While there is no enjoyable illness symptom, congestion is a particularly irritating symptom to suffer from. Having to constantly blow your nose, losing your sense of smell, and having the sniffles can make normal day-to-day activities unpleasant. If you’re currently suffering from congestion, you may be wondering how long your symptoms will last or when you should seek medical care for further treatment. While how long congestion may last differs from individual to individual, there are some telltale signs that your congestion requires medical treatment. This blog provides insights into understanding how long you should expect congestion to stay, considering different causes and treatment options. If you’re suffering from illness symptoms such as congestion, visit AFC Urgent Care Centennial for same-day rapid illness care in Centennial, CO.
What Causes Congestion?
Congestion can be caused by a variety of different infections and conditions. If you’re suffering from congestion, identifying the underlying cause is the only way to ensure that you’re properly treating your symptoms. It can be tricky to self-diagnose congestion, however, knowing illnesses that commonly cause congestion can help you narrow down what could be causing your symptoms. Seeking medical diagnosis is the best way to identify exactly what is causing you to be congested and treat it accordingly.
Common causes of congestion include:
- Colds
- The flu
- RSV
- COVID-19
- Sinus infections
- Allergies
- Smoke Exposure
- Exposure to cold or dry air
Managing and Treating Congestion At Home
If you’re experiencing mild congestion, it is important to monitor your symptoms. Mild congestion can sometimes resolve on its own, however, in other cases can indicate the beginning of a more severe illness. Knowing the applicable self-care strategies you can use to recover quickly can help you manage mild congestion at home. However, it is always a good idea to seek medical care to determine what is causing your symptoms and get the appropriate treatment.
Mild decongestion can sometimes be managed with over-the-counter medications and at-home remedies. Decongestants sold over the counter may provide temporary relief, however, it will not address the underlying illness that is causing you to be congested. Nasal sprays may also help sooth your sinuses and relieve congestion.
How to Prevent Congestion
Although congestion is sometimes difficult to avoid, certain habits can help prevent you from suffering from congestion. Having clean surroundings, away from dust and allergens, can help reduce exposure to allergens and prevent congestion. Appropriate hydration and humidity in the home can prevent dry nasal passages and congestion. The best way to avoid suffering from congestion is to seek medical care the moment you notice your symptoms. This will allow your medical provider to provide a medical diagnosis and treatment for the underlying cause of your congestion.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Centennial for Walk-In Illness Treatment
Congestion can sometimes resolve on its own or be managed with over-the-counter interventions. However, it is vital to seek urgent care services for cases that are either persistent or severe. If your congestion lasts more than ten days without any improvement or worsening, it may indicate an underlying condition such as sinusitis or bacterial infection. At AFC Urgent Care Centennial, our medical staff is board-certified and trained to accurately diagnose and treat a variety of common illnesses. Simply walk into the clinic for same-day illness diagnosis and treatment today.
Our clinic is equipped with a laboratory on-site which allows us to provide an accurate diagnosis and customized treatment for your symptoms at the time of your visit. At AFC Urgent Care Centennial, we understand that your time is valuable. That is why we make it easier than ever to get comprehensive illness care when you need it most. Our clinic maintains short wait times and accepts walk-in patients. We accept most major medical insurance plans and offer affordable care options for patients paying out of pocket for their care. Walk into the clinic today or contact us directly at (303) 220-9168 for more information.
