The word "congestion" often holds different meanings for patients and providers, which may lead to improper treatment, according to a study published in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
For the study, researchers surveyed 226 patients at an academic center's otolaryngology clinic between December 2016 and February 2017. Researchers also polled 59 clinicians — 31 of whom were otolaryngologists — in February 2018.
The medical definition of congestion in the nose involves "swelling [that] narrows the space for air to flow, and a patient would perceive this as a blockage or obstruction of airflow," Edward McCoul, MD, lead study author and an otolaryngologist at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, told Reuters. This swelling can be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs.
However, many patients described congestion as a runny nose, mucus in the throat or pressure in the head, which require a different type of medication.
"Medications that clear up mucus generally are not great at reducing swelling," Dr. McCoul said. "Many over-the-counter products are available that combine both types of medications, but using those products runs the risk of over-medication, which can have adverse consequences."
Researchers noted the study had a limited sample size and geographic setting but said the "findings serve to raise awareness among all clinicians so that more effective communication may be implemented to improve patient care."