06 May Nasal congestion: what you can do if your nose is blocked

When the nose is blocked, it is very unpleasant and annoying. There are several reasons for obstructed nasal breathing. Treatment varies depending on the underlying cause. It ranges from nasal irrigation and the use of nasal sprays to taking tablets. In some cases, surgery can also be performed in our ENT clinic in Frankfurt become necessary.

If the mucous membrane in the nose swells considerably and produces viscous mucus, the ducts narrow. The result: you get less air. Frequent triggers are infections of the upper respiratory tract caused by viruses and pathogens - in other words, the well-known common cold. However, there are also other causes that can impair nasal breathing.

Reasons for a blocked nose

• Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses (sinusitis)
• Allergies (e.g. hay fever, allergies to house dust or animal hair - the secretion remains clear and the blocked nose is usually associated with frequent sneezing attacks or itchy eyes)
• Effects of poisons or irritants
• Dry air
• Cigarette smoke
• Particulate matter
• Foreign bodies in the nose (especially in children)
• Curvature of the nasal septum
• Nasal polyps
• Enlarged turbinates
• Injuries to the nose, e.g. after accidents or operations
• Tumours in the nose (especially if only one side of the nose is blocked)

Tips for a blocked nose: common remedies to help you breathe freely again

A blocked nose can be treated in various ways. The therapy depends on the cause. There are basically the following options:

Medication

If your nose is blocked, you can use decongestant nasal drops or nasal sprays. But be careful: you should only use the medication a maximum of three times a day and for no longer than a week. Short-term use is generally not expected to have any negative consequences. However, if the drops and sprays are used for longer, the nasal mucosa can become accustomed to the medication. It then demands the medication again and again to reduce swelling. This leads to a nasal spray addiction (also read our blog post: "Nasal spray addiction: What are the consequences?").

Sometimes it is also necessary to take antibiotics. Other options include moisturising seawater nasal sprays or, in the case of an allergy, cortisone nasal sprays or antihistamines.

Inhalation and nasal irrigation

For rhinitis, colds and dry nasal mucous membranes, the daily Inhalationwith warm vapours can help. Inhalation can liquefy the mucus, loosen crusts and moisturise the nasal mucosa. It is possible to inhale pure water vapour or a saline solution. Popular inhalation additives are camomile, sage, tea tree oil or essential oils such as peppermint or eucalyptus oil.

Nasal rinsing or nasal irrigation can help your body to flush out secretions, pathogens, pollen or house dust from the nasal cavity.

Home remedy

If the nose is blocked for a "simple" reason and there are no physical causes such as a crooked nasal septum, home remedies can also be very helpful. A common tip is to drink plenty of water or unsweetened teas. The increased fluid intake can liquefy the thick mucus in the nose and sinuses, allowing it to be removed. It is also often recommended to eat hot and spicy food. Horseradish, ginger, chilli or mustard contribute to increased blood flow to the mucous membranes and can therefore clear the airways. It is also advisable to lie on your side when sleeping. This allows the upper nostril to decongest. This allows you to breathe better. Also make sure that your head is slightly elevated. The nose gets blocked more quickly in a flat lying position. Another tip is to humidify the room air with the help of a humidifier or an indoor fountain, especially in the winter months when the heating is running frequently and at high levels. This means that the nasal mucosa does not dry out so easily and is less irritated. Regular ventilation is also important. Oxygen can make breathing easier.

Nasal congestion: Surgery can help in these cases

In some cases, a blocked nose is not due to an infection or allergy. It is possible that the obstructed nasal breathing is the result of a malposition or physical illness.

Curvature of the nasal septum

If the septum is curved, this can lead to obstructed nasal breathing - including snoring. Affected patients often also suffer from headaches or recurring inflammation of the sinuses. In the course of Nasal septum surgery we can correct the malposition. This allows you to get more air through your nose again. An additional advantage: a bent septum often makes the nose look crooked. With rhinoplasty, we also even out the appearance of the crooked nose. The nose looks straighter.

Paranasal sinus surgery

If inflammation from the nose spreads to the sinuses, it can lead to blocked ventilation and chronic inflammation. Polyp formation in the sinuses can also lead to this effect. With the Paranasal sinus surgery For example, we can remove pathologically altered mucous membranes and eliminate obstructions to the nasal cavity. In this way, we can provide you with better ventilation.

Laser conchotomy

If the turbinates are healthy, they expand at rest. They contract during physical exertion. If the turbinates are enlarged, they are permanently enlarged. This can make breathing difficult. With the Laser conchotomy we can treat abnormally enlarged turbinates with laser and restore them to normal dimensions. This makes breathing easier again.

Nasal congestion: Treatments from your ENT doctor in Frankfurt

If your nose is blocked and the usual self-treatment does not help, then you should definitely make an appointment at our ENT practice in Frankfurt agree on the duration. This also applies if the illness lasts longer than ten days. With careful diagnostics, we will find out what is causing the obstruction to your nasal breathing.

ENT Frankfurt: Dr Thomas Fischer & Dr Albrecht Linke

Your specialists for ear, nose and throat medicine, who will provide you with professional and individualised advice, examinations and treatment in all matters relating to ENT medicine, functional plastic surgery and the aesthetic treatment of changes to the facial skin.

Our news articles are prepared for you to the best of our knowledge and belief and are intended for general education. They are in no way a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis and treatment and are not intended to encourage self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Please always contact your ENT specialist in Frankfurt directly if you have any health complaints!

© "Cute boy picking one's nose in nature. Facial expressions and emotions." by twenty20photos, unsplash.com