Nasal Congestion (नाक की भीड़) एक सामान्य स्थिति है जिसमें नाक के अंदर रक्त वाहिकाएँ सूज जाती हैं और mucus (बलगम) जमा हो जाता है, जिससे सांस लेने में कठिनाई होती है।
- इसे stuffy nose, blocked nose या nasal obstruction भी कहते हैं।
- Mostly temporary होती है, लेकिन chronic cases में sleep disturbance, headache और sinus infections हो सकते हैं।
- यह common symptom है, लेकिन underlying disease के बारे में भी संकेत दे सकता है।
Nasal Congestion क्या है (What is Nasal Congestion)
- Swelling of nasal mucosa due to inflammation or blockage
- Increased mucus production
- Leads to difficulty breathing through nose
- Can be acute (few days) or chronic (weeks to months)
Nasal Congestion कारण (Causes of Nasal Congestion)
1. Infection
- Viral infections: Common cold (सर्दी), influenza
- Bacterial sinusitis
2. Allergies
- Pollen, dust, mold, pet dander – allergic rhinitis
- Immune system overreaction leads to nasal swelling and mucus production
3. Structural Abnormalities
- Deviated nasal septum
- Nasal polyps
- Enlarged turbinates
4. Environmental Factors
- Dry air, smoke, pollution
- Sudden temperature changes
5. Medications / Hormonal Causes
- Overuse of nasal decongestant sprays (rebound congestion)
- Pregnancy or hormonal changes
- Beta-blockers, NSAIDs in some cases
Nasal Congestion लक्षण (Symptoms of Nasal Congestion)
- Blocked or stuffy nose
- Difficulty breathing through nose
- Excess mucus or runny nose
- Snoring or sleep disturbance
- Reduced sense of smell (anosmia)
- Pressure or pain in sinus areas
- Postnasal drip (mucus draining in throat)
Chronic congestion may lead to headache, fatigue, and ear pressure।
Nasal Congestion कैसे पहचाने (Diagnosis of Nasal Congestion)
- Physical Examination – nasal cavity inspection
- Nasal Endoscopy – for polyps, tumors, or structural issues
- Allergy Testing – skin prick or blood test
- Imaging – CT scan for chronic sinusitis
- Patient History – duration, triggers, associated symptoms
Accurate diagnosis helps proper treatment।
Nasal Congestion इलाज (Treatment of Nasal Congestion)
1. Home Remedies / Self-care
- Steam inhalation
- Saline nasal sprays or rinses
- Warm compress for sinus pressure
- Stay hydrated
2. Medications
- Decongestants (short-term use)
- Antihistamines – for allergies
- Nasal corticosteroid sprays – reduce inflammation
- Antibiotics – only if bacterial infection confirmed
3. Surgical Treatment (Rare cases)
- Deviated septum correction (septoplasty)
- Removal of nasal polyps
- Endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic sinusitis
4. Lifestyle Adjustments
- Avoid allergens or irritants (smoke, dust, pollen)
- Humidifier use in dry climates
- Proper sleep and hydration
रोकथाम (Prevention)
- Avoid allergen exposure
- Wash hands frequently to prevent infections
- Maintain humid environment at home
- Limit use of nasal sprays to recommended duration
- Treat underlying sinus or allergy problems promptly
सावधानियाँ (Precautions)
-
Seek medical attention if:
- Nasal congestion > 10 days
- Fever, facial swelling, severe headache
- Blood in nasal discharge
- Chronic or recurrent sinus infections
-
Avoid excessive decongestant sprays – rebound effect हो सकता है
FAQs (अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न)
Q1. Nasal congestion कितने दिनों तक रहती है?
Viral infection में 3–7 दिन, chronic allergy या sinus issue में weeks या months तक।
Q2. क्या nasal congestion contagious है?
अगर viral या bacterial infection का कारण है, तो हाँ।
Q3. कब doctor को दिखाना चाहिए?
Persistent congestion, high fever, facial pain, या vision changes में तुरंत ENT specialist।
Q4. क्या allergy nasal sprays safe हैं?
हाँ, prescribed corticosteroid nasal sprays long-term use के लिए safe हैं।
निष्कर्ष (Conclusion)
Nasal Congestion (नाक की भीड़) एक common symptom है, जो infection, allergy, structural abnormalities या environmental factors के कारण हो सकती है।
Early diagnosis, proper medication, home care और lifestyle adjustments से symptoms control किए जा सकते हैं और chronic complications से बचा जा सकता है।
अगर किसी को persistent blockage, sinus pain या postnasal drip हो, तो ENT specialist से consultation जरूरी है।