Why Is My Nose Always Stuffy?

While everyone gets the occasional stuffy nose from a cold or allergy season, there are some who suffer year-round from a constant stuffy nose. If you are one of those sufferers, take heart – you do not have to continue to be miserable. Learning about common causes of stuffiness, ways to alleviate your symptoms, and more about the underlying causes can help you find the relief you need.

The two most common causes of nasal stuffiness are chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic rhinitis. While these two conditions can create similar symptoms, the causes of allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis are distinct. At New York Sinusitis Treatment, Dr. Greg Levitin can give you an accurate diagnosis in order to begin your successful treatment.

Allergic Rhinitis is a condition caused by the inhalation of allergens. Breathing in pollen, animal dander, and dust can cause a reaction of the immune system from these allergens. The result is inflammation of the lining of the inside of the nose and sinuses. Allergic Rhinitis affects up to 30 percent of people in the United States, including children and adults. It is said that over 2 million missed school days occur, and over 6 million lost workdays occur due to allergic rhinitis. Pollen season is by far the worst time of the year for those affected by allergic rhinitis.

Chronic Rhinosinusitis has symptoms that are very similar to those of allergic rhinitis, but there are four “cardinal symptoms” of chronic rhinosinusitis that help doctors make a diagnosis:

• Facial pain or pressure
• Opaque white, green, or yellow nasal discharge from the nostrils or into the back of the throat
• Nasal obstruction or congestion
• Decreased sense of smell in adults; cough in children

If you are suffering from any of the symptoms related to allergic rhinitis or chronic rhinosinusitis, contact New York Sinusitis Treatment today. You do not have to suffer.