We don’t usually place a value on breathing smoothly through the nose. When our upper respiratory system works fine, we don’t even pay attention to it as we take this normal functioning for granted. It isn’t until we are hit by some condition affecting our ability to breathe in and out well that we become aware of its importance and impact on our quality of life. If it’s a one-off problem, we deal with the suffering until we get over whatever is troubling us. But, on other occasions, having a stuffed-up nose becomes a chronic issue that can affect our routine at all levels.
There are different reasons why your nose might be blocked most of the time. It’s a matter of identifying the cause and following the right treatment to breathe easy again. Here are some of the most common underlying conditions responsible for chronic stuffed up noses:
1- Sinusitis, it had to be you
Sinus infections account for many cases of recurrent nasal problems. Basically, it’s an inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, air-filled spaces located around the nose, or the mucous membrane that lines them. Viruses generally cause sinusitis, but they can also result from bacteria, allergies, fungi, and structural abnormalities of the nasal cavity. The best way to know whether you are suffering from a sinus infection is by looking for additional symptoms such as facial pain, headaches, loss of smell, or post-nasal drip. Unless you drain the stagnant mucous secretions from your sinuses, you won’t get relief.
2- Allergies
There is a wide number of allergies that, in turn, are triggered by a long list of allergens such as pollen, weeds, mould, and animal dander. The symptoms vary depending on the kind of allergy. Still, the most common ones include swelling of the nasal mucosa, stuffiness, sneezing, cough, itchiness, and watering of the eyes. For those allergic to dust mites, the symptoms can strike at any time of the year and, in severe cases, become an ongoing condition. Immunotherapy (allergy shots), along with antihistamines, make up the best combo to keep allergens under control.
3- The weather
How many times have we heard someone say, “the weather has made me sick”? Despite not being accurate, the statement isn’t wrong either. Weather variations can catch our bodies off guard and bring about health issues affecting the respiratory tract. For instance, such is the case of stuffed-up noses resulting from dryness. People who live in dry environments or use indoor heating can get nasal congestion as the nasal cavity’s lack of moisture may prompt an inflammation of the tissues. Keeping your nose moist is a good way to prevent this inconvenience.
4- Structural abnormalities
Structural abnormalities of the nasal cavity could be another reason for your nasal passages to be clogged. For example, having nasal polyps, a nasal deviated septum, or a spur in the nasal bone can interfere with the connection between the nose and the sinuses, allowing for infection to develop affect your ability to breathe. The same thing goes for tumours, which can be either benign or cancerous but, fortunately, these are very uncommon. Surgical procedures can fix most of these problems for a while, although additional help may be required as a supportive treatment.
5- Nasal spray overuse
Ironically, there are certain medications aimed to relieve nasal congestion that can make our problems worse. Overusing nasal decongestants containing chemicals like oxymetazoline can create a rebound phenomenon and lead to a condition known as rhinitis medicamentosa. Doctors advise against using such over-the-counter nasal sprays for more than 3 to 5 days to prevent it.
If you have a stuffed-up nose regularly, you should seriously consider any of these possible causes as the source of your suffering. Obviously, don’t hesitate to seek medical help for further information and a proper diagnosis. Still, if you have any doubts regarding this issue, we’d be pleased to clear them up right away!
