There are different types of head congestion, some may occur with a runny nose and others with pressure around the face. They are often related to a virus or bacterial infection and may cause excess mucus or phlegm.
While this condition is usually easily managed and treatable at home, you should contact your healthcare provider about congestion if you’re running a high fever, have symptoms that won’t go away, or experience excessive bleeding.
Causes
There are generally two types of head congestion. Nasal congestion is related to increased blood volume to the vessels that line the nasal passages. Sinus congestion refers to a feeling of fullness in the sinuses.
Both nasal and sinus congestion are most often caused by viral infections, however, there are other causes that may need to be evaluated.
Other less common causes of a runny nose and congestion include pregnancy, other conditions that cause a change in hormone levels, vasomotor rhinitis, nasal polyps or a deviated septum.
Nasal Congestion
Causes of nasal congestion include infections usually caused by viruses and allergies to grass, pet dander, foods or other substances.
It can be treated with medications called decongestants such as pseudoephedrine or antihistamines like diphenhydramine (depending on the cause). The common cold virus Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) can cause severe congestion and pneumonia in small children. While many small children are hospitalized with RSV each year, in adults RSV usually causes regular cold symptoms that go away in a week or two.
Sinus Congestion
Sinus congestion (sinusitis) results in a feeling of fullness in the face especially around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead. It can cause severe headaches.
It is often associated with a cold virus or occasionally a bacterial infection as well as allergies. It sometimes causes a post-nasal drip. Some cases can go on for weeks but most cases resolve on their own. More rarely an antibiotic needs to be prescribed.
Relief of symptoms of sinus congestion also include decongestants and antihistamines but can also include over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen.
Treatment
Some over-the-counter medications are helpful in relieving congestion.
There are also things you can do at home to thin your mucus and relieve congestion, such as:
Applying a warm wet washcloth to your face several times a day Drinking plenty of water Using a cool-mist humidifier Using an over-the-counter saline nasal spray Using a neti pot or other method of nasal irrigation Keep your head elevated (lying down can make congestion worse) Over-the-counter nasal sprays such as Afrin (oxymetazoline) can be helpful for relieving congestion but should not be used more than 3 days in a row to avoid rebound congestion
Use a cool-mist humidifier in your roomBreathe in steam from a hot showerSuck on lozenges (for patients over 4 years old)Drink lots of fluids
Call your doctor if you have a temperature over 100.4 F, trouble breathing, or symptoms that last three weeks.
