what is a chronic inflammatory congestion of the cheeks and nose

Common Causes

It is a common symptom of many different medical conditions. In most cases, nasal congestion causes nothing more serious than discomfort. It can cause feeding problems in babies and sleep problems in children and adults. Nasal congestion is also known as a stuffy nose or congested nose.

Related Conditions

Chronic sinusitis can be brought on by an infection, by growths in the sinuses (nasal polyps) or by swelling of the lining of your sinuses. Also called chronic rhinosinusitis, the condition can affect both adults and children. Common signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis include:

What is nasal congestion?

Chronic (longstanding) congestion can be from a few different causes. Ask your doctor if you should see a specialist such as an otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor) or an allergist? —Dr. Benjamin Ranard Allergic rhinitis occurs when you have an allergy to something in the environment.

What is chronic sinusitis?

Rhinitis is the medical term for inflammation of the inner lining of the nose. Chronic means that the nasal inflammation is long term, lasting for more than four consecutive weeks. This is different from acute rhinitis, which only lasts a few days or up to four weeks.

What causes chronic (longstanding) congestion?

What is chronic rhinitis?

What is chronic nasal inflammation?

CRS is defined as an inflammatory process of the nose and paranasal sinus mucosa for at least 12 consecutive weeks. The diagnosis of CRS is clinical, based on subjective and objective findings, such as those recommended in guidelines published by the American Academy of Otolaryngology— Head and Neck Surgery [1].

What is chronic congestion?

Some people's stuffy noses don't resolve after other symptoms are gone. This long-lasting stuffy nose is called chronic rhinosinusitis. This happens when your sinuses are swollen and inflamed for three months or longer, despite treatment.

How do you treat chronic inflammation in the nose?

TreatmentNasal corticosteroids. ... Saline nasal irrigation, with nasal sprays or solutions, reduces drainage and rinses away irritants and allergies.Oral or injected corticosteroids. ... Allergy medications. ... Aspirin desensitization treatment, if you have reactions to aspirin that cause sinusitis and nasal polyps.More items...•

What causes chronic congestion?

Infections — such as colds, flu or sinusitis — and allergies are frequent causes of nasal congestion and runny nose. Sometimes a congested and runny nose can be caused by irritants such as tobacco smoke and car exhaust. This condition is called nonallergic rhinitis or vasomotor rhinitis.

What causes nasal inflammation?

Nasal allergy is inflammation of the nose due to irritating particles (dust, pollen, and dander). Symptoms of a nasal allergy can include sneezing, itchy nose and eyes, congestion, runny nose, and post nasal drip (mucus in the throat). Sinusitis and allergy symptoms can happen at the same time as a common cold.

What are the signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis?

What are the symptoms of chronic sinusitis?Tenderness or pressure in the face (particularly around the nose, eyes and forehead).Post nasal drip (mucus drips down the throat).Nasal discharge (thick yellow or green discharge from nose) or a stuffy nose.Toothache, ear pain and/or headache.Cough.Tiredness.Ear pain.More items...•

What happens if chronic sinusitis goes untreated?

If chronic sinusitis goes untreated for a length of time, it is possible the infection can spread to vital parts of your body, including to the bones, spinal fluid, and the brain. These complications, meningitis and brain abscesses, are life-threatening and require immediate emergency surgery.

Is chronic sinusitis a disability?

A 30 percent disability rating is awarded for sinusitis manifested by three or more incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis requiring prolonged (lasting four to six weeks) antibiotic treatment, or by more than six non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent ...

Can you live with chronic sinusitis?

The vast majority of patients can be treated on an outpatient basis and are nearly or completely symptom-free within weeks. “Many patients feel better than they have for decades — if not their entire lives — after sinus surgery,” Dr.

What are the structural problems that affect the nasal passages?

structural problems that affect the nasal passages. including a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, and enlarged adenoids. other medical conditions, including gastrointestinal reflux (GERD), asthma, or chronic sinusitis. For some people, the specific cause of non-allergic rhinitis can’t be identified.

What happens if you don't treat inflammation in your nose?

