A blocked nose sounds harmless, but anyone who has one knows better: you sleep worse, you taste less and you spend the whole day sighing. In this article you will read where a blocked nose comes from and what you can do about it yourself, from rinsing your nose to smart aids for the night.
Where does a blocked nose come from?
A cold and irritated mucous membranes
The most common cause is a cold. The mucous membranes in your nose get irritated and swell up, leaving less room to breathe. So that stuffy feeling usually does not come from mucus alone, but mainly from the swollen tissue itself.
Allergies and hay fever
Pollen, dust mites and pet dander can irritate your mucous membranes too. Typical of an allergic blockage: it flares up in certain seasons, or always in the same room, and it often comes with sneezing and itchy eyes.
Dry air, and worse at night
Dry indoor heating in winter irritates your nose even more. And many people notice that the blockage feels worse at night: when you lie down, more blood flows to your head and the mucous membranes swell further. That is exactly why you sleep so badly with a stuffy nose.
What can you do about a blocked nose yourself?
1. Rinse your nose with salt water
Rinsing your nose is one of the most widely used ways to relieve a blocked nose. With a nasal douche with pre-dosed rinse salt you flush away mucus, dust and pollen and keep the mucous membranes moist. Especially with a cold or hay fever, rinsing daily can make a real difference. Out of salt? There is also a separate refill of rinse salt.
2. Use a nasal strip for the night
A nasal strip does not cure the inflammation, but it gently lifts your nostrils so you can still breathe more easily through a stuffy nose. That is especially welcome at night: you are less likely to switch to mouth breathing, which in turn encourages snoring. Have a look at the nasal strips from Comformidable, there is also a transparent version that is barely noticeable.
3. Steam and humid air
A warm shower or a bowl of hot water does your mucous membranes good. A humidifier in the bedroom also helps if the air in your home is dry.
4. Keep your bedroom fresh
Air the room daily, wash your bedding regularly and keep pets out of the bedroom if you have allergies. Small habits, big difference.
When should you see a doctor?
Does the blockage last longer than a few weeks, do you have pain around your forehead or jaws, or does the blockage keep coming back on the same side? Then go and see your doctor. This article is informative and is not a substitute for medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
How often can you rinse your nose?
If you have symptoms, you can rinse daily, for example in the morning or before going to bed. Always use a salt solution in the right proportion, never plain tap water.
Why is my nose more blocked at night?
When you lie down, the blood flow to your head increases and the nasal mucous membranes swell further. Sleeping slightly higher on an extra pillow and a nasal strip for the night can help.
Does a nasal strip help with a cold?
Yes, as an addition. The strip makes your nostrils a little wider, so breathing feels more comfortable while your body clears the cold on its own.
Is a blocked nose always a cold?
No. Allergies, dry air and irritants such as smoke can block your nose too. Watch for the pattern: symptoms that follow the seasons point more towards hay fever.
Want to breathe more freely today? Start with a nasal rinse and give your nose a little support at night.
