What Causes Your Nose To Get Bigger

8 common reasons for a blocked olfactory organ at dark

Non only is a blocked nose uncomfortable but, if you suffer from the problem at nighttime, it has the potential to disrupt slumber. Since lack of sleep can affect everything from our concentration to our mood, it is really important to figure out what's causing your congestion then tackle information technology.

There are a few things that often cause a blocked olfactory organ at night including:

Allergies
Sinusitis
Dry and dusty air
A physical obstacle
Pregnancy
Viral infection
Posture
Heartburn/acrid reflux.

In this piece, I'll explain why these things may cause a blocked nose at night, plus I'll offering some general tips to help ease congestion and improve sleep.

1. Allergies

Allergies to the likes of pollen, animal dander, dust and mould spores can cause congestion at night. Allergies to these things can develop in adulthood which may explain the sudden onset of symptoms. Along with congestion, other allergy symptoms include itchy eyes, a runny olfactory organ and a skin rash.

There are a few reasons why allergies may get worse at night. Allowing pets to roam the bedroom, for example, allows dander to collect on clothing, bedding and carpets.

Anyone sensitive to grit mites may also experience congestion at night as dust mites thrive in warm, clean areas such as a mattress or pillow.

As temperatures absurd in the evening, pollen particles drib down to the basis. At this level, they are hands breathed in through the olfactory organ and mouth. This may crusade symptoms to develop in anyone with a seasonal pollen allergy. Pollen also collects on our clothing and hair and so, by the time night comes effectually, levels are at their peak.

2. Sinusitis

The sinuses are air-filled cavities in the face. We do not fully empathize why they exist, but 1 possible reason is that they make our voices resonant and loud. Sinusitis occurs when these cavities go inflamed – this may ascend as a temporary symptom of a cold or flu, but tin can become more than prolonged or chronic.

Inflammation in the sinuses leads to an increase in the amount of fungus secreted and, as this collects in the upper nasal passages, a blocked olfactory organ tin can develop. Symptoms can be worse at nighttime, and can be afflicted past posture or your sleeping position.

A normal bout of sinusitis only lasts a calendar week or so and should clear on its ain without any assistance from antibiotics or a GP.

three. Dry, dusty air

Air containing little or no moisture can be a cause of a blocked nose, especially at night. As your nasal passages become increasingly dry, the nasal tissues over-produce mucus in an effort to keep the area moist and this leads to a blocked nose.

Dry or dusty air is not a large problem for those of us who live in the UK but it could be an issue if you spend a lot of time in an air-conditioned environs or if you live in some other land, particularly in those with desert or arid lands.

4. A concrete obstacle

Nasal polyps are minor growths of tissue in the nasal passages. They tin can arise as a upshot of chronic inflammation, such as with allergic rhinitis or sinusitis.

A deviated septum may likewise cause congestion at night. This basically means that the bones in the olfactory organ are not in the correct place. It may ascend as a congenital malformation or injury (typically a rugby injury) and leads to a blockage of the nasal passages.

In general, the long-term 'cure' for these two types of physical obstacle is surgery.

5. Hormonal changes

During pregnancy, levels of oestrogen and progesterone rise which tin increase blood flow to different parts of the trunk. In the nasal passages, the delicate tissues are more than prone to swelling and then this increment in claret flow can restrict air flow and crusade a blocked nose.

As posture can worsen the situation, many symptoms can become worse at night. As well, if yous suffer from asthma, a blocked olfactory organ during pregnancy will be something extra to cope with.

As with whatsoever health condition that occurs during pregnancy, employ of any over-the-counter remedies is not recommended without starting time consulting a midwife or GP.

In add-on, the hormonal changes that occur during the menopause and menstruation may too make information technology more than likely for a blocked olfactory organ to occur.

6. Viral infection

Viral infections are the most mutual crusade of a blocked nose at night, especially amongst children.

Children are much more than likely to pick up bugs as their allowed systems are withal developing and, consequently, their resistance to infection is depression. In addition, a child'south nasal passageways are narrow and are easily obstructed, and then any swelling of the nasal tissues makes a blocked olfactory organ more than likely.

