Why does nose get stuffy when sick

National Institutes of Health, U. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus. Common cold. Updated February 7, Stuffy or runny nose - adult. February 13, Your Privacy Rights.

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After 3 days, a nasal decongestant may actually make your congestion and stuffiness worse. You can purchase GoodSense nasal decongestants online here. You may want to take an antihistamine or allergy medication if your nasal congestion results from an allergic reaction. Both types of medications can reduce the swelling in your nasal passages, helping to unclog your sinuses.

Combining drugs containing both an antihistamine and a decongestant can relieve the sinus pressure and swelling caused by allergic reactions. Follow the instructions for these medications carefully. You should also note that antihistamines might make you drowsy. Purchase Benadryl Allergy Ultratab tablets today.

Nasal congestion, which many people refer to as a stuffy nose, is the result of inflammation of blood vessels in your sinuses. If you are experiencing symptoms of nasal congestion, there are a number of home remedies you can try.

These include hot showers, warm compresses, and various OTC medications. Read this article in Spanish. If you're experiencing pain in your sinuses or other symptoms, you could have a sinus infection. Rhinosinusitis, or just sinusitis, occurs when your…. Are you sneezing or coughing? Have a runny nose or watery eyes?

You may have allergies or a cold. These conditions share many of the same symptoms…. Learn how to use this alternative treatment. It's not always easy to determine if you have a cold or the flu, but knowing the differences helps treatment work more quickly. You can help normalize your overactive bladder naturally by avoiding artificial sweeteners, caffeine, and alcohol, losing weight, and performing…. Drinking plenty of clear fluids is one way to do this.

You can also:. Some stores sell adhesive strips that can be placed on the nose. These help widen the nostrils, making breathing easier. Many cough, allergy, and cold medicines you buy have more than one medicine inside. Read the labels carefully to make sure you don't take too much of any one medicine.

Ask your provider which cold medicines are safe for you. Rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps. Middleton's Allergy: Principles and Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap Allergic and nonallergic rhinitis. Cohen YZ. Check out our handy table comparing conditions to colors to…. A neti pot can help you clear up nasal congestion or mucus from allergies.

It's best to follow certain steps that ensure sure you use it safely and…. Parosmia is a condition that distorts one's sense of smell and taste. A variety of health conditions — most of which are related to your sinuses — can trigger a rotten smell in your nose. Most are not serious, but some….

Loss of the sense of smell can be temporary or permanent. Nasal polyps can cause pressure, congestion, and loss of smell. Medication and surgery can both be used to treat them. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.

What Causes a Stuffy Nose? Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M.