July 18, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

A Passage On Nasal Congestion:

By Gerard W. Frank, M.D.

Nasal congestion is one of the most common symptoms prompting doctor appointments. Ear, nose and throat specialists, pulmonary specialists and allergists see these patients daily in their offices.

While the symptoms seldom indicate a serious problem, they can complicate conditions such as asthma and are the most common reason for a persistent cough.

What causes nasal congestion? The cells lining the inside of our noses pour out fluid when they become irritated or inflamed. We all experience this with the common cold. Certain allergies may make us sneeze and some of us are just unlucky to have very sensitive nasal passages. The cells pour out fluid and swell, making it hard to breathe. The culprit causing this reaction is histamine. That’s why drugstores stock shelves of antihistamines to treat this annoying condition. Of course, antihistamines often can cause sleepiness or unpleasant dryness. Another popular remedy is a decongestant that alleviates the swelling and opens the passages. Patients with hypertension must use caution with decongestants because they may raise blood pressure.

If the congestion, technically known as “rhinitis,” does not improve with treatment or is associated with forehead or cheek pain, the doctor may suspect sinusitis – inflammation of the sinuses. The sinuses are literally holes in the bones of our skull and face. Normally, they are empty, but can become inflamed with fluid, causing pressure on the bone – and pain. Serious sinusitis is difficult to treat and puts the patient at risk for infection. The diagnosis is best made by a CT scan. It rarely requires surgery to drain the fluid.

Rhinitis that does not respond to treatment should prompt physicians to suspect allergies and consider formal allergy testing, either by skin or blood tests. Some well-defined allergens can be avoided. More often than not, however, no allergy is detected or the allergen cannot be avoided. Dust mites are one example. Treatment cannot cure allergies, but may alleviate the symptoms. There are nasal spray preparations that either dry up the membranes in the nose or counter the inflammation. Rarely, antibiotics may be required. Some patients find regular nose rinsing clears the passages, at least temporarily.

Post-nasal drip is a related problem. In many patients, only membranes in the back of the nasal passages are inflamed. The patient does not experience runny nose but fluid actually drips down through the back of the mouth into the throat. This fluid contains the irritant histamine and stimulates the need to cough.

Unfortunately, there is no specific test to detect post-nasal drip. However, physicians should try to treat post-nasal drip in any patient with unexplained cough. Of course, more serious reasons for the cough, such as infection, must be ruled out first.

Rhinitis can be very stubborn and difficult to treat. Although it’s not as serious as sinusitis, it’s nothing to sneeze at!

Dr. Gerard W. Frank is a board-certified internal medicine specialist and pulmonologist at UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica and medical director of the UCLA Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program.

in News
<>Related Posts

Man Arrested in Brentwood for Impersonating Firefighter During Palisades Fire

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The suspect faces at least 28 criminal counts—including 23 felonies—spanning incidents from 2023 to May 2025 Federal and local law...

West Coast Premiere of ‘The Opposite of Love’ Opens at Hudson Backstage Theatre

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Produced by Neil Gooding Productions, behind shows like Back to the Future: The Musical, the play runs Thursdays through Saturdays at...

Study Highlights Economic Impact of Cap-and-Trade Extension in Los Angeles

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are pushing to reauthorize the program this year, citing its role in generating 287,000...

Film Review: Superman

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

“This movie is packed with storyline, Superman lore, meaningful objects, and action.” writes Kathryn Whitney Boole Rated PG-13129 MinutesReleased July...

Multiple Drug Arrests Reported in Palisades Park in Recent Weeks

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

SMPD Reported Several of the Arrests Between June 29 and July 5 The Santa Monica Police Department reported several drug-related...

(Video) Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The outpost is a first for the popular influencer Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?...

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

DUI Checkpoints to be Conducted Across LA This Weekend

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The LAPD selects checkpoint sites based on data indicating high incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests The Los Angeles...

SMPD to Conduct Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation on Friday

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The focus will be on speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to cyclists or walkers,...

Dodgers to Host Back to School Bash for Fire-Affected Families

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The free event will offer free groceries, school supplies, outfits, haircuts, medical screenings, and carnival rides The Los Angeles Dodgers...

LA Sees Second Straight Year of Homelessness Decline, Leaders Celebrate Progress

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The survey, designed by the University of Southern California, reported a 17.5% drop—the largest two-year decrease on record The Los...

LAPD Seeks Missing 63-Year-Old Man Known to Frequent Playa Vista

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

His family last heard from him via a group text on June 22 The Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons...

Santa Monica Offers City-Owned Properties for Affordable Housing Development

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The move aims to address the city’s Regional Housing Need Assessment of 8,895 units, with a goal of producing at...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...