For The Last Few Weeks, My Nose Has Been Stuffed

Posted on Tue, 30 Oct 2018

Question: For the last few weeks, my nose has been stuffed up all the time and trouble breathing. I had allergy test about a year ago and nothing showed up except usual house dust. I am taking OTC decongestants which help a lot but some like Otrivin nasal spray have rebound effect and stop working. . Q1 What do you think problem might be and Q2. Should I see a respirologist or ENT doctor for this problem.

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Allergic rhinitis to house dust.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor service.
I read your query and here is my advice.

Q1. I think you are suffering from allergic rhinitis. Your tests showed positive for house dust allergy and this may be the cause.
Q2. You can see an ENT doctor to do a fybroscopy of nose to see nasal mucosa. Sometimes this uncontrolled allergic rhinitis is accompanied by nasal polyps and this need to be evaluated by ENT.

Don't use otrivine for more than 5 days in a row.
Use saline water to rinse nose and clean it.
Try to lower exposure to house dust.

Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng