Nasal congestion: a review of its etiology, evaluation, and treatment.
The most common clinical syndromes that cause nasal congestion are allergic rhinitis, vasomotor rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, and upper respiratory viral infections (common colds). Nasal congestion, in turn, can lead to sequelae such as sinusitis, otitis media, and the onset or worsening of mild to severe sleep disturbances, including obstructive sleep apnea. There is a host of conservative treatments, including decongestant pharmacotherapy, antiallergy measures, and nasal dilation devices. Several surgical procedures are also available. This article reviews the current guidelines for the workup and diagnosis of nasal congestion and briefly describes the many and varied approaches to treatment.
Corey
J P
JP
Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, IL 60637, USA. jcorey@surgery.bsd.uchicago.edu
Houser
S M
SM
Ng
B A
BA
D000287:Administration, Topical; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D014663:Nasal Decongestants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy
D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D014663:Nasal Decongestants