If not treated, the chronic inflammation in the nose can lead to: Nasal polyps. These are noncancerous growths in the lining of the nose caused by chronic inflammation. Large polyps can block airflow through the nose and make it hard to breathe. Sinusitis.

What is the best treatment for rhinitis?

Nasal irrigation is one home remedy that may be useful for both allergic and non-allergic rhinitis. Nasal irrigation, also called nasal lavage, involves using a saltwater solution to rinse the nasal passages. Nasal sprays are available pre-packaged in most drugstores, or you can try using a device called a neti pot.

How long does rhinitis last?

This is different from acute rhinitis, which only lasts a few days or up to four weeks. Most often, chronic rhinitis is caused by allergies (also known as hay fever ), ...

What causes hay fever?

Chronic rhinitis is usually categorized into two main groups depending on the underlying cause: Allergic rhinitis ( hay fever) is caused by an allergic response to specific allergens, like pollen, dust, or pet dander.

What is the chemical that helps fight off allergens?

In allergic rhinitis, allergens present in the air bind with a substance called immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the nose. Your body releases a chemical called histamine to help defend against the allergen. This histamine release results in allergic rhinitis symptoms.

How to prevent rhinitis?

The best way to prevent and treat chronic rhinitis is to avoid the environmental allergen or trigger that is causing it. It’s not always possible to completely avoid an allergen or trigger, but you can minimize your exposure with the following tips:

What is chronic inflammation?

an autoimmune disorder, which involves your immune system mistakenly attacking healthy tissue. Keep in mind that these don’t cause chronic inflammation in everyone. In addition, some cases of chronic inflammation don’t have a clear underlying cause.

What is inflammation in the body?

What is inflammation? Inflammation refers to your body’s process of fighting against things that harm it, such as infections, injuries, and toxins, in an attempt to heal itself. When something damages your cells, your body releases chemicals that trigger a response from your immune system.

How long does chronic inflammation last?

fever. mouth sores. rashes. abdominal pain. chest pain. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and last for several months or years.

What is the best medication for inflammation?

Some of the options that have been explored for managing inflammation include: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Over-the-counter NSAIDs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), and naproxen (Aleve), effectively reduce inflammation and pain. But long-term use is linked.

What foods cause inflammation?

The following foods can increase inflammation in some people: refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pastries. fried foods, such as French fries. red meat. processed meat, such as hot dogs and sausage. If you’re trying to reduce fight inflammation, try to reduce your intake of these foods.

What foods are good for inflammatory disease?

These include foods that are high in antioxidants and polyphenols, such as: olive oil. leafy greens, such as kale and spinach. tomatoes. fatty fish, such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel. nuts.

How to reduce inflammation?

Medication, supplements, and eating an anti-inflammation diet can help you reduce your risk of inflammation. Avoiding smoking and alcohol, and maintaining a healthy body weight can also help lower your risk, along with reducing your stress levels. Last medically reviewed on July 27, 2018.

What does it mean when your nose clogs up?

Chronic sinusitis: More than a stuffy nose. It's that time of year when the weather warms up, flowers bloom and — boom — your nose clogs up, and you feel miserable. While the signs of nice weather are welcome for some, for others, they signal the start of sinus misery.

Why does my nose get stuffy?

Sinusitis occurs when the spaces inside your nose and head ― your sinuses ― are swollen and inflamed. This swelling interferes with the way mucus normally drains and makes your nose stuffy. Sinusitis can be brought on by an infection; growths in the sinuses, or nasal polyps; or swelling of the lining of your sinuses.

How do you know if you have sinusitis?

Common signs and symptoms of sinusitis include: Nasal inflammation. Thick, discolored discharge from the nose. Drainage down the back of the throat, which also is known as postnasal drip. Nasal obstruction or congestion, causing difficulty breathing through your nose. Pain, tenderness and swelling around your eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead.

What causes sinusitis?

Common causes of chronic sinusitis include nasal polyps; complications of conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, HIV and other immune system-related diseases; recurrent respiratory infections; or allergies.

What is a scope for sinuses?

