In this article you will learn about
Symptoms of nasal congestion
Difficulty in breathing through the nose.
The constriction in the nasal passages makes it harder to get mucus out of the nose, so it builds up.
Feeling stuffed-up, referred to as stuffy nose.
Nasal congestion may be accompanied by other cold symptoms like headache and runny nose.
Tiredness due to lack of sleep.2
Causes of nasal congestion at night
Being distracted during the day.
Human anatomy and gravity as during the day mucus is constantly drained by gravity from the nose and sinuses, but when in a horizontal position, mucus can pool or back up.
Changes in blood pressure when lying down as the blood flow increases in the upper part of the body including head and nasal passages.
Pregnancy, due to increased blood flow.
A turbinate, which is a structure along the sinus wall that produces mucus, becomes swollen in one nostril which blocks air flow on that side.
Gastro-oesophogeal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition where stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, which is the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach, this is known as reflux. This can happen at any time of the day, However, lying down hinders the effect of gravity which can lead to night time nasal congestion due to irritation of the nasal mucosa b the acid. It is believed that there is a definite link between GERD, chronic sinusitis and nasal congestion.3
Chronic nasal congestion causes
Acute sinusitis
Alcohol consumption
Chronic sinusitis
Churg-Strauss syndrome, a disorder marked blood vessel inflammation
Common cold
Decongestant nasal spray overuse
Deviated nasal septum
Dry air
Enlarged adenoids
Food specially spicy dishes
Foreign body in the nose
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s granulomatosis)
Hormonal changes
Influenza (Flu)
Some medications like the ones treating hypertension depression seizures, etc.
Nasal polyps
Non-allergic rhinitis
Occupational asthma
Pregnancy
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Sleep apnoea
Stress
Thryroid disorders
Tobacco smoking4
Treatment For Nasal Congestion:
The best way to clear congestion depends largely on its cause. Some options include:
Oral or topical antibiotics, if the cause is bacterial infection
Corticosteroid nasal sprays
Decongestants like Telfast D
Mucus-thinning medications to help getting rid of the accumulated serum
Immunotherapy
Corrective surgery for nasal septum deviation
Home Remedies
To clear congestion at home, a person might try:
Staying hydrated
Taking a warm shower
Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water, with a towel over the head to trap in the steam
Keeping the head elevated while sleeping
Taking over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines such as Telfast and decongestants such as Telfast D
Trying nasal rinses
Taking OTC pain relief medications, if there is sinus pressure or pain
Applying a cold compress to painful areas of the face
Taking prophylactic probiotics or consuming probiotic-rich foods, such as yoghurt or kimchi
Taking supplements that boost immunity, such as Zinc Sulfate, Echinacea, Vitamin C or Geranium extract5
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/nasal-congestion/basics/definition/sym-20050644 Last visited on 14th July 2021
2. https://www.medicinenet.com/nasal_congestion/symptoms.htm Last visited on 14th July 2021
3. https://www.verywellhealth.com/why-do-i-get-congested-at-night-1192188 Last visited on 14th July 2021
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/nasal-congestion/basics/causes/sym-20050644 Last visited on 15th July 2021
5. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/nasal-congestion#treatment Last visited on 15th July 2021
6. Telfast-D Gulf. PIL. lost revised July 2021
7. Naselfast 55 micrograms/dose. nasal spray suspension. UAE PIL. last revised November 2021
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