A stuffy nose is rarely cause for serious alarm, even in the age of COVID-19. While congestion is, indeed, a symptom of the novel coronavirus, you likely only need to be tested if you experience any of the telltale signs like dry cough, shortness of breath, fever or loss of taste/smell. If you don’t have any of these symptoms or your test comes back negative, your stuffy nose is most likely due to one of the conditions below.
Allergies and Congestion
Allergic rhinitis describes inflammation of the nasal passages caused by exposure to a triggering substance known as an allergen. Common allergens include dust mites, pollen, animal dander and certain foods – all of which may be found somewhere like James Island County Park. In addition to a stuffy nose, allergies may cause:
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Tickle in the throat
- Rash/hives
Treatment for allergies includes short-term solutions like over-the-counter antihistamines or long-term solutions like immunotherapy.
The Common Cold Provides an Uncommon Link
A cold can be caused by one of a few viruses, including non-COVID-19 coronavirus and rhinovirus. Colds can vary in severity, but for some, cold symptoms appear to always be worse than everyone else’s. Turns out, this may be because of the bacteria in your nose.
Does Bacteria in the Nose Impact Cold Symptoms?
A 2018 study published in Scientific Report examined the bacteria in the noses of 152 participants, known as nasal microbiomes. The researchers were looking to see if certain bacteria would lead to worse cold symptoms and an increase in the rhinovirus in their bodies after becoming sick with a common cold. The researchers identified six categories, or buckets, to classify people based on their nasal bacteria. According to Ronald Turner, the study author from the University of Virginia School of Medicine, “The first surprise was that you can kind of identify these different buckets that people kind of fit into, and then the fact that the buckets seem to have some impact on how you respond to the virus and how sick you get was also interesting.”
They found that the bacteria in the nose has an effect on how your body reacts to the rhinovirus and how sick you get. Participants with more Staphylococcus bacteria had worse symptoms than those with less of the staph bacteria.
Dr. Turner emphasized that it is not the bacteria in your nose causing you to catch the cold. He explains, “What we’re reporting is an association, so it’s entirely possible that the fact that you have staph in your nose and you have more symptoms is not directly related.”
Altering Your Microbiome
Once the researchers identified which microbiome was linked with worse cold symptoms, they wanted to see if altering it with probiotics could decrease the cold symptoms. Participants were instructed to drink a probiotic supplement, but unfortunately, the results were inconclusive.
The researchers note that their study opens the door to future research. One avenue to explore is if antibiotics that change the nasal microbiome could affect cold symptoms.
Standard Cold Treatments Can Help
While drinking probiotics may not be the key to decreasing your cold symptoms, there are many tried and true treatments to help you find relief from your nasal congestion, sore throat and body aches and pains. Experts recommend:
- Getting plenty of rest
- Eating a balanced diet
- Drinking water
- Staying active
Tobacco Smoke Can Hurt
You may be surprised to learn that exposure to tobacco smoke can also cause a stuffy nose. According to a 2013 study, smoking is associated with a high prevalence of chronic rhinitis in both men and women. And even if you don’t smoke, a 2017 study revealed that exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke can increase the chance of developing rhinitis in children.
Medications May Be to Blame
Many medications are linked to a stuffed-up nose, including:
- Aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs
- Psychotropic drugs
- Immunosuppressive drugs
- Medicated nasal sprays
- Hormonal agents
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Inflammation
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition wherein the contents of the stomach flow back up through the throat and sometimes even the nasal passages. One 2015 study found that people with GERD are at increased risk of developing chronic sinusitis, inflammation of the sinus and nasal passages.
Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are tissue growths that form within the nasal cavity. Polyps prevent the tiny hairs in the nose – called cilia – from clearing mucus and antigens. In addition to stuffy nose/congestion, other symptoms of nasal polyps include:
- Runny nose/nasal drainage
- Facial pain/pressure
- Decreased ability to smell
What Is a Sinus Migraine?
Yes, a stuffy nose can come from a migraine, too. Better known for extreme pain behind the eyes which frequently sparks light sensitivity and nausea, migraines can also affect the sinuses. This neurological disease is very common and affects more than 39 million Americans or nearly 12% of the population.
Migraine headaches, whether involved with the sinuses or not, can occur when there are changes in the weather, your sleep patterns, eating habits or hormones. Sensory stimuli such as certain smells, loud noises or bright light can also trigger an attack.
Migraine symptoms can be managed with either over-the-counter or prescription-strength pain medications, but these don’t address the root cause. The best way to treat a migraine is to identify your unique triggers. The most common are caffeine, alcohol, processed meats, chocolate and artificial sweeteners.
Sinus Infections
When irritations and infections persist, they can cause more serious complications. The nose is part of the sinus system, and when the lining of the sinuses becomes inflamed, usually as a result of an infection or allergies, the buildup of mucus can become infected. This leads to a number of symptoms, including:
- Headache
- Facial pain/pressure
- Fever
- Cloudy discharge
- Postnasal drip
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Tooth pain
- Ear pain
- Eye pain
- Fatigue
- Bad breath
Most will have symptoms for two to four weeks. If you are still suffering after 12 weeks, you may be experiencing chronic sinusitis.
Sinus infections don’t usually require treatment beyond some over-the-counter pain medication or nasal sprays. ENT doctors also recommend drinking plenty of fluids, getting enough rest and applying a warm compress to the face.
Chronic sinusitis that does not respond to treatment may require surgery.
Conclusion
A stuffy nose is usually more annoying than anything else, but it’s also nothing to sneeze at. Whether it’s caused by allergies, the common cold, reflux, or something else altogether, pinpointing and treating the source will help you feel better sooner as well as prevent complications like chronic sinusitis. For help or questions, contact us at Charleston ENT & Allergy, and we’ll be happy to help.