Chronic nasal congestion means continuous swelling of the nose tissues owing to enlargement of the blood vessels.  It may lead to fatigue. A number of factors, such as recurrent infections, reaction to cow’s milk and dust may cause chronic or recurrent nasal congestion in children. The young population that catch cold repeatedly, or suffer from asthma may also have the congestion.

Dental deformities, overgrowth of pharyngeal lymphoid tissue, retrognathic facies, halitosis, slim palatal arch and wide nose dorsum may cause chronic nasal congestion in children. If parents smoke within the house, their children may develop chronic nasal congestion.

The patients having chronic nasal congestion that is not accompanied by intranasal mass, infection or allergy may be suffering from vasomotor rhinitis. Chronic sinusitis patients also have chronic nasal congestion. If chronic nasal congestion leads to excessive breathing from the mouth, malocclusion and orofacial dental problems may develop. Recurrent sinusitis and headaches are related to chronic nasal congestion. 

If allergies or cold symptoms linger for long, chronic nasal congestion may occur, causing enlargement and inflammation of tonsillar and adenoid tissues.  Chronic nasal congestion causes fluid accumulation in the lower eyelid region, causing hyper pigmentation, which is also called allergic shiners or dark circles.

Excessive use of topical nasal decongestant leads to chronic nasal congestion. If paranasal sinuses do not develop fully, chronic nasal congestion may occur.

Chronic nasal congestion, a cause of nasal obstruction, also affects the voice. The injuries secondary to the nasal obstruction may even damage nasal resonance required for healthy voice. Since both air cavities of the paranasal sinuses and the nose lend the resonance, clearing up and draining these organs restore the resonance.

Nasal congestion persisting for long may impair both taste and smell senses. The congestion may plug the Eustachian tubes, causing hearing disorders. Chronic nasal congestion may obstruct draining of tears.

Chronic nasal congestion can be secondary to several disorders. Therefore, a thorough examination is necessary to identify the cause. Chronic nasal congestion is a common symptom of cystic fibrosis. Hypothyroidism, malfunctioning of the thyroid gland, may cause the congestion. Untreated leprosy may lead to chronic nasal congestion.

The obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients commonly complain about breathing problems or chronic nasal congestion. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy helps in resolving OSA.