Common Causes of Congestion Cold vs. Allergies
Nasal and chest congestion can be caused by cold, allergies, and a number of other factors. Nasal congestion is the blocking of the nasal passages when the interior membrane lining of the nose develop swelling from inflamed blood vessels. In chest congestion, the mucosa or the mucous membranes lining the airways is accumulated with fluids and mucus. It is a common symptom of many respiratory infections.
Here are some of the common causes of congestion-
When it comes to nasal congestion, some of the common causes of congestion are cold, flu, and rhinitis. Rhinitis may be of two kinds: the allergic one and the non-allergic one and both can cause nasal congestion. Allergic rhinitis can be caused due to the change of seasons and the most common allergen that can cause this is pollen. Other allergens responsible for allergic rhinitis include dust mites, animal dander, and cat saliva. In the common symptoms of cold vs. allergies, nasal congestion tops the list.
Colds are also a very common health issue that can cause nasal congestion. Unlike rhinitis, cold is a communicable health issue and may also present flu-like symptoms. Flu and colds are often confused as one as they both present similar signs and symptoms. They are both respiratory health problems but are caused by two different viruses. The common symptoms of the two include nasal congestion, sneezing, body aches, and fatigue. Colds are less severe and do not cause other health problems whereas the flu can cause other illnesses like pneumonia, sinus, ear infections, and sepsis. You can effectively treat these only when you know the common causes of congestion.
Here are some remedies that you may use for getting relief from nasal congestion:
- A humidifier is one of the best ways to get relief from a blocked nose. The steam from the humidifier helps make the swollen blood vessels thin and also empty the excess fluids.
- Hot showers are also great nasal congestion relievers. The steam from the hot shower works in the same way as a humidifier to help you ease the congestion and breathe easily.
- Over-the-counter saline sprays help in increasing the moisture in the nasal area and reducing the inflammation in the nasal blood vessels.
- Drain your sinuses using a neti pot. This remedy may require some practice and supervision, initially, but is very effective at helping you get relief from nasal congestion. Make sure you use only distilled and sterile water to do this.
- If the nasal congestion is caused by an allergy, then taking an anti-allergen medicine can help with reducing the discomfort due to nasal congestion.
If the nasal congestion continues to bother you for a long time, it is advisable to see a doctor and understand what is causing it. When opting for anti-allergens or over-the-counter sprays or pills for relieving nasal congestion, make sure you use them in limited quantities to avoid any further allergic reactions from these medicines. It is best to seek advice from a doctor and then only opt for the best-suited treatment. Understand the common causes of congestion before getting a treatment.
