How can I best treat my blocked nose?
March 13, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Gerald Reimann
Dear Ear, Nose, and Throat Doctor,
My name is Gerd Weber and I have been suffering from a severely blocked nose for some time now. It feels like my nasal passages are completely blocked, making it difficult for me to breathe through my nose. This has been causing me to have poor sleep at night and feel tired and unfocused during the day. Additionally, I feel that my voice is affected by the blocked nose.
I have already tried using nasal sprays to clear my nose, but unfortunately they only provide temporary relief. Inhaling steam or rinsing my nose with saline solution also did not have the desired effect. I am starting to worry about my health and wonder if there may be another, more effective treatment method to address my blocked nose.
Could you please provide me with advice on how to best treat my blocked nose? Are there medications or other therapy measures that could help alleviate my nasal symptoms? I would greatly appreciate your professional assessment and recommendations.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Gerd Weber
Dear Mr. Weber,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding your blocked nose. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from these symptoms and that previous measures have not provided lasting relief. A persistently blocked nose can indeed be very burdensome and have negative effects on your sleep, concentration, and voice.
There are various causes for a blocked nose, including allergies, nasal polyps, sinusitis, or structural issues such as a deviated septum. In order to recommend the best possible treatment for your specific symptoms, it would be important to first determine the exact cause of your nasal congestion.
In your case, it may be advisable to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist for a thorough examination. The doctor can use a nasal endoscopy or rhinoscopy to identify the exact causes of your blocked nose and recommend an appropriate treatment accordingly.
Depending on the cause of your nasal symptoms, there are various treatment options available. For allergies, antihistamines or corticosteroid nasal sprays may help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. For nasal polyps or sinusitis, medication therapy or in some cases even surgery may be necessary.
It is important not to use too many decongestant nasal sprays on your own, as excessive use can lead to a condition called rhinitis medicamentosa, where the nasal mucosa swells permanently. Inhaling steam and nasal irrigation are good supportive measures, but alone they cannot treat the underlying cause of the blocked nose.
I strongly recommend that you see an ear, nose, and throat specialist to receive a precise diagnosis and personalized treatment recommendation. In the meantime, you can try using a nasal irrigation device to clean your nasal passages, remove mucus and dirt particles, and improve nasal breathing.
I hope that this information is helpful to you and wish you a speedy recovery from your nasal symptoms.
Sincerely,
Gerald Reimann, Specialist in Otorhinolaryngology
