The Meaning of a Congested Nose
The most common complaint regarding the nose is congestion. There are several potential reasons for this, which will be discussed in turn. It is important to point out that a congested nose does not indicate the presence of sinusitis. It has been established that nasal congestion affects over 60 million Americans., or 1 in every 5 people. It is one of the most common presenting complaints to the primary care physician. Americans spend more than 2 billion dollars each year on products, both prescription, and over-the-counter, to treat this problem. Nasal congestion can be caused by inflammation, infection, or the anatomy of the nasal airway. The problem can be temporary, permanent (chronic), or intermittent (seasonal or non-seasonal).

Nasal congestion caused by anatomical problems is most commonly from a deviated nasal septum, inferior turbinate hypertrophy, or nasal polyps.

Nasal congestion from inflammation is called rhinitis and is either allergic or non-allergic.

Nasal congestion from infection is either bacterial, viral, or fungal.