Treating a stuffy nose when sleeping
1- Raise the head
When you place several pillows under your head while sleeping, you may get improvement in nasal congestion that often occurs at night. This is because the elevated head position facilitates the drainage of the sinuses and nose. When the presence of mucus in these areas is reduced, breathing during sleep becomes less difficult, which in turn may reduce the possibility of feeling pain or headaches resulting from increased pressure in the sinuses upon awakening.
2- Use humidifiers
Humidifiers add moisture to the surrounding environment, which helps prevent dry air that can lead to breathing difficulties, especially when the nose is stuffy. On the other hand, many people prefer to add oils such as peppermint or eucalyptus to these devices to improve the quality of the air being emitted.
It is necessary to clean these devices periodically to avoid the formation of bacteria and fungi that may grow due to constant humidity. To ensure the best result, it is recommended to follow the directions mentioned in the user manual for each device regarding the ideal methods for cleaning and sterilizing it.
3- Eat honey
When the nose is clogged, many resort to breathing through the mouth, which may lead to dryness and pain in the throat, especially if the person suffers from a cough or prior infection. In this context, honey appears as a natural analgesic that alleviates these symptoms and helps you sleep better.
In a 2014 study, the effects of honey were compared to a placebo and salbutamol, a medication used to widen the bronchi for a short time. The results showed that honey is more effective in reducing cough symptoms in children with colds. Children often prefer to use honey instead of medicines due to its pleasant taste and safe nature.
5- Take a steamy bath before bed
Hot steam can play a role in expanding the nasal passages, which contributes to softening hard mucus and helping to get rid of nasal congestion, thus relieving the feeling of pressure and annoying congestion, especially before going to sleep.
6- Use a saline rinse
When a small amount of salt is mixed with sterile water, a saline solution is produced that is useful in removing sinus congestion. This use reduces swelling and irritation, making breathing easier, especially at night.
The saline solution, which does not contain any medicinal ingredients, is safe for frequent, daily use, making it an ideal option to keep at your bedside for use as needed to relieve nasal congestion.
7- Use nasal strips
Nasal strips are placed on the bridge of the nose and gently tighten the nostrils. These strips are not only used to reduce snoring, but are also used to improve breathing, especially if a person is experiencing difficulties due to nasal congestion.
8- Use steroid sprays
Over-the-counter sprays can help reduce inflammation and symptoms associated with allergies such as congestion. It is safe to use for short-term periods, and is an effective option for rapid symptom relief.
On the other hand, steroid sprays work to reduce inflammation, causing improvement in cases of congestion and nasal irritation. However, their use in children requires consulting a doctor, as it is necessary to take medical instructions before applying them to children.
What is a stuffy nose?
The tissues inside the nose swell, causing difficulty breathing. This is known as nasal congestion. This swelling is caused by an inflammatory reaction that affects blood vessels, causing mucus to collect, and is common during periods of a cold, flu, or allergies. It usually does not pose a danger to adults or children, but in the case of infants, it may hinder breastfeeding and breathing, which poses a danger to them.
If congestion lasts more than a week, or is recurrent, the causes may be multiple, such as sinusitis, dry air, hormonal changes, hay fever, asthma, pregnancy, stress, thyroid disorders, or exposure to smoke or tobacco. Congestion can also cause tumors, whether benign or malignant, but these cases are considered rare.
A stuffy nose is often accompanied by a runny nose, and is considered an annoying condition, especially for children, as it can affect their sleep and rest. It is important to treat this condition immediately to avoid further complications such as ear infections and sleep problems. There are several ways to treat nasal congestion, including natural solutions and medications.
Causes of nasal congestion
Nasal congestion may occur as a result of a viral infection, such as a cold or influenza, which affects the upper respiratory tract.
There are also other factors that may cause nasal congestion without a cold or flu, such as sinusitis and seasonal allergies that affect the airway. Allergic infections in the nose can also lead to this problem.
Physiological conditions such as pregnancy, in addition to thyroid dysfunction, are among the causes that affect proper breathing. Also, the use of some medications may result in nasal congestion. Injuries such as polyps growing inside the nose can also cause this problem.
It is important to pay attention and make sure that congestion is not caused by a foreign object that the child has placed in his nose, especially if the congestion is limited to one side of the nostrils.
Complications of nasal congestion when sleeping
Nasal obstruction during sleep causes multiple health problems. This blockage makes it difficult to get restful and adequate sleep, which may cause fatigue and constant sleepiness during the day. It may also contribute to raising blood pressure, and can exacerbate heart problems.
When should you visit a doctor if you feel a stuffy nose?
It is necessary to see a doctor immediately in the following situations:
– When the individual is among groups that have weak immunity, such as newborns and the elderly.
- If children show symptoms of severe congestion, which may negatively affect their ability to breathe normally.
- If there is difficulty breathing or any of the problems associated with it, such as rapid breathing, increased heart rate, feeling dizzy, or lips turning blue.
Congestion continues for more than fourteen days or the situation gradually worsens despite taking medications.
– If there is a rise in body temperature that lasts for several days.
- When symptoms indicating an asthma attack appear, such as difficulty breathing, short breaths, or wheezing.
