Common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract which mainly affects the nose. When viruses causing the cold enter the body, the immune system immediately gears up to fight the infection. In the meantime, the body tries to block the entry of any new type of virus until the internal problem is fixed. Thus, the blood flow in the lining of the nose increases, leading to the inflammation of the blood vessels which results in nasal congestion.
A stuffy nose can create a lot of discomfort as one is not able to breathe properly. Decongestants – either tablets or in the form of a nasal spray – work by shrinking the swollen blood vessels. This opens up the nasal airways at least temporarily.
Like most other viral infections, common cold too is a self-limiting condition lasting up to a week or so. Inhaling hot steam also gives some relief from a blocked nose.
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