Congestion from Allergies: Causes, Symptoms and Relief

What is Congestion – and What Does it Feel Like?

Congestion is a feeling of stuffiness or swelling in your nasal passages that causes discomfort and makes it feel as though its difficult to breathe in or out of your nostrils freely. It may be the result of an infection, allergens, or other irritants entering your nasal passages³.

Here are some common types of congestion to keep in mind:

Nasal Congestion

Allergies, viruses and dust particles could all lead to nasal congestion, commonly referred to as a stuffy nose. Breathing in unwanted substances can inflame and swell the tissues that line your nasal passages. Your body then produces mucus to get rid of the irritant.³

While it’s all part of the body’s natural defense system, you may be left with a blocked, heavily congested nose as a result.

Sinus Congestion

Sinus congestion may also result from allergies and infections. The sinuses are air cavities found in your facial bones and forehead. Irritants can cause them to swell and close, driving up the pressure and pain. You might experience a headache or soreness around your face⁴.

Congestion Symptoms

Congestion can leave your head and face feeling tight and heavy. This may lead to discomfort and frustration. After all, a muffled voice and fast-emptying tissue carton are major inconveniences when you’ve got a lot going on in your day.

In more severe cases, the build-up of pressure from congestion could cause significant pain.

Your exact congestion symptoms will depend on the affected area and how your body reacts. Some common issues to watch out for^3,4, include:

Can Allergies Cause Congestion?

Yes, allergies can cause congestion. In fact, allergies are a very common cause of congestion. While it may feel unpleasant, congestion is one of your body’s main defenses against allergen ‘intruders’.

When your body senses an allergen, such as pollen or pet dander, it will react to the foreign substance, causing allergy symptoms. Below is the process that occurs when allergens cause cause congestion symptoms⁵:

Allergy Triggers that Can Cause Congestion

Everyone’s body will react differently to allergens. But there are some common triggers⁶ that may lead to congestion:

Other Common Congestion Causes

Of course, sinus and nasal congestion aren’t always triggered by allergies. The following illnesses and irritants could also leave you feeling clogged up:

Allergy Congestion Relief

Easing the symptoms of allergies doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some potential prevention methods and treatments that you can try:

Does ZYRTEC® relieve congestion?

ZYRTEC-D® combines effective allergy relief with a powerful decongestant. In fact, taking ZYRTEC-D® tablets for congestion could offer you 12-hour relief from eight common symptoms including nasal and sinus congestion, sneezing, stuffy nose and runny nose.

How can I tell if my congestion is from a cold or allergies?

While their symptoms often overlap, colds and allergies are separate issues, with different causes. You can learn how to tell if your symptoms are caused by a cold or allergies by taking our short quiz.

When should I see a doctor about my congestion?

While there’s no hard and fast rule, you may wish to see a doctor if your nasal congestion symptoms last more than 10 days¹¹. The same goes if you have a high fever. However, you’ll ultimately know your body best. Use your own judgment if things don’t feel right – and err on the side of caution.

Can allergies cause a sinus infection?

Allergies have the potential to cause a sinus infection if they lead to long-term swelling. Indeed, sinus congestion from allergies and illnesses could cause a bacterial infection if the blockage continues for a long period¹².