Definition

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Nasal congestion or "stuffy nose" occurs when nasal and adjacent tissues and blood vessels become swollen with excess fluid, causing a "stuffy" plugged feeling. Nasal congestion may or may not include a nasal discharge or "runny nose."

Nasal congestion usually is just an annoyance for older children and adults. But nasal congestion can be serious for children whose sleep is disturbed by their nasal congestion, or for infants, who might have a hard time feeding as a result.

Feb. 16, 2019

See also

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  31. Fluzone High-Dose: What distinguishes it from other flu vaccines?
  32. Food allergies: Labels
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  36. Group B strep disease
  37. Have a cold? Common sense rules
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  40. Headaches 101: Know your type
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  43. Headaches: Treatment depends on your diagnosis and symptoms
  44. Honey: An effective cough remedy?
  45. How well do you wash your hands?
  46. Humidifier care 101
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  48. Influenza (flu)
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  50. Infographic: Lung Transplant for Cystic Fibrosis
  51. Mayo Clinic Minute: The facts about three flu vaccine myths
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  53. Medication overuse headaches
  54. Nasal Cleaning
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  57. Neti pot: Can it clear your nose?
  58. Neti pot solution: Can I make my own?
  59. Nighttime headaches: Relief
  60. Nonallergic rhinitis
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  71. Stress and headaches: Stop the cycle
  72. Stuffy nose? Try saline spray
  73. Vicks VapoRub: An effective nasal decongestant?
  74. Vitamin C: Can it prevent colds?
  75. Warm-mist versus cool-mist humidifier: Which is better for a cold?
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