| Nasal Congestion |
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Nasal congestion has many causes and can range from a mild annoyance to a life-threatening condition. The newborn Infant is an obligate nose breather and must breathe through the nose. Nasal congestion in an infant in the first few months of life can interfere with nursing and cause life-threatening respiratory distress. Nasal congestion in older children and Adolescent s is often just an annoyance but can cause other difficulties. Nasal congestion can interfere with the ears, hearing, and speech development. Significant congestion may interfere with sleep, cause snoring, and can be associated with Sleep Apnea . In children, nasal congestion from enlarged Adenoids has caused chronic sleep apnea with insufficient Oxygen levels and Hypoxia , as well as right-sided heart failure. The problem usually resolves after surgery to remove the adenoids and Tonsils . Blocked nose can also causes mild facial and head Pain , and a degree of discomfort. COMMON CAUSES
TREATMENT Drinking plenty of fluids, more than usual, aids the body in excising the virus and clearing congestion. Water , Fruit Juice , Tea s, and Carbonated drinks are recommended by medical experts to resolving the congestion, and rest and Sleep are also suggested behaviours in a case of nasal congestion. Increasing air moisture with a Humidifier or a steamy bath or shower usually helps patients dissolve the congestion and relieve discomfort. Neither influenza nor the common cold can be cured with medication; however, nonprescription drugs, such as Acetaminophen , Decongestants , Nasal Sprays or drops, cough remedies and throat lozenges may provide some Symptom relief. Furthermore, medications have recently been approved which, when started shortly after the onset of symptoms, may shorten the duration of influenza. A cause of nasal congestion may also be due to an allergic reaction caused by Hay Fever , so avoiding Allergen s is a common remedy if this becomes a confirmed diagnosis. Antihistamines and decongestants can provide significant symptom relief although they do not cure hay fever. Antihistamines may be given continuously during pollen season for optimum control of symptoms. Topical Decongestants should only be used by patients for a maximum of 3 days in a row, because if it is longer than 3 days, rebound congestion may occur, in the form of Rhinitis Medicamentosa . Infants usually have an per millitre of water, into each Nostril . Insertion cotton swabs into a child's nostrils as a remedy is generally discouraged. An alternative solution is for the discharge to be caught outside the nostril on a tissue or swab, be rolled around, and have the discharge out pulled of the nose. Petroleum Jelly applied to the nasal openings can assist in providing protection against Irritation , though it is important to ensure that the nostrils are not blocked by the jelly. The ancient use of Nasal Irrigation , which originated from the Yoga practice of Jala Neti , is also said to help reduce nasal congestions. It involves rinsing the Nasal Cavity regularly with salty water. EXTERNAL LINKS |
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