nasal congestion is related to increased blood volume to the vessels that line the nasal passages. Sinus congestion refers to a feeling of fullness in the sinuses. Both nasal and sinus congestion are most often caused by viral infections, however, there are other causes that may need to be evaluated.

What is nasal congestion & why is it a problem?

Nasal congestion happens when something irritates tissues lining the inside of your nose. The irritation sets off a chain reaction of inflammation, swelling and mucus production, making it hard to take in air through your nose. Left untreated, nasal congestion may cause sinusitis, nasal polyps or middle ear infections.

What causes nasal congestion & sinus pressure?

Nasal congestion and sinus pressure have many causes: colds, the flu, and allergies, to name a few. Whatever your triggers are, the symptoms can get to you. What’s actually causing that stuffed-up feeling? When you’ve got a cold or allergies, the membranes lining your nasal passages become inflamed and irritated.

Can sinus congestion cause a headache?

You may have swelling in your sinuses and nasal passages that lead to a “blocked“ feeling. Because of the nasal congestion, you probably won’t be able to smell or taste as well as normal. Your voice may also sound “stuffy.” Persistent pressure and swelling in your sinuses can give you symptoms of a headache. It can be worse:

What is sinusitis & a sinus infection?

When the sinuses and nasal passages become inflamed, it’s known as sinusitis. Inflammation can occur because of conditions such as structural issues in the nose or a sinus infection. The terms “sinusitis” and “sinus infection” are sometimes used interchangeably. A sinus infection is a very common condition.

What causes sinusitis?

Sinusitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection following a viral infection such as the common cold. You doctor can usually diagnose sinusitis by talking to you about your symptoms and by examining you.

What Is Sinus Congestion

1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17980-nasal-congestion
2. https://www.webmd.com/allergies/sinus-congestion
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-sinusitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351661
4. https://www.healthline.com/health/nasal-congestion
5. https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-congestion-1191889
6. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sinusitis
7. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/nasal-congestion

Sinus Congestion Information

1. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/sinusitis
2. https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2016/june/sinusitis/
3. https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-au/professional/ear,-nose,-and-throat-disorders/nose-and-paranasal-sinus-disorders/sinusitis
4. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sinusitis-sinus-infection/