Nasal congestion or “nasal discomfort” is a sensation of discomfort that occurs when the nasal cavity and surrounding tissues and blood vessels become edematous due to excess fluid. Nasal congestion may or may not be accompanied by nasal discharge or runny nose. For older children and adults, nasal congestion is usually not a major problem. However, nasal congestion can be serious for infants, who may have difficulty suckling or breathing as a result. Causes Any irritation or infection of the nasal tissues can lead to nasal congestion. Infections – such as colds, flu or sinusitis – allergies and various irritants such as cigarettes can trigger a runny nose. Some people suffer from chronic runny nose of unknown origin – a condition called non-allergic rhinitis or vasomotor rhinitis (VMR). Less commonly, nasal congestion is caused by polyps or tumors. Other potential causes of nasal congestion include: 1. acute sinusitis; 2. bright light; 3. chronic sinusitis; 4. allergic granuloma; 5. cluster headache; 6. cold; 7. common cold; 8. excessive use of nasal decongestant sprays; 9. deviated septum; 10. drug addiction; 11. dry air; 12. dust mite allergy; 13. tonsillar hypertrophy; 14. food allergy; 15, Nasal foreign body; 16, hay fever; 17, antihypertensive drugs; 18, hormonal changes; 19, influenza (flu); 20, latex allergy; 21, drugs; 22, milk allergy; 23, mold allergy; 24, nasal polyps; 25, non-allergic rhinitis; 26, occupational asthma; 27, other infections; 28, peanut allergy; 29, perfume; 30, pet allergy; 31 Pregnancy; 32, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV); 33, aquatic shellfish allergy; 34, soy allergy; 35, spicy foods; 36, stress; 37, thyroid problems; 38, tobacco; 39, Wegener’s granulomatosis; 40, wheat allergy. When to seek medical attention Nasal congestion is usually not a major problem. But it can be a sign of a more serious illness, and more serious in infants. Contact your doctor if the following symptoms occur: 1) nasal congestion lasting more than 10 days; 2) high fever for more than three days; 3) greenish nasal discharge accompanied by sinus pain or fever. This may be a sign of a bacterial infection; 4. You have asthma or emphysema, or you are using immunosuppressants; 5. There is blood in the nasal discharge, or there is a persistent clear discharge after a head injury. Contact your child’s doctor if: 1. the child is less than 2 months old and has a fever; 2. the infant’s runny or stuffy nose is interfering with breastfeeding or making it difficult to breathe. Self-care Until you see a doctor, these are simple ways to relieve symptoms: 1. gently inhale, swallow or gently blow the nose; 2. if the runny nose persists, especially if it is accompanied by sneezing, itching and tearing, it may be allergy related and over-the-counter antihistamines may be effective. Make sure to follow the medication instructions; 3. In the case of infants and children, use a rubber aspirator to gently remove the secretions. When excessive mucus builds up at the base of the throat, use these methods to reduce nasal reflux lightly-: 1. Avoid irritants such as cigarettes and sudden temperature changes; 2. Drink plenty of water; 3. Use a humidifier; 4. Try nasal spray or rinse with salt water.