Nasal congestion Health Article

Call your health care provider if

Call your doctor if you or your child have any of the following:

• A stuffy nose along with swelling of the forehead, eyes, side of the nose, or cheek.
• A stuffy nose along with blurred vision
• Increased throat pain, or white or yellow spots on the tonsils or other parts of the throat
• Coughing episodes that last longer than 10 days
• A cough that produces yellow-green or gray mucus
• A stuffy nose that lasts longer than 2 weeks and significantly interferes with your life

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your doctor may perform a physical examination, focusing on the upper respiratory system, ears, nose, and throat.

Your doctor will ask questions, including:

• When did the stuffy nose begin? Is it always stuffy?
• What have you done to try to relieve the congestion? How well has it worked?
• What other symptoms do you have?

The following diagnostic tests may be done:

• Allergy skin tests (performed only by allergists)
• Blood tests (such as CBC or blood differential)
• Sputum culture and throat culture
• X-rays of the sinuses and chest x-ray
• Serum total IgE (the allergy-related immunoglobin)

Over-the-counter medications may be recommended. Stronger, prescription medications may be advised. For treatment of severe hay fever, see hay fever.

References

Manning S. Medical management of nasosinus infectious and inflammatory disease. In: Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2005:chap 52.