When a pathogen enters our airways, it latches to cells deep inside our noses and begins to multiply. As the virus does this, it irritates our nasal passages and sinuses, triggering inflammation, said Dr. Christopher Thompson, an otolaryngologist with Providence Mission Hospital in Orange County, California.
Article source: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/congestion-sick-what-to-do_l_623dc077e4b030e7392e41c6