Nasal obstruction is a blockage of the nasal cavity, which is the space inside the nose. It may occur due to excess mucus or structural changes to the nose.
The nasal cavity divides into two passages, allowing air to move freely through the nose to breathe. Excess mucus or anatomical issues may make it difficult to breathe through the nose.
Nasal obstruction can occur if something irritates the mucosa, which is the tissue lining the inside of the nose. The mucosa, or mucus membrane, produces mucus, which helps trap germs and prevent infections from entering the body.
Certain conditions can cause inflammation of the mucosa. This inflammation can create excess mucus, which can block the nose. This may occur due to:
- allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, which is an allergic reaction to allergens such as pollen, dust, or mold
- infections such as cold and flu viruses
- irritants such as pollution or cigarette smoke
- certain medications, including high blood pressure medication and birth control pills, can increase mucus production
- acute sinusitis, which is the inflammation of the sinuses
Development issues with the nose’s structure may cause an obstruction. People may be born with this or may acquire it through an injury. Causes of anatomical nasal obstruction include:
- Injury: Severe injury to the nose may break it and cause structural problems with the nose or sinuses, particularly if a nose does not heal properly
- Deviated septum: A deviated septum occurs if the bone and cartilage dividing the nose become off-center. It may be present from birth or occur due to trauma to the nose.
- Nasal valve collapse: This refers to the weakening or narrowing of the nasal valve, which filters airflow through the nostrils.
- Turbinate hypertrophy: Turbinates are bony structures in the nose. Enlargement of the turbinates can cause breathing difficulties.
- Choanal atresia: This is a condition present at birth in which bone or tissue blocks the nasal passages.
- Oversized adenoids: Adenoids are lymphatic tissues at the back of the nose and throat. Enlarged adenoids can narrow the airways.
- Nasal polyps: Nasal polyps are growths in the nose or sinuses that may occur due to allergies or chronic sinus infections.
- Nasal cancer: A nasal congestion or stuffiness that worsens or does not improve
may be the result of nasal or paranasal sinus cancer. - Older age: Aging can cause the cartilage of the nose to weaken and sag, causing a slight collapse of the nostrils and restricting airflow.
People may also experience a nasal cycle. This refers to the spontaneous congestion and decongestion of the nose during the day. It is unclear how many people experience a regular nasal cycle, but previous research suggests that it exists in
There are a few different reported nasal cycle patterns. For example, congestion can affect one or both nasal cavities simultaneously and can also be intermittent.
Chronic sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses or nasal passages that lasts longer than
Chronic sinusitis can cause nasal obstruction, making it difficult to breathe through one or both nostrils. Other symptoms include:
- green or yellow drainage from the nose
- facial pain
- headache
- loss of smell
- bad breath
- ear or dental pain
Viral and bacterial infections are the most common cause of sinusitis. Other conditions may contribute to chronic sinusitis, such as:
- allergic rhinitis
- airborne irritants
- structural problems with the nose
- fungal infections
- other health conditions, such as asthma or ear infections
People may experience nasal obstruction when lying down. The reason for this is unknown. Researchers suggest that changes in blood flow, reflexes, or the parasympathetic nervous system when a person is lying down may affect how air flows through the nostrils.
The mucosa of the nose swells when people lie down, so for some existing conditions affecting the nose, symptoms may worsen at night.
This can also cause one-sided obstruction for those who sleep on their side.
People could treat nasal obstruction with home remedies, prescription medications, or, in severe cases, surgery.
Nasal obstruction
Treatment for nasal obstruction depends on the underlying cause but may include:
- intranasal corticosteroids and saline nasal irrigation for nasal polyps and enlarged turbinates
- steroid irrigations and short-term oral steroids for nasal polyps
- medications, such as nasal sprays and immunotherapy, for turbinate hypertrophy, or in some cases, surgery to reduce turbinate size
- surgery for structural problems such as nasal valve collapse or deviated septum
If nasal obstruction is a side effect of medication, a doctor may alter the medication type or dosage.
Chronic sinusitis
Treatment for chronic sinusitis may include:
- nasal steroids for
8 to 12 weeks - nasal irrigation
- antihistamines if allergies play a role
- antibiotics
- decongestants for symptom relief
- surgery if medical management is ineffective
Home remedies for nasal obstruction may vary depending on the underlying cause but may include:
- elevating the head when sleeping
- avoiding any known allergy triggers
- using nasal sprays or rinses
- taking hot showers to loosen mucus
How can a person unblock their nose quickly?
Clearing mucus from the nose may help clear some types of nasal obstruction quickly. Nasal decongestants, sprays, rinses, and hot showers may help.
It is important to note that using nasal decongestants for more than 3 days can worsen symptoms and increase swelling in the nasal cavity. A person may instead find relief using saline nasal sprays.
To diagnose nasal obstruction, a doctor may carry out
- a medical history and assessment of symptoms
- physical examination of the nose
- rhinoscopy or nasendoscopy, which uses a tube with a light and camera to examine inside the nose
- allergy testing
- imaging tests, such as a CT scan
People can contact a doctor if they experience nasal obstruction that:
- affects a person’s daily activities
- causes breathing difficulties
- does not improve with home treatments
They also need to contact a doctor if they have an injury to the nose.
How can I unblock my nose instantly?
Decongestants, nasal sprays, and intranasal corticosteroids may help relieve symptoms quickly. Additionally, antihistamines may help with allergies.
If a blockage is due to a structural or chronic condition, the treatment process may take longer.
People need to avoid using nasal decongestants for more than 3 days to avoid worsening symptoms.
Why is my nose blocked when I lie down?
It is not clear why the nose may feel blocked when lying down, but it may be due to swelling of the mucosa in the nose or changes in blood flow.
Nasal obstruction may make breathing through the nose difficult. This may occur due to congestion, allergies, chronic sinusitis, or structural problems.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause but may include medications or, in some cases, surgery.