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Nasal congestion: what is it?
Proper breathing is essential to health, and to do so, it is vital to keep your nose clear. In fact, its role is to filter, warm and humidify the air, thereby protecting the bronchi and lungs. When your nose is blocked (nasal congestion) and you are unable to breathe properly, you may lose your sense of smell, be less protected against infections, and experience difficulties with daily activities and sleep. This situation has a significant impact on adults’ quality of life and is particularly serious in children and infants who are unable to blow their noses properly; in infants in particular, it can increase the risk of coughing and a sore throat due to post-nasal drip, which occurs when thicker, stickier mucus runs from the nose down into the throat, where it accumulates. The most common conditions characterised by nasal congestion are the common cold, flu-like illnesses, rhinitis, rhinosinusitis and allergies.
Why is my nose blocked?
When viruses, bacteria, irritants or allergens (pollen, dust, pet hair, etc.) come into contact with the nasal mucosa, an inflammatory response is triggered, which is the cause of congestion. Among the defence mechanisms triggered is the production of increased amounts of mucus and inflammatory mediators, which create an environment that is hostile to pathogens.
In this condition, the mucosa receives an increased blood supply from the capillaries, which dilate and release a large amount of fluid, causing the mucosa to swell and resulting in a blocked nose. All of this, combined with excess mucus, makes it harder to breathe freely. The typical symptoms of nasal congestion (a blocked nose, runny nose, sneezing, and irritation of the mucosa in the nose and throat) are, therefore, the result of a physiological defence reaction of the mucosa. This should give us pause for thought. If we interfere with these defence mechanisms, we risk leaving the body defenceless against attacks.
Colds and rhinitis
Colds and rhinitis are common conditions characterised by the troublesome symptom of nasal congestion, or a ‘stuffy nose’. These symptoms may occur on their own, as in the case of a cold, or accompany other conditions such as flu, flu-like syndromes and seasonal allergies.
The infectious forms of these diseases are often caused by viruses. Typical symptoms include frequent sneezing, a runny nose (rhinorrhoea), a blocked nose and irritation of the nasal mucosa. A blocked nose often forces you to breathe through your mouth, causing further irritation to the throat. The constant flow of mucus down the back of the throat, combined with a dry throat, triggers the urge to cough. This discomfort often worsens at night, preventing a restful and restorative sleep.
Allergic rhinitis can present with occasional symptoms (intermittent form) or persistent symptoms, which can last for several consecutive months each year. The most common allergies are to pollen, dust and dust mites.
In addition to infectious and allergic forms, there are other types of rhinitis, such as non-allergic rhinitis (NAR), which can be triggered by irritants such as smoke, strong perfumes and changes in temperature.
Rhinosinusitis
The paranasal sinuses are closely connected to the nasal cavity via small openings known as ‘ostia’, so inflammation of the nose can sometimes spread to the sinuses (rhinosinusitis). Inflammation leads to congestion of the mucosa, blocks the openings and prevents mucus from being cleared towards the nose. This can make it easier for bacterial infections to develop.
Congestion of the sinus mucosa can cause a feeling of heaviness in the jaw, forehead, and the areas above and below the eyes. A viral or bacterial infection may cause a fever. In more severe cases, you may experience intense facial pain, which can worsen when you bend your face forwards or lie on your back, and may lead to a reduced ability to taste and smell.
Symptoms of a blocked nose
A blocked nose is a very common condition that can cause a number of unpleasant symptoms, the main ones being:
- Difficulty breathing through the nose due to a feeling of blockage caused by swelling of the mucosa.
- A runny nose caused by excessive mucus production, which may also drip from the nostrils.
- A headache characterised by a feeling of heaviness or pain.
- Repeated sneezing.
- Sore throat and irritation caused by mucus running down the back of the nose towards the throat.
If you have any other symptoms or if the congestion persists, it is advisable to consult your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
The importance of nasal irrigation
To relieve the discomfort of a blocked nose, it may be helpful to rinse your nose and hydrate the nasal lining with saline solutions. These solutions help to clear the nasal cavity, making it easier to remove viruses, bacteria and other irritants and allergens trapped in the mucus.
Thanks to their salt concentration, balanced hypertonic solutions can reduce swelling of the mucosa, producing an effective decongestant effect.
Finally, nasal rinses can be a simple, non-invasive daily routine to help maintain the health of the nasal mucosa, particularly if you are prone to rhinitis, allergies or frequent irritation.
Nasal congestion: remedies
To relieve nasal congestion, it’s important not to overlook the nasal mucosa. When it becomes inflamed and irritated, it needs support to defend itself and recover quickly.
It can therefore be helpful to address the different factors involved:
- reduce swelling with an effective, balanced decongestant action that does not irritate or dry out the nasal mucosa;
- cleanse the nasal passages to help remove viruses, bacteria, and other irritating or allergenic substances trapped in the mucus;
- protect the nasal mucosa, soothe irritation and support its natural regeneration to restore proper function.
Furthermore, very often, in addition to the mucosa, the nostrils and the skin around the nose may also become irritated and develop cracks and abrasions due to excess mucus and frequent rubbing. In such cases, it may be helpful to use protective and hydrating creams that promote skin regeneration.
If symptoms persist, you should seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Finally, here are a few useful tips on how best to deal with a blocked nose:
- Drink plenty of fluids regularly: water, freshly squeezed juices, and lukewarm herbal teas with a little sugar (lukewarm drinks help to reduce irritation in the upper respiratory tract and make mucus more fluid, making it easier to clear).
- Cleanse your nose thoroughly several times a day, including using nasal rinses.
- Don’t turn the heating up too high inside your home: the ideal temperature is around 18–20 degrees.
- Humidify the rooms.
- Don’t wear clothes that are too heavy.
- At night, wear light pyjamas and don’t overdo it with blankets and duvets.
- Have a bath or shower regularly. Daily hygiene routines, carried out in a normally heated environment using water at a suitable temperature, are not harmful; on the contrary, they can help to hydrate the mucosa of the airways.
How to treat a blocked nose in children
A blocked nose is a very common problem in children and can be caused by a cold, allergies or simply the immaturity of the respiratory tract.
Why is it important to clear your nose?
In children, but especially in infants, breathing takes place mainly through the nose. If the upper airways are blocked and the child is unable to blow their nose properly, they may find it difficult to sleep and eat. This increases the risk of irritability and fatigue. Furthermore, the build-up of mucus can encourage the growth of bacteria, increasing the risk of infections such as ear infections.
What should I do?
- Here are some practical and effective tips:
- Nasal rinsing: a simple and effective method
- It is the safest and most natural way to clear mucus and make breathing easier. This can be done several times a day, using saline solutions, particularly before meals and before going to bed.
- An environment conducive to breathing
- Is the air too dry? Use a humidifier or simply a bowl of water near the radiators. Is there too much pollution in the air? Avoid smoke and pollutants. Cleaner air means less congestion.
- Hydration: the natural ally of breathing
- Drinking fluids, such as water or milk, helps to thin nasal secretions, making them easier to clear.
- Resting in the best possible position
Placing a pillow under the mattress (not directly under the child) can help clear mucus and improve breathing during the night.
With a few simple daily tips, you can help your child breathe more easily and cope calmly with colds.
If this condition does not resolve itself or is accompanied by further symptoms, it is important to consult your paediatrician.
