Kaplan Sinus Relief offers treatment for nasal congestion
At-home nasal congestion treatments can only do so much to combat chronic nasal congestion. Whether you have severe irritation or just an irritating stuffy nose and are concerned about possible damage to your sinuses, here is what you can do to seek relief.
What causes nasal congestion?
Nasal congestion is caused by blood vessels becoming inflamed in the nasal passage which in turn causes nasal tissue to swell. Nasal congestion can be a vicious cycle as swollen nasal tissue often results in excess mucus production, which results in wiping or blowing your nose more, which only further inflames the tissue. Some causes of chronic congestion and nasal inflammation are:
- Environmental allergens
- Sinusitis
- Common cold or flu
- Deviated septum
- Enlarged nasal polyps or turbinates
- Enlarged adenoids
- Overuse of decongestant nasal sprays
- Allergic and nonallergic rhinitis
- Dry air
Treatments like over-the-counter allergy medications and nasal steroid sprays may work just fine for those who only experience nasal congestion occasionally, but chronic sufferers should look to the experts for more sustainable, long-term relief.
Common nasal congestion symptoms
People generally know when they have a stuffy nose, but they don’t always know when their stuffy nose has become a bonafide medical issue. We get a ton of questions about how a stuffy nose can impact the rest of your health. Does congestion cause sore throat?Can nasal congestion cause loss of taste? People are often surprised that the answer is yes, chronic nasal congestion can impact a lot more than just your ability to breathe comfortably.
You should seek treatment for your congestion if you regularly experience any of the following symptoms:
- Headaches
- Trouble breathing
- Loss of taste or smell
- Pain around the nose
- Post-nasal drip
- Severe nasal congestion at night
- Excessive snoring
You should also seek medical attention if you have been congested for more than 10 days, have a high fever, or have yellow, green, or red nasal discharge. It is important to note that if a child has a fever coupled with significant congestion, you should take them to see a doctor.
How can I unblock my nose?
Can nasal congestion be cured? Not exactly, although most people are able to find long-term relief through different treatment options. Nasal congestion can often be cleared up by drinking plenty of water, avoiding allergens, and taking over-the-counter antihistamines or nasal sprays.
If you do experience chronic congestion, severe sudden congestion, or congestion causing vomiting, at-home or over-the-counter treatments probably won’t cut it. This is when you should turn to professionals for help, like those at Kaplan Sinus Relief, to ask what long-term solutions are available for your congestion. Here are a few treatment options that Kaplan Sinus Relief can offer for nasal congestion relief.
Endoscopic sinus surgery
Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is performed to remove blockages in the sinuses. ESS is used to treat some of the root causes of nasal congestion, like sinusitis, nasal polyps, and other nasal obstructions.
During ESS, an endoscope is used to magnify the sinus tissues while surgeons use specialized instruments to remove causes of blockage, and even straighten a deviated septum if necessary. This minimally invasive procedure is done entirely through the nostrils and does not require any cutting of the nose.
Turbinate reduction
Kaplan Sinus Relief offers in-office turbinate reduction as a long-term solution to nasal congestion. The procedure is quick (only about 10 minutes), minimally invasive, and virtually painless. Although the procedure is quick and easy, we understand that patients can be particularly anxious about getting any kind of procedure performed, which is why we offer IV sedation to ensure that everyone is comfortable and calm.
Balloon sinuplasty
Michael Kaplan, M.D. is one of the pioneers of balloon sinuplasty in Houston — a simple, quick, and effective procedure for patients who suffer from chronic sinusitis. During balloon sinuplasty, Dr. Kaplan will locate the affected areas of your sinus(es), insert and inflate a small balloon that is used to reshape your sinus area, and restore proper drainage and airflow.
Balloon sinuplasty is performed in-office, minimally invasive, and virtually pain-free! If you are interested in determining if you are a good candidate for balloon sinuplasty, contact Dr. Kaplan for a consultation.
Remember, not every long-term relief solution for nasal congestion will be a good fit for every patient. Be sure to speak with a specialist to determine which treatment options would most benefit you.
Kaplan Sinus Relief offers long-term solutions for nasal congestion
Whatever the cause of your nasal congestion, Kaplan Sinus Relief can help you find long-term, lasting congestion relief. Sinus expert Dr. Kaplan can use one of many nasal congestion treatments to make your chronic congestion a thing of the past and restore your breathing.
Ready to be rid of nasal congestion? Schedule an appointment at Kaplan Sinus Relief to see which of our many treatment options can help you get back to better breathing.