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What Causes A Swollen Nasal Passage?
Question: Hi. I've been having a problem sometimes with my nasal passages swelling up a little so that it's hard to breathe. I thought it was because my house has a lot of dust, possibly some mould, but I had the same problem at my sister's house yesterday, which is a very new house which they clean all the time, so I wonder if this is something besides an allergy. Could you help me with it please?
Brief Answer:
different possible causes
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It may be an allergy as you indicated earlier since this is the most common reason for nasal congestion other than the cold/flu but it is to find the cause of the allergy.
It may not be a single cause, some persons have allergic responses to different agents.
The best way to determine the source of your allergy would be allergy tests which can be in the form of blood tests or skin prick testing.
Skin prick testing would require an allergist or dermatologist but your doctor should be able to request the blood test from a local lab.
As mentioned nasal congestion is most commonly caused by an allergic response or cough/cold.
There are other causes but they are not as common, this is called NON ALLERGIC RHINITIS.
Causes- cold (as mentioned)
(2)strong odors, stress, cold air, inhaled irritants
(3)hormonal- use of estrogen, can occur during menstruation in some women
(4)Side effect of medication- eg atenolol and naproxen (an NSAID) can both rarely cause nasal symptoms. May not be the cause for you
(5)after eating hot or spicy foods
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
different possible causes
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It may be an allergy as you indicated earlier since this is the most common reason for nasal congestion other than the cold/flu but it is to find the cause of the allergy.
It may not be a single cause, some persons have allergic responses to different agents.
The best way to determine the source of your allergy would be allergy tests which can be in the form of blood tests or skin prick testing.
Skin prick testing would require an allergist or dermatologist but your doctor should be able to request the blood test from a local lab.
As mentioned nasal congestion is most commonly caused by an allergic response or cough/cold.
There are other causes but they are not as common, this is called NON ALLERGIC RHINITIS.
Causes- cold (as mentioned)
(2)strong odors, stress, cold air, inhaled irritants
(3)hormonal- use of estrogen, can occur during menstruation in some women
(4)Side effect of medication- eg atenolol and naproxen (an NSAID) can both rarely cause nasal symptoms. May not be the cause for you
(5)after eating hot or spicy foods
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Interesting that you mentioned that this could be a side effect of two of my meds. Though rare, it's not impossible, right? Especially since I experienced it at my sister's house, and also yesterday at the XXXXXXX center as well as at home. So I wonder if that's the case. I was just changed over from Atenolol to Metropolol since the pharmacy was out of stock on the Atenolol until after the first of the year. But since they're the same family, the side effects, if any, would most likely be the same, is that right? Spicy foods are something I avoid as much as possible because they burn my mouth, which is very sensitive. I also try to avoid very hot foods since I had a rather bad burn on my tongue almost 2 years ago from really hot food. It still flares up at times when I eat food that is a little too hot. Obviously due to my age and the fact that (I didn't tell you this) I had a hysterectomy in 2001. I retained my ovaries but since I'm 68 now, they've shut down. There are no strong odors in my house, but I do have some stressers in my life (doesn't everyone?) and the dust could be a factor, but not in the other places I've been, so that's why I'm wondering about this. So I wonder if it could be a side effect of my meds.
Brief Answer:
can be related
Detailed Answer:
HI
Yes, meds in the same family can have a similar effect in some cases.
It is a rare possible effect of these medications.
If allergies, the most common cause are definitely ruled out then you can speak to your doctor about the possibility of the medication being the cause for you
can be related
Detailed Answer:
HI
Yes, meds in the same family can have a similar effect in some cases.
It is a rare possible effect of these medications.
If allergies, the most common cause are definitely ruled out then you can speak to your doctor about the possibility of the medication being the cause for you
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
OK, thank you very much for your help, Dr. XXXXXXX
Have a nice weekend.
XXXXXXX Storm
Have a nice weekend.
XXXXXXX Storm
Brief Answer:
no problem
Detailed Answer:
HI
No problem, if there are any other queries, can let me know
no problem
Detailed Answer:
HI
No problem, if there are any other queries, can let me know
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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