Nasal congestion can result from many factors, including colds, the flu, and allergies. However, if you wake up with a stuffy nose regularly, it might indicate sinusitis. Learn about the symptoms of sinusitis and how to manage them in this article.

What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis refers to the inflammation of the sinuses, which are air-filled cavities located in the forehead, cheeks, and nose. This condition causes symptoms such as facial pain, nasal congestion, runny nose, fever, and more. Sinusitis can be triggered by viral infections, bacteria, fungi, allergies, or even the common flu.

Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing sinusitis. These risk factors include:

• Allergies
• Asthma
• Nasal polyps
• Deviated septum
• A weakened immune system (due to conditions like HIV, cancer, or certain medications)
• Smoking

Symptoms Of Synusitis

The most common symptom of sinusitis is postnasal drip, where mucus drips down the back of the throat, often accompanied by thick yellow or green mucus from a runny nose. A blocked nose, especially in the morning, is also a common symptom of sinusitis.

When mucus builds up in the nasal passages, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria or viruses, which may cause an infection in the sinuses. This leads to a blocked nose, and you might feel pressure in the areas around your eyes, nose, and forehead.

If you experience a nasal congestion in the morning along with the following symptoms, it’s important to consult a doctor:

• Fever
• Pressure or pain in the teeth and ears
• Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth
• Cough
• Headaches
• Fatigue

Treatment for Sinusitis

Sinusitis treatment depends on its cause and severity. In most cases, it is caused by viruses, so it typically doesn’t require specific treatment. For relief, over-the-counter medications such as decongestants, pain relievers, and treatments for flu and allergy symptoms can be helpful.

To relieve nasal congestion, you can try several home remedies:

• Apply a warm, damp cloth to your face and forehead several times throughout the day.
• Rinse your nose with a saline solution to remove thick, sticky mucus.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Use a humidifier to prevent dry air from irritating your nasal passages.
• Inhale hot steam to help clear your nose.

Can Sinusitis Be Prevented?

Since most sinusitis cases are caused by viral infections, following general virus prevention steps can reduce your risk. Here are some tips to help you prevent sinusitis:

• Maintain a clean environment to reduce allergens.
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
• Rinse your nose with saltwater to clear nasal passages.
• Clean your home regularly to remove allergens such as dust and pet dander.
• Get an annual flu vaccine to reduce the risk of catching the flu.
• Eat a nutritious diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables to support your immune system.
• Avoid exposure to smoke, chemicals, pollen, allergens, and other irritants.
• Steer clear of people with colds or the flu to minimize the risk of infection.

A stuffy nose in the morning can be caused by various factors, including sinusitis, particularly if you feel tenderness in your facial area. If you experience these symptoms, it’s best to see a doctor for proper evaluation. You can also use the health consultation feature on the Ai Care application, available for download on both the App Store and Play Store.

Looking for more information about other diseases? Click here!