Suggest Treatment For Persistent Nasal Congestion

Posted on Mon, 19 Sep 2016

Question: Hi I am a 40 year old male. For apx 3 months now I have been experiencing a nasal congestion feeling with one side usually worse than the other. Then it will alternate sides. Also for the past 2 months or so when I wake up in morning one side is blocked with mucas clear in Colo. When I get up and move around for few mins or have a shower I have to blow my nose. I know the nasal cycle is normal switching side to side but it's not normal to notice it happening. Also if do some physical activity my congestion usually goes away only to return a little later after stopping. I used a nasal steriod for 3 months but didn't cure the problem. I had alergy test which showed a birch tree alergy however I have never had allergy issues I'm past and I have no sneezing runny nose itchy or water eyes etc just the nasal congestion feeling.

Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Allergy or acid reflux can be the causative agent.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thank you for asking HCM.

I have gone through your query. The cause of your problem can be due to allergy or laryngopharyngeal reflux. Early morning symptoms also give suspicion to that.
The mentioned antihypertensive medications usually doesn't cause such symptoms.

Deviated nasal septum can worsen such symptoms. As you didn't had such symptoms before better not to go for correction surgery. It is possible to get new onset allergy to some thing which you didn't had before also.

Taking proton pump inhibitors like esomeprazole ( Nexium ) and combination of anti histamines like levocetirizine and mast cell stabilzers like monteleukast for long term will be helpful for this. Nexium is available as over the counter. This is helpful to correct laryngopharyngeal reflux. Levocetirizine and monteleukast combination will be helpful to avoid allergic cascade also. But this is a prescription drug. It is usually given as once daily dosage at night.

Let me know if anything not clear.
I am happy to help you.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar

Follow up: Dr. Nishad BN (10 hours later)

Wow I'm surprised to hear it may be acid reflux. I hope this is the case. I claritin otc med be ok as an antihistamine?

Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes you can use claritin.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome again...

Thank you for your follow up.

You can use Claritin as antihistamine.

Let me know if anything not clear.
I am happy to help you.
Thanks.

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. Raju A.T