There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Show From Mayo Clinic to your inboxSign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. ErrorEmail field is required ErrorInclude a valid email address Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data.To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. A stuffy nose can be an annoying condition that can linger for days or even weeks. There are many underlying causes for a stuffy nose (also known as nasal or sinus congestion), but, contrary to popular belief, the nostrils are not clogged by mucus. This article explores the causes of a stuffy nose and the various drug and non-drug treatments. It also explains when to call a doctor if the symptoms persist or are a sign of something more serious. CausesA stuffy nose mainly happens when nasal tissues become inflamed. This is often caused by respiratory infections like the cold and flu or by different types of allergies. It can also be caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy or certain medications, including erectile dysfunction drugs and antihypertensives. Among adults, structural abnormalities such as a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, or nasal polyps can cause congestion-like symptoms. These problems may be inherited or the result of an injury, chronic allergies, or chronic sinusitis. Dry air and tobacco smoke can make the stuffiness worse. Because infants do not know how to breathe through their mouth, a stuffy nose can become problematic and cause problems with feeding or sleeping. Children also can get a stuffy nose from enlarged adenoids, which sometimes need to be surgically removed. RecapThe causes of a stuffy nose are many and include, among others:
Over-the-Counter MedicationsThere are different types of drugs that can treat a stuffy nose, the choice of which varies by the underlying cause. Oral and Nasal DecongestantsOver-the-counter decongestants work by shrinking blood vessels inside the nose. There are both oral and nasal formulations. Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) is an oral decongestant used to relieve nasal or sinus congestion caused by the common cold, sinusitis, and respiratory allergies. Do not use Sudafed for longer than three days as it can also lead to rebound congestion. While Sudafed is available without a prescription, it is kept behind the pharmacy counter and requires an ID to obtain. A similar drug called Sudafed PE (phenylephrine) can be purchased without hindrance but has not proven to be anywhere near as effective as pseudoephedrine. Nasal decongestant sprays like Afrin (oxymetazoline) also provide short-term relief of a stuffy nose. It should also not be used for longer than three days due to the risk of rebound congestion (sometimes referred to as "nasal spray addiction"). Nasal Steroid SpraysLonger-term relief may be obtained with nasals steroid sprays like Flonase (fluticasone) or Nasonex (mometasone). Nasal steroids work by reducing inflammation in nasal or sinus tissues and provide rapid relief of congestion from hay fever and nasal polyps. Because nasal steroids blunt the immune response, overuse of the drug can lead to an increased risk of sinus infections. Oral antihistaminesSome medications work better for congestion caused by allergies than for congestion caused by viruses. These include over-the-counter drugs like Allegra (fexofenadine), Claritin (loratadine), Zyrtec (cetirizine), or Benadryl (diphenhydramine). These drugs are known as antihistamines because they block a chemical produced by the body, called histamine, that is responsible for allergy symptoms. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises against giving children under 2 any cough and cold remedy containing a decongestant or antihistamine. Doing so may lead to potentially life-threatening side effects like convulsions, rapid heartbeats, and death. RecapDifferent over-the-counter drugs can help relieve sinus or nasal congestion, including oral decongestants like Sudafed, nasal decongestant sprays like Afrin, nasal steroid sprays like Flonase, and oral antihistamines like Claritin. Non-Drug TreatmentsStuffy noses do not always need to be treated with drugs. There are several home-spun remedies and over-the-counter products that may be suitable for treating mild sinus or nasal congestion. These include:
When to Call a DoctorMost of the time, a stuffy nose will clear up on its own within a week. Nasal congestion that lasts longer may be a sign of a serious sinus infection in need of treatment. You may also want to see a doctor if the symptoms are interfering with sleep or your ability to function normally. A stuffy nose may require medical attention if:
SummaryA stuffy nose can be caused by many things, including respiratory infections, allergies, nasal polyps, sleep apnea, hormonal changes, certain medications, and environmental factors such as dry air and cigarette smoke. Depending on the underlying cause, a stuffy nose may be treated with oral or nasal decongestants, nasal steroids sprays, or oral antihistamines. Non-drug options include a neti pot, menthol cough drops, a saline nasal spray, a cool-mist humidifier, and adhesive nasal breathing strips. See a doctor if a stuffy nose persists for more than two weeks, interferes with your ability to sleep or function normally, or is accompanied by signs of an infection. Frequently Asked Questions
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