Chronic Nasal Congestion and Head Pressure Symptoms

Chronic nasal congestion and a sensation of head swelling?

Hello, I would like to ask you about a long-term sensation of nasal congestion on my right side.
However, I do not experience significant nasal discharge; it is more of a feeling of blockage.
Sometimes, when it is severe, I experience pain and a feeling of pressure in my head, along with headaches.
My right eye also has a similar sensation, but I am not sure if this is caused by my nasal congestion.
Although I do feel a little on the left side, it is not as severe as on the right.
What could this issue be related to? Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Mou Shi, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/08/24

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology

If you have long-term unilateral nasal congestion, it is recommended to first consult an otolaryngologist for an endoscopic examination to rule out nasal cavity or nasopharyngeal tumors (although the likelihood is relatively low, they are important conditions).
Most cases are due to deviated septum, turbinate hypertrophy, sinusitis, nasal polyps, or allergic rhinitis.
Treatment will be based on the findings of the examination report.

Reply Date: 2022/08/24

More Info

Chronic nasal congestion and head pressure symptoms can be quite distressing and may significantly affect your quality of life. Based on your description of persistent nasal congestion primarily on the right side, along with associated head pressure and pain, it is essential to consider several potential underlying causes.

One common cause of unilateral nasal congestion is a deviated septum. The nasal septum is the cartilage and bone structure that divides the nasal cavity into two nostrils. If this structure is misaligned, it can lead to chronic obstruction on one side, resulting in a sensation of congestion, pressure, and even pain. This misalignment can also contribute to sinus issues, as it may prevent proper drainage of the sinuses, leading to sinusitis or inflammation of the sinus cavities.

Another possibility is the presence of nasal polyps. These are non-cancerous growths that can develop in the nasal passages or sinuses due to chronic inflammation, often associated with conditions like allergic rhinitis or asthma. Polyps can obstruct airflow and drainage, leading to a feeling of congestion and pressure, as well as facial pain.

Allergic rhinitis is another condition that could explain your symptoms. Allergies can cause inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages, leading to congestion and discomfort. While you mentioned that you do not experience significant nasal discharge, it is still possible to have allergic rhinitis without prominent mucus production.

Additionally, sinusitis, which is an inflammation of the sinus cavities, can also cause similar symptoms. This condition can be acute or chronic and may result from infections, allergies, or structural issues within the nasal passages. Symptoms often include facial pain or pressure, nasal congestion, and sometimes headaches.

The sensation of pressure in the head and around the eye can also be related to referred pain from the sinuses or nasal passages. The close anatomical relationship between the sinuses and the eyes means that inflammation or pressure in the sinuses can sometimes manifest as discomfort in the eye area.

Given the complexity of your symptoms, it would be advisable to consult with an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist. They can perform a thorough examination, which may include nasal endoscopy, imaging studies like a CT scan, and allergy testing if indicated. These assessments can help determine the exact cause of your symptoms and guide appropriate treatment.

In the meantime, there are some general measures you can take to alleviate your symptoms. Saline nasal sprays or rinses can help keep the nasal passages moist and may reduce congestion. Over-the-counter antihistamines may be beneficial if allergies are suspected. Additionally, using a humidifier in your living space can help maintain moisture in the air, which may ease nasal congestion.

In summary, your symptoms of chronic nasal congestion, head pressure, and discomfort in the right eye could be attributed to several potential causes, including a deviated septum, nasal polyps, allergic rhinitis, or sinusitis. A thorough evaluation by an ENT specialist is recommended to identify the underlying issue and develop an effective treatment plan.

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