Stuffy Nose (Nasal Congestion)

Nasal congestion happens when something irritates the tissues lining the inside of your nose. The irritation triggers a chain reaction of inflammation, swelling, and mucus production, making it hard to breathe in air through the nose.

Symptoms

Breathing difficulty
Mouth breathing
Runny nose
Sneezing
Cough
Headache

Causes

Allergic rhinitis
Vasomotor rhinitis
Hormonal changes
Stress
Exposure to polluted air
Spicy food

Diagnosis

Nasal endoscopy
Computed tomography (CT scan)
Throat culture

Treatment (Ayurvedic)

In Ayurveda, a stuffy nose occurs due to Tridosha Kopa (Kapha Pradhana – predominantly Kapha dosha vitiation). Treatment aims to stabilize the vitiated doshas.

Swedanam (sudation), Nasyam (nasal instillation), and Dhoomapanam (inhalation of medicated smoke) are important procedures for a stuffy nose.

These are done with teekshna dravya (pungent and penetrating herbs) for the expulsion of vitiated doshas.

Pradhamana Nasyam: Nasya done with the help of choorna (powders). It helps the expulsion of vitiated doshas.
Dhoomapana: Medicated smoke with teekshna drugs (Shundi – ginger, Pippali – long pepper) helps reduce a stuffy nose.