What to do for a stuffy nose and difficulty breathing

Nasal congestion and difficulty breathing require treatment based on the underlying cause. Common causes include nasal secretion blockage, colds, allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, nasal polyps, and deviated nasal septum. It is recommended to treat according to the specific cause.

1. Nasal Secretion Blockage

When nasal secretions are not cleared in time and accumulate excessively within the nasal cavity, they can lead to nasal congestion and impaired breathing, resulting in difficulty breathing. Symptoms typically improve after timely cleaning.

2. Cold

Inflammatory factors can irritate the nasal mucosa, causing swelling and congestion, which leads to nasal blockage and difficulty breathing. This may be accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue. Under a doctor's guidance, anti-cold medications can be used for treatment. Commonly used drugs include acetaminophen-phenylephrine-dextromethorphan-chlorpheniramine tablets, acetaminophen-caffeine-ranitidine-chlorpheniramine capsules, and compound paracetamol tramadol tablets, which help alleviate upper respiratory tract infections.

3. Allergic Rhinitis

Inflammation-induced stimulation increases nasal secretions, restricting nasal airflow and leading to the aforementioned symptoms, possibly accompanied by runny nose and sneezing. Antihistamines should be taken as prescribed, such as cetirizine hydrochloride tablets, loratadine tablets, and ebastine tablets, which inhibit histamine release and reduce nasal allergic reactions.

4. Bronchial Asthma

Constrictive spasms of the trachea can prevent air from entering and exiting the alveoli smoothly, potentially causing the above symptoms, possibly accompanied by coughing and sputum production. Under medical advice, bronchodilators such as terbutaline sulfate nebulizing solution, salbutamol sulfate aerosol, and salmeterol fluticasone inhalation powder can be used to relax bronchial smooth muscles and relieve discomfort.

5. Nasal Polyps

Polyps occupying space in the nasal cavity can easily narrow or block nasal passages, obstructing free airflow and causing breathing difficulties. This may also be accompanied by nasal itching and watery rhinorrhea. Treatment under medical supervision may include nasal sprays such as azelastine hydrochloride nasal spray, olopatadine hydrochloride tablets, and levocabastine hydrochloride nasal spray. Alternatively, surgical removal of the polyps may be necessary.

6. Deviated Nasal Septum

A deviated or crooked nasal septum can narrow or distort the nasal passage, limiting airflow and causing breathing difficulties. These conditions may also be accompanied by symptoms such as epistaxis (nosebleeds) and headaches. Surgical treatments such as septoplasty or submucosal resection of the nasal septum may be recommended under a doctor’s guidance.

It is advised to seek prompt medical evaluation at a hospital for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment under professional supervision. Maintain healthy daily habits and minimize nasal irritation.