Then the specialist will complete a head and neck exam, paying particular attention to the nose. Typically, a small scope is used. This scope goes in the nose to get a better look at the nasal passage and sinus openings.

Can sinusitis turn into a chronic condition?

Acute sinusitis can turn into a chronic condition if you have had sinusitis a number of times, sinus infections that don't respond to treatment, or you have sinusitis symptoms that last more than three months. Common causes of chronic sinusitis include nasal polyps; complications of conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, ...

What is nasal congestion?

Nasal congestion refers to obstructed (blocked) breathing through the nose. It is a common symptom of many different medical conditions. In most cases, nasal congestion causes nothing more serious than discomfort. It can cause feeding problems in babies and sleep problems in children and adults.

How to treat congestion in the nose?

Steps you can take at home to relieve congestion include: Apply adhesive strips to nose to open nasal passages. Clear nasal secretions in babies with a nasal bulb syringe.

Why does my nose get stuffy?

Inflammation (swelling) of the blood vessels in the tissues lining the nose causes nasal congestion. Increased mucus secretions (discharge) in the nose can also cause stuffiness. In rare cases, a tumor or polyp may lead to this symptom.

How long does nasal congestion last?

Is accompanied by a fever. Lasts more than 10 days. If you have a newborn, contact your pediatrician if your baby has nasal congestion that interferes with his or her ability to nurse or take a bottle.

How do doctors diagnose nasal congestion?

Doctors diagnose nasal congestion based on your symptoms and a physical exam. Your doctor will examine your nose, ears and throat to determine the cause of the congestion. An otolaryngologist (ENT physician) may examine your nose using a flexible light called an endoscope.

Why is breathing difficult in the nose?

Structural problems in areas of the head and neck that make breathing through the nose more difficult. Changes in temperature and humidity (especially dry, cold winters, and forced air heating) Use of supplemental oxygen.

Why do you need a CT scan for congestion?

Sometimes, a CT scan is required if a physical obstruction is observed or suspected. In rare cases, a doctor may use tests including an X-ray or throat culture (test to examine substances in the back of the throat) to rule out other medical issues that could be causing the congestion.

What causes congestion in the nose?

Bacteria or viruses can infect the lining of your nose or sinuses (the hollow areas in the bones of your face). When this area becomes inflamed, your mucosa (the lining of the inner nose) swells and can cause congestion.

What is the name of the infection that causes a fever, a cough, a headache, and a

Can also have fever, cough decreased sense of smell, ear fullness, hearing change, ringing in ears, bad breath, headache. Acute rhinosinusitis or "sinus infection," happens when viruses or bacteria infect the sinuses (the spaces in the bone under the face).

Why does my face feel full?

Infection of the sinuses can make it harder for the sinuses to drain mucus and cause a feeling of fullness or pain in the face. Congestion can often be temporarily treated with saline rinses or taking an over-the-counter decongestant, but sometimes underlying causes need to be addressed. 1. Common cold.

How long does sinusitis last?

It’s a very uncomfortable infection that causes swelling, nasal congestion, and face pain. It can last for weeks. Or go away only to come back. The right diagnosis is necessary to know if you need antibiotics or other treatments.

Why do I feel like I can't breathe in?

Congestion makes you feel like you can’t breathe in easily through the nose. It also makes the area of your face around your nose and eyes feel full and stuffed up. Congestion can be the symptom of a lot of different conditions, but usually, it’s from allergies or another cause of inflammation (often from an infection).

Why do I have congestion after sinus surgery?

Other more rare causes of congestion include: workplace exposures, frequent use of certain nasal decongestants, pregnancy, congestion after repeated sinus surgery, anatomic reasons (i .e., septum deviation), and a variety of systemic diseases.

Why do I have seasonal allergies?

Seasonal allergies are generally caused by pollen, grass, and weeds , and are worse during a certain time of the year. Allergies that are more constant are from allergens you are constantly exposed to such as dust mites, molds, and animal dander. Allergies commonly begin in childhood but they can start at any age.

Overview

Symptoms

Causes

Risk Factors

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Complications

Prevention