During a viral infection such as a cold or influenza, mucus production increases in order to trap and flush out pathogens (this includes viruses and bacteria). At the same fourth dimension as this, inflammation can develop and, together, these things arrive difficult for the nose to stay well-drained. This results in that blocked nose feeling. This problem can persist fifty-fifty after the initial viral infection has passed thus making us more vulnerable to secondary infections such as centre ear infections. These can besides give ascent to further congestion in the ears, nose and pharynx.

seven. Gravity

A slight increase in mucus production might not be noticeable whilst yous're standing up as the nose is able to drain itself, however, it will certainly go noticeable at night when the normal draining function is removed. You lot may besides observe your blocked nose gets worse in the evening if you are spending time lying down on the sofa.

When we lie downwardly, the body is no longer able to drain mucus out of the nose through your throat - gravity simply isn't working in the right direction anymore. As a result, a blocked olfactory organ could suddenly get worse at night when you lie down in bed.

Claret pressure level changes, particularly in the head, besides occur when nosotros lie down. The more pressure that is put on the delicate blood vessels throughout the nasal passages, the more blocked up we end up feeling.

8. Heartburn/Acid reflux

In addition, other symptoms that come about as a consequence of the changes in gravity tin can aggravate a blocked nose. Acid reflux and heartburn, for instance, can become worse at dark if nosotros accept poor digestive functions. This, in turn, can damage the lining of the pharynx and surrounding areas (the ears, nose and throat are closely connected) and may make you more vulnerable to infections. Sleep apnoea can too contribute to increasingly blocked upwards nasal and respiratory passages.

Best slumber position for a blocked olfactory organ

Keeping your head propped up whilst yous're comatose will encourage mucus to menses from the olfactory organ and will assistance accept some of the extra pressure level away from your head. Simply add an extra pillow or two to do this. If you endure from symptoms of acid reflux and are worried this could too be adding to your problems with congestion, this tip will also help with the issue!

Along with this, endeavor to slumber on your side rather than on your dorsum. Sleeping on your back allows mucus to build up which will not simply make it harder to sleep, it could contribute to snoring as well.

A summary - What's causing my blocked olfactory organ at night?

Many factors can cause a blocked nose at night, including allergies; sinusitis; dry out and dusty air; concrete obstruction; pregnancy; viral infection; posture, and heartburn/acid reflux. Treatments that can assist unblock the nose at dark include using a nasal spray and drinking lots of water. If your olfactory organ gets stuffy when y'all prevarication downwardly, sleeping on your side rather than on your back tin assistance ease the problem further. If your blocked nose gets worse at dark and does not amend after a few weeks, visit your doctor.

My self-intendance tip: Try a nasal spray to ease congestion

If you are suffering from congestion, check out this video for information on what kind of nasal spray may be helpful.

How to ease a blocked nose before bed

ane. Identify and remove any allergens

If you are able to recognise that an allergen such as animal dander or pollen is causing your blocked nose at night then you can begin to take steps to remove these things from your bedchamber.

If pollen triggers your symptoms and then close your bedchamber windows at night and take a shower or bath before bed to aid remove any pollen which has accumulated on your pilus and trunk during the day.

Should an animal exist the trigger, pets should be kept abroad from bedrooms.

Dust mites are a common allergen but are often forgotten as a cause of a blocked nose at night. If this is an issue, it is important that bed covers and sheets are washed regularly. Y'all can also utilize a dust mite protector on your mattress.

Our Luffa Nasal Spray rinses and cleans the nasal passages of allergens, whilst also helping to desensitise the delicate tissues that exist there. This tin can aid the surface area to experience clearer and less irritated. This is some other practiced way to ease congestion that is the outcome of allergies.

2. Rinse with a salt water solution

Rinsing the olfactory organ with a salt water solution helps liquefy mucus and, in doing so, information technology may help to ease a blocked nose. To do this, put ½ teaspoon of salt into the equivalent of two mugs of water. A small syringe can help to flush this solution through the nose. These can be purchased from a pharmacy.

3. Utilise a nasal spray

Our Sinuforce Nasal Spray provides relief from nasal congestion and catarrh.

This product contains all-natural ingredients such as chamomile, peppermint and eucalyptus oil which, together, take a soothing effect on the nose. The product reduces swelling in the mucous membranes but leaves their natural protective function intact.

Alcohol relaxes (dilates) the blood vessels and, therefore, causes the tissues in the upper nasal passages to swell. This isn't something you want if y'all have a blocked nose then try to avert alcohol if in the hours before bed.

four. Consider your drinks

Nutritionist Emma Thornton says:

"Other drinks that could be worth fugitive include dairy products such every bit milk, which are thought to exist fungus-producing, and caffeinated beverages which deed as stimulants and and so could exacerbate symptoms."

She goes on to add together that:

"Whilst alcohol is definitely one to avoid, you might want to consider other drinks which may help your condition. Keeping hydrated is important so ensure y'all drink some water in the lead up to bedtime. If you suspect a viral infection is at the root of the cause, our comforting Echinacea Hot Drink may too help to support your recovery and is a nice selection for the evening."

If you'd like to read more well-nigh a blocked nose and food triggers just take a look at our blog 'Can what you lot eat and beverage affect your blocked nose?'.

v. Shower or bathe

Steam from a hot bath or shower will as well help to relieve symptoms – this is a particularly adept option for children who are struggling to sleep because of a blocked nose.

Breathing in the steam from a hot shower helps to liquefy fungus and, in turn, unblocks the nasal passages.

six. Utilize a warm compress

Heat helps to open up up the nasal passages and so can be another way to bring temporary relief from a blocked nose. Opposite to pop conventionalities, continually bravado your nose may merely worsen a blocked nose as it can encourage an increase in the pressure throughout the nasal passages.

7. Try Po-Ho oil

Place a few drops of Po-Ho oil on a tissue and exhale in gently. The vapours released from essential oils including peppermint, eucalyptus and juniper will be inhaled and this will assist to relieve congestion.

For many children with a blocked nose, slumber will be disrupted so keeping the bedroom humid will assist to ease their discomfort. One easy way of doing this is to place several bowls of steaming hot h2o in a safe place effectually the kid at bedtime. Once more, it tin help to place a few drops of Po-Ho oil into the water.

eight. Utilize tea tree oil

Tea tree essential oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial backdrop and so it may calm any swelling in the nose and, in turn, reduce congestion.

Tea tree oil tin be added to a diffuser a few hours before you go to bed – merely retrieve to turn the diffuser off earlier you go to bed as, otherwise, the smell will be quite overpowering come morning!

9. Rinse with a neti pot
A neti pot rinses the nose of mucus and any debris so tin can be helpful for anyone experiencing congestion. Neti pots can be purchased from your local pharmacy and will come up with instructions on how to utilise them safely.

x. Have a herbal tea

Peppermint tea is a good selection hither as information technology is known to work as a decongestant. On top of this, information technology can be a good manner to ease headaches, plus it fifty-fifty benefits digestive health.

How do you lot get rid of a blocked nose while sleeping?

1. Use a humidifier

A humidifier may make a blocked nose more manageable as it adds moisture to the air. This soothes the nasal tissues and thins mucus, making information technology flow smoothly from the nose.

Put one of these in your bedroom to see if you lot experience a deviation at night.

ii. Utilise nasal strips

Nasal strips allow the passageways to open up slightly, thus assisting with breathing and congestion. This is a proficient pick for anyone suffering from congestion on a longer-term footing, perhaps as the result of an allergy.

What gets rid of a stuffy nose fast?

1. Endeavour a decongestant

Taken orally, over-the-counter decongestants tin be helpful in easing a blocked nose. Information technology is important to retrieve, though, that many of these products contain caffeine or other stimulants which may proceed you awake.

2. Stay hydrated

Equally with so many other ailments, drinking plenty of fluid is also beneficial. This helps to keep mucus thin and reduce the swelling in your sinuses.

three. Utilise saline drops

These go along the nasal passageways moist and will too help to remove whatever mucus which may be stored.

When to run into your doctor

A blocked olfactory organ is not usually a cause for serious concern and instead, it can be put downwards to things like flu and the common cold. These can be treated at home using some of the methods outlined above.

There are a few instances, all the same, when it is necessary to seek medical advice on a blocked nose:

If the blocked nose is continually disrupting sleep
If it restricts breathing
If the problem persists longer than two weeks
If additional symptoms occur including a high fever, sinus pain and encarmine, yellow or pus-like discharge.

Originally published on 25th October 2022 (updated on 27 January 2022).