A nasal congestion specialist is an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor specializing in treating nasal congestion symptoms and underlying causes. If you have a chronic runny or stuffy nose, a specialist can help you diagnose the problem. A custom plan is developed to relieve the symptoms and treat the cause. Here are some things a nasal congestion specialist can do for you:
Determine the Cause
Congestion is often caused by the common cold, flu, sinus infection, and allergies. Patients also develop nasal congestion due to nasal polyps or a deviated septum. Nasal congestion usually goes away without intervention, but some symptoms persist for weeks, months, or even years. Long-term congestion requires comprehensive assessments to determine the cause.
- An ENT evaluates your nose, sinuses, and throat to determine the underlying cause of congestion.
- Evaluations usually involve a medical review, external observation, and a nasal endoscope.
- Doctors ask about your general health, recent procedures, medications, allergies, and symptoms to determine external causes.
- Examinations look for structural abnormalities in your nose or sinus passageways that may prolong your symptoms.
- Nasal congestion specialists may also use allergy testing and imaging tests, such as CT scans.
Treat Symptoms
Nasal congestion occurs when the nasal tissues become swollen, causing stuffiness, runny nose, and mucus buildup. Other symptoms include sinus pain and difficulty breathing. Doctors can prescribe antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays to help break up the mucus and drain your nasal passages. If the exams reveal an infection, specialists typically prescribe antibiotics. They may also suggest home remedies like saline sprays or over-the-counter decongestants.
- If congestion is caused by allergies, immunotherapy or allergy shots can address your symptoms.
- Specialists might also offer advice on lifestyle changes to minimize exposure to allergens and manage environmental factors.
- Modifications, such as air purifiers and humidifiers, help to provide long-term relief and reduce the likelihood of future congestion.
Perform Surgical Treatment
Congestion specialists might recommend surgery if your long-term symptoms are caused by structural abnormalities in your nose or breathing passageways. Some common structural concerns that require surgery include a deviated septum, saddle nose, or nasal polyps. Surgical operations like septoplasty, balloon sinuplasty, and sinus surgery help treat congestion that does not respond to conservative treatments. An ENT can surgically correct the structural abnormality that causes difficulty breathing, treat sinus infections, and restore normal fluid drainage. Most surgeries are outpatient procedures done under local anesthesia. Surgical operations usually require follow-up care to monitor your recovery and manage symptoms. Specialists also provide at-home care tips to help minimize recovery time and mitigate risks of future complications.
Speak to an Experienced ENT Today
A nasal congestion specialist can help you manage the symptoms of congestion and treat underlying issues for long-term relief. If you have congestion that does not go away, speak to an experienced ear, nose, and throat doctor to schedule a professional diagnosis. Contact an ENT today to learn more about nasal congestion, chronic sore throat, or related symptoms.
