Patient's question:
Nasal congestion for 10 years, the cause or etiology is unclearDoctor's answer:
Hello, the factors or causes of nasal congestion are multifaceted. When experiencing nasal blockage in daily life, it is essential to first identify the factors or causes before taking action.1. Changes in nasal structure can cause nasal congestion, such as congenital development or post-traumatic injury leading to a deviated septum, which results in nasal blockage. This condition often cannot be cured with medication alone and may require a septoplasty to correct the deviated septum, restoring it to normal. The procedure is performed inside the nasal cavity and does not leave scars externally.
2. Edema or hypertrophy of the soft tissues on the lateral side of the nasal cavity can also cause nasal congestion, which is clinically known as nasal turbinate edema or hypertrophic rhinitis. This condition is often accompanied by a cold in its early stages or caused by chronic rhinitis over a long period. Using 1% ephedrine nasal drops can be effective in the early stages, but continuous use should not exceed one week, and it is best to do so under the guidance of a physician.
3. Some cases of nasal congestion are caused by allergic reactions, known as allergic rhinitis. This condition may be perennial (occurring year-round), seasonal (occurring at specific times of the year), or triggered by new furniture, paint from renovated houses, or pollen in the spring, among other factors. Treatment for these patients can involve antiallergic and allergy-relieving medications. For those with severe symptoms or a long history of the condition, minimally invasive treatment may be considered to block sensitive nerves and reduce excitability, achieving the goal of treatment while avoiding the side effects of frequent medication use.
4. Additionally, when young children experience nasal congestion, it is important to consider whether they may have inserted an object into their nasal cavity during play and forgotten about it. Due to their limited ability to express themselves, parents need to be vigilant. If a child shows signs of nasal congestion, a detailed nasal endoscopy examination can reveal the cause. If an object is found, its removal will naturally alleviate the congestion.
5. Another possibility is that nasal congestion is caused by a growth in the nasal cavity or sinuses. There are various types of growths, with the most common being nasal polyps, which are benign nasal tumors resembling "lychee meat." The next most common is nasal papillomas, while nasal and sinus malignancies are relatively rare.