Nasal congestion Health Article

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your doctor may perform a physical examination, focusing on the upper respiratory system, ears, nose, and throat.

Your doctor will ask medical history questions, such as:

• When did it develop? Is it always present?
• What have you done to try to relieve the congestion? How well has it worked?
• What other symptoms are also present -- nasal drainage, loss of sense of smell, watery or itching eyes, sneezing, fever, cough, headache, facial pain?

The following diagnostic tests may be performed:

• allergy skin tests (performed only by allergists)
• blood tests (such as CBC or blood differential)
• sputum culture and throat culture
• x-rays of the sinuses and chest x-ray
• serum total IgE (the allergy-related immunoglobin)

Over-the-counter medications may be recommended. Stronger, prescription medications may be advised. For severe hay fever cases, desensitization injections (allergy shots) for known allergens may be administered. Other treatment, including surgery, may be advised depending on the cause.