One of the most important functions of the nose is breathing. If this task cannot be performed properly, nasal congestion is mentioned. The nasal cavity is divided into two by a partition in the middle called the septum, made of cartilage and bone. There are meats called turbinates on both sides. These meats are responsible for humidifying and warming the respiratory air.

What are the causes of nasal congestion?
Nasal congestion may be caused by anatomical, inflammatory or tumoral factors. In addition, some patients may describe their shortness of breath due to the lower respiratory tract as nasal congestion. The diseases that most commonly cause nasal congestion are:

Septum Deviation: It is the bending of the septum in the middle of the nose towards one or both sides. It may be due to nose blows or this compartment may bend during development.
Turbinate Hypertrophy: It is the growth of the flesh called turbinate normally found in the nose. This growth may be due to allergies or inflammation.
Allergic Rhinitis: Due to allergy, swelling, discharge and flesh growth in the nasal mucosa may cause nasal congestion.
Adenoid: This condition, especially seen in children, is the growth of flesh at the back of the nose. It often requires surgery.
Nasal Polyp: It is a growth that grows in the nasal cavity and sinuses due to allergies and does not normally occur, unlike turbinate hypertrophy.
Nasal Cavity Inflammations: While it may be due to temporary illnesses such as cold and flu, nasal congestion may also develop due to chronic inflammation.
Narrow Nose Syndrome: Although it is not an obvious disease, the nasal cavity is structurally narrow.
Nasal Cavity Tumors: The most common complaint of tumoral diseases in the nose is nasal congestion.

How Is It Diagnosed?
The most important information about determining the cause of nasal congestion is obtained by examining the nose. If this examination is performed endoscopically, it can be seen more clearly. Many times, the exact cause of nasal congestion is determined by examination and no further examination is required. However, sometimes examinations such as computed tomography and allergy tests may be required.

How to Treat?
How to treat nasal congestion depends on what is causing the nasal congestion. This form of treatment is explained in the separate section of each disease. If there is deviation, the treatment is surgery. Medication can be tried first for flesh growths, but surgery is still the most common treatment. Allergy treatment is possible with medications, but if allergy-related flesh growth or sinusitis develops, surgery may be required. Also information is given about adenoid treatment. Although inflammations can be treated with medication, tumors may require surgery or even radiotherapy.