Congestion is a common symptom that we have all suffered from. It makes it hard to breathe and can interrupt day-to-day life. With cold and flu season among us, how do you combat congestion fast? Learn about the causes and treatment options for congestion. Visit AFC Urgent Care Arvada for illness diagnosis & treatment this winter.
Common Causes of Congestion
Congestion occurs due to excess mucus building up in the sinuses. Our bodies naturally produce mucus to help filter out debris as we breathe, however, when an infection occurs, our bodies can overproduce mucus which causes build-up and congestion. Most commonly, congestion occurs as a result of a viral infection, although it can occur for other reasons such as allergies.
Common conditions that cause congestion include:
- Allergies
- Cold
- Influenza (the flu)
- Sinus infection
- Covid-19
- Exposure to cold/dry air
Is Congestion Contagious
Congestion does not always indicate that you have an illness. It can occur as a result of your environment with conditions such as allergies or exposure to cold air also commonly causing congestion. However, if you are suffering from congestion it may be a good idea to seek a medical diagnosis to ensure that you are not suffering from a contagious illness.
If your congestion is accompanied by other illness symptoms, such as coughing, fatigue, or a fever, you likely have an infection that is causing your congestion. If you suffer from chronic congestion, you should seek a medical diagnosis to understand what may be causing you to repeatedly experience congestion and determine a treatment plan with your healthcare provider.
Treatment Options for Congestion
Treatment options available for congestion depend on what’s causing the congestion. By getting diagnostic testing, you can confirm what exactly is causing you to be congested, which will help identify the best treatment options available. For symptoms such as cold air exposure and allergies, the congestion should resolve itself once you’re not exposed to that specific irritant.
If you’re suffering from a viral infection, such as the flu or COVID-19, the treatment options available are limited to at-home treatments. Treating your symptoms at home can be very effective, with many over-the-counter medications available to treat congestion. Ensure you follow the dosage instructions if you decide to take medication. Similarly, nasal sprays that target congestion can help reduce the amount of mucus your body produces. Saline rinses, which are also available over the counter can help get rid of excess mucus and relieve you of your discomfort.
Get Rapid Illness Diagnosis & Treatment on a Walk-In Basis at AFC Urgent Care Arvada
If you’re suffering from illness symptoms such as congestion, AFC Urgent Care Arvada is here to help. Our clinic is equipped with a laboratory on-site so that our medical providers can perform diagnostic testing at the time of your visit and provide results quickly. If you’re feeling sick, walk into AFC Urgent Care Arvada when it’s convenient for you.
Our medical providers are board-certified and trained to diagnose a wide variety of illness symptoms. Although we provide rapid diagnostic testing, our care is comprehensive and includes a personalized treatment approach for your exact condition. Visit AFC Urgent Care Aravda for illness care this winter. For additional questions regarding our clinic, please contact us directly by calling (720) 502-0466.
