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Mild nasal congestion without runny nose. There are a number of contributing factors. The main causes of nasal congestion without a runny nose

When the nose is stuffy, an adult experiences constant discomfort, but for a child, the inability to breathe is very annoying. Sometimes a runny nose goes away on its own, without medical treatment. Nasal congestion is a consequence of colds or allergic reactions, which have similar manifestations: constant itching, swelling of the vessels of the mucous membrane, sneezing, headaches and lacrimation.

What is nasal congestion

Every person has had nasal congestion at least once in their life. Causes a runny nose various factors, which create discomfort, worsen the condition of the body, reduce performance and increase irritation. Today there are many options and modern means treatment of breathing disorders, both medicinal and folk.

Reasons

Highlight following reasons nasal congestion:

  • the presence of allergic reactions;
  • colds;
  • chronic rhinitis;
  • adenoids;
  • crooked septum;
  • tumors in the nasal cavities.

The nose cannot breathe due to numerous etiological factors. Often the causes of congestion are associated with acute viral diseases. Bacteria live and multiply on the mucous membranes, and when hypothermia is activated, which leads to the development of inflammation. Chronic congestion leads to tissue hypoxia, which affects work internal organs.

Nasal congestion without runny nose

Why does my nose get stuffy without a runny nose? This symptom usually occurs with allergies. Your doctor will determine how to treat nasal congestion without a runny nose. Often eliminating congestion helps to eliminate the allergen that causes a constant attack. They also highlight surgical treatment curvature of the nasal septum. Allergens that contribute to the growth of mucous membranes:

  • pollen;
  • insect bites;
  • house mites;
  • curvature of the nasal septum;
  • allergens medicines;
  • house dust;
  • pet hair and saliva.

Child's nose is stuffy

Impaired breathing in a child leads to disruption of sleep, rest and study patterns, and deterioration of appetite. A common runny nose occurs against the background of colds and allergies, and deviated nasal septums. The clinic depends on the pathological agent and the degree of swelling of the mucous membrane. May block one or both nostrils, sometimes alternately. If there are allergies, the baby's nose is clogged, but there is no discharge from the nasal passages and the body temperature is normal.

At night

There are many reasons for discomfort while breathing at night. If the nose does not breathe and there is no snot, the reasons may be:

Blocks one nostril

Often one nostril becomes blocked at night, during colds, inflammation of the mucous membranes, and allergic rhinitis. A person’s head is motionless during sleep, lies on one side, mucus flows down back wall, and accumulates (lays) in one nostril. The causes of congestion in one nostril are all of the above. To alleviate the condition, medications and other means are used.

In the evening my nose gets stuffy

With acute viral infections, as a rule, the condition worsens in the evenings, the ears become blocked, the mucous membrane swells, but the amount of mucus secretion does not decrease, the nose becomes blocked, looks swollen and causes discomfort. If there is no discharge, but you are allergic, then in the evening the mucous membrane swells and fills with mucus, closing the lumen of the nasal passage (it becomes difficult to breathe).

During pregnancy

Often pregnant women are bothered by such an ailment as nasal congestion - this is a physiological runny nose (leads to swelling of the mucosal tissues). Some suffer heavy discharge from the nose, while others suffer from congestion only at night. The reason for these phenomena is hormonal imbalance. Insufficient oxygen intake into the pregnant woman's body can lead to hypoxia in the baby.

Nasal congestion caused by dry air can be easily eliminated with humidification. For sinusitis, rhinitis, it is necessary to rinse the nasal passages, in which snot may remain, with solutions from sea ​​salt, drink more fluids, inhale with saline or chamomile. Avoid smoky areas. If your nose is constantly stuffy, you need to seek help from an ENT specialist, who will prescribe vasoconstrictor medications.

What to do

IN advanced cases Doctors suggest surgically straightening the nasal septum. You can use quick ways cleaning:

  • alternately blowing your nose first with one nostril, then with the other;
  • cleansing the nasal passages with a special solution of sea salt;
  • taking steam baths;
  • usage warm compresses;
  • installing a humidifier in the room;

To cure congestion, medications are used: decongestants, vasoconstrictors, antihistamines, corticosteroids (prescribed by a doctor). Change your lifestyle and the feeling of congestion will disappear: sleep with your head elevated, drink more water, eliminate allergens. If the runny nose is prolonged (more than a week) and frequent visits to the doctor are necessary, this can lead to swelling of the mucous membrane, other serious violations in the functioning of the body.

Indoor air humidification

There are the following ways to humidify indoors to avoid nasal breathing disturbances:

  • Using humidifiers. There are many of them on the electronics market, according to affordable prices. Such a device independently maintains the necessary humidity for comfortable breathing.
  • Frequent ventilation. Open the windows three times a day for 10 minutes, this is enough to keep the air well humidified.
  • Plant breeding. Flowers are a beautiful source of oxygen. They retain moisture, humidify the air, which has a beneficial effect on the lining of the nasopharynx.
  • Hanging wet towels. Wet it, wring it out, hang it on the radiators. The air in the room will be humidified short terms.
  • Use of water and basin. Fill the basin with water and place it near the radiator, the water will evaporate and the air will be humidified.
  • Aquarium or fountain. Such decor will not only delight others, but also serve as a humidifier.

Massage of nasal septum and sinuses

Before the massage, read a few tips on how to clean your nose correctly:

  • you only need to perform a massage warm hands;
  • act on the points clockwise light movements;
  • apply gentle pressure without effort;
  • It is necessary to massage the sinuses using the index finger and thumb.

Any massage has contraindications, and this type is no exception. You cannot perform massage exercises if:

Detailed technique:

  1. When you have a runny nose, they begin to massage the wings, in pairs and simultaneously affecting the points.
  2. Next they move to the points between the nose and lip (upper). Carefully knead this area with rotating movements until you feel a tingling sensation.
  3. Massage, do not press too hard.
  4. If a runny nose is accompanied by a headache, massage the area between the temple and eyebrows until there is slight pain at the massage points.
  5. Perform this technique a couple of times a day. After it, it is best to drink warm herbal tea.


Breathing exercises

To make your nose breathe without medication, you can use the procedure breathing exercises. You need to achieve the goal of maintaining air hunger for 2-3 minutes, while the body muscles are completely relaxed. This technique helps get rid of nasal congestion, more effectively if you learn to relax the muscles of the diaphragm completely:

  1. Pinch your nose wings with your hand and walk quickly without opening your mouth (about 25 steps). Walk like this until you feel the urge to inhale.
  2. Next, sit with your back straight and focus on your breathing.
  3. Unclench your nose, start breathing normally (inhalation without pump effect), mouth closed.
  4. Inhale lightly, and as you exhale, relax all the muscles in your upper chest. With each inhalation, breathing becomes more and more shallow.

Washing

Rinsing the nose removes dust particles and mucus secretions. Helps moisturize the mucous membrane, especially when the root cause is dry air. For washing use clean boiled water, sea salt solutions (pharmacy or homemade). It is possible to use characteristic medicinal herbs: chamomile, string, St. John's wort, calendula, eucalyptus leaf. Washing is carried out only with water-based solutions, without alcohol.

Cure for nasal congestion without runny nose

If your runny nose is chronic, purchase a portable nebulizer; it can be easily used for inhalation at home (with water or saline solution). Persistent congestion and infectious rhinitis should be treated with medical assistance. There are a large number of drugs that will help cope with the problem:

  • Medicines for nasal congestion without snot: vasoconstrictor drops Otrifin, Farmazolin, Tizin, Galazolin, Naphthyzin, Rinorus.
  • Ointments. Severe congestion nose will go away when using the following products: Doctor Mom, Zvezdochka balm, Fleming, Evamenol and others. IN initial stages productive use of lollipops with different tastes.
  • Antihistamines are considered effective treatment at mild degree rhinitis (Cetrin, Zodak, Erius). Relieves allergic rhinitis within twenty minutes.
  • Intranasal glucocorticoids are recommended for severe course diseases: Flicosanze, Budesonide.


Traditional medicine

How to treat nasal congestion at home, methods of treatment with folk remedies:

  • Boiled eggs for warming up. Peel warm eggs and press onto sinuses for 15 minutes before bed. Warming the nasal cavity helps get rid of unpleasant symptoms sensations of congestion, relieve tissue swelling.
  • Kalanchoe juice. Place a couple of drops of juice into each nasal passage.
  • Inhalations over potatoes.
  • Lotions of herbs, onions.
  • Special massage relieves cold symptoms.
  • Washing saline solutions will help relieve severe congestion.

Video

Nasal congestion with colds– an unpleasant and familiar phenomenon to everyone. Breathing becomes difficult, a runny nose bothers you, and later the temperature rises and your health worsens. But what is the reason if there are no cold symptoms, but the nose is stuffy? There are many provocateurs of this phenomenon.

Nasal congestion without apparent reason, lasting several minutes or hours and not recurring is not a cause for concern. But if the illness is chronic, it cannot be ignored.

Body conditions, diseases, and negative factors– causes of nasal congestion. In each case, measures must be taken so as not to worsen the situation.

What causes constant nasal congestion?


The reasons for the phenomenon include:



Video - How to get rid of nasal congestion

How to identify the cause of nasal congestion?

First, try diagnosing it at home. For example, if only one nostril is blocked, there may be an object in it. Try lying for about 20 minutes on your side, where the problem is located. Then turn to the other side. If the congestion remains, you will probably have to remove it foreign body.

Important:if the foreign body cannot be removed by exhalation, medical intervention is required. Self-exposure increases the risk of damaging nasal tissues and worsening the situation.

After the experiment, did the congestion move? If the answer is yes, then the cause may be a deviated nasal septum.

It is not difficult to identify dehydration or dry air in the house - just assess the condition of the skin and hair. If the hair is hard to the touch and brittle, and the skin is flaky and needs to be moisturized, you need to saturate the body and air with moisture.


Allergy symptoms are similar to those of some diseases. Therefore, you need to remember whether there was contact with the provocateur in order to make an approximate diagnosis. Allergies are most often caused by:

  1. Dust. We are talking not only about home, but also industrial.
  2. Products. Most often this sour fruits and brightly colored berries.
  3. House mites. Mattresses, pillows and textiles are their habitat.
  4. Insects. Bites of flies, midges and mosquitoes provoke allergies during warm periods.
  5. Pollen. You can suffer not only from outdoor plants, but also from indoor flowers, as well as gifted bouquets.
  6. Pets. Provocateurs include all representatives of the fauna that have fur.

If after recovery all symptoms have disappeared except nasal congestion, the problem may be getting used to the drops and sprays. If after using them the need for vasoconstrictor drugs bothers you within 20 minutes, then you need to wean yourself off these medications.

If sprays and nasal drops are not able to affect breathing, polyps can play a role in provoking the problem. Once they grow, they become a barrier that vasoconstrictor medications cannot act on.


Only specialists can identify other provocateurs or confirm their own diagnosis. The doctor will conduct an examination, find the cause and draw up the correct treatment regimen.

Attention: Do not use medications without your doctor's approval. It is recommended to install first accurate diagnosis in a specialist’s office, and then begin treatment.

Treatment of nasal congestion

There are several standard types medications to help with nasal congestion:




In some cases, special exposure is necessary. The table shows nasal congestion provocateurs and treatment methods.

ProvocateurTreatment method
Deviated nasal septum, adenoids or polypsGet rid of these ailments surgically. The nasal septum is straightened, and polyps and adenoids are cut out
AllergySuitable drugs include Diazolin, Suprastin and Dezal. Such medications must be used according to instructions. For example, Desal should be consumed one tablet once a day until allergy symptoms disappear
Diseases of the heart and blood vesselsIt all depends on the specifics of the disease and its course. The doctor may prescribe different medications and procedures
Overdose or incorrect use of a drugYou need to stop taking the drug, even if you need to undergo a course of treatment. Overdoses are often accompanied by poisoning. In this case you need to accept activated carbon(one tablet per 10 kg of weight once)

If your doctor approves of the use of folk remedies, you can arm yourself with these recipes:




Attention: Before use folk remedy make sure its components are portable. If you are allergic to any ingredient in the drug, the product will only make the situation worse. Most often, citrus fruits, honey and oils play the role of allergens.

A condition in which the nose is constantly stuffy, but there is no runny nose, is characteristic of many pathologies, among which there are both infections and anatomical disorders. Why doesn't the nose breathe if there is no discharge from the nasal passages?

Firstly, frequent nasal congestion without a runny nose may be due to swelling of the mucous membrane lining the nasopharynx. In this case, the openings of the nasal passages narrow, and air cannot penetrate into the respiratory tract. Secondly, it often happens that there is actually mucus in the nose, but it is too thick and does not flow out. The patient believes that there is no runny nose, while his nose is clogged thick mucus. Besides this, constant congestion nose may be associated with the presence of an anatomical formation inside the nasopharynx that blocks the air flow (for example, adenoids, polyps).

Let's look at these reasons in more detail.

Inflammation of the mucous membrane

Constantly stuffy nose, no snot, and only vasoconstrictor drops help? On the face obvious signs swelling of the nasopharyngeal mucosa. Edema, an integral part of inflammation, occurs due to the dilation of blood vessels. That is why swelling is well relieved by vasoconstrictors - vasoconstrictor nasal drops, such as naphthyzin, otrivin, etc. However, vasoconstrictors do not remove the cause of swelling - inflammation - so they act for a very short time. Moreover, over time they become addictive. In order for the nose to breathe again, you need to understand what caused the inflammation and act on the cause.

Inflammation of the mucous membrane can be caused by infection, hypersensitivity reaction, or impaired trophism (nutrition) of tissues. Inflammation of the nasal mucosa is called rhinitis in medicine (from the Greek rhinós - nose, and the Latin -itis - inflammation).

Let's look at the types of rhinitis that can occur without a runny nose.

Vasomotor rhinitis

Vasomotor rhinitis is a disease in which morphological changes in the mucous membrane occur - the epithelium thickens, the number of receptor and secretory cells changes. The causes of the disease are not fully understood - it is known that most often it develops as a result of trauma or surgery on the nasopharynx, long-term use of vasoconstrictors or hormonal drugs, disorders of the humoral system or gastrointestinal tract.

Vasomotor rhinitis first appears in adolescence or during pregnancy (these periods are associated with sharp hormonal surges).

There are 3 subtypes of the disease - hypersecretory, vasomotor and combined. The absence of a runny nose is characteristic of the vasomotor form, while the hypersecretory form, on the contrary, is accompanied by attacks severe runny nose. In the combined form, the patient periodically experiences mucous discharge.

With vasomotor rhinitis, the ability to breathe through the nose worsens in certain conditions - in the cold, with high or low humidity, during emotional stress etc.

Dry rhinitis

Dry rhinitis is called several pathologies:

  • Subtrophic rhinitis.
  • Atrophic rhinitis.
  • Fetid runny nose (ozena, a specific form of atrophic rhinitis).

All these diseases are characterized by drying out of the nasal mucosa and thinning of the epithelial layer as a result of atrophic processes (cell death). The following symptoms appear and gradually increase:

  • difficulty breathing through the nose;
  • accumulation of dry crusts in the nose (but no snot, although sometimes the patient may blow his nose small quantity thick viscous mucus);
  • tendency to nosebleeds;
  • decreased sense of smell;
  • expansion of the nasal passages (due to thinning of the mucous membrane and underlying soft tissues).

If crusts and nasal mucus have a strong unpleasant smell, there is no doubt that a patient with ozena has a foul runny nose.

What are the reasons for the development of atrophic processes in the nasal cavity? First of all, these are injuries to the mucous membrane, both domestic and those received during surgical intervention (laser cauterization mucous membrane, correction of a deviated septum, prolonged nasal tamponade, etc.). Often, the prerequisite for the development of dry rhinitis is uncontrolled, continuous use of vasoconstrictor drugs. In relation to ozena identified special reasons diseases - iron metabolism disorders, as well as infection with bacteria of the genus Klebsiella.

Treatment of dry rhinitis includes moisturizing the mucous membranes using sprays based on sea ​​water, as well as oil-based drops and ointments. If infection is present, antibiotics are required.

Hypertrophic rhinitis

Hypertrophic rhinitis – chronic disease, which is based on hyperplasia (growth and thickening) of the epithelium of the mucous membrane, and sometimes the underlying tissues - cartilage, periosteum and bones of the nasal turbinates.

Patients experience the following symptoms:

  • dryness in the nasopharynx and mouth;
  • always difficult nasal breathing, which does not improve even after instillation of vasoconstrictor drops;
  • periodic appearance of mucopurulent discharge;
  • nasal voice;
  • deterioration in the perception of smell and taste;
  • frequent ear congestion;
  • headache.

Most effective method treatment of hypertrophic rhinitis is partial removal overgrown tissues during surgery (submucosal vasotomy, laser destruction, resection of turbinates, etc.)

Sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis is a disease that develops as a result of insufficient, incomplete treatment of acute inflammatory processes in the paranasal sinuses nose

Chronic sinusitis occurs secretly at first, without visible symptoms. The patient may notice that he gets tired quickly and experiences headaches in the evenings.

The following disorders gradually develop:

  • heaviness in the head (temples, sinuses, back of the head);
  • fatigue;
  • stuffy nose, most often in one of the nostrils;
  • pain in the temple area, brow ridge, under the eyes;
  • there may be a purulent odor in the nose;
  • drainage of pus down the back wall of the throat (this is especially felt in the morning after waking up);
  • deterioration of sense of smell;
  • in children, body temperature can