RUNNY AND STUFFY NOSE

Overview & Facts

A stuffy or congested nose occurs when the tissues lining the nose become swollen due to inflamed nasal blood vessels. Sometimes, a stuffy nose may also include nasal discharge or “runny nose.”

A stuffy or runny nose may be caused by the common cold, flu, sinus infection, or nasal allergies.

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

Your doctor will perform a physical exam. Skin tests and blood tests for allergy may be done.

 

RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS

Your doctor may prescribe the following common treatments:

  • Antihistamines – a class of medicine that stops your body from making histamine.
  • Decongestants – a type of drug that constricts blood vessels in the nose thereby relieving stuffiness and sinus pressure.
  • Nasal sprays – can help relieve itchiness and other allergy-related symptoms for a short time. Long-term use of these products should be avoided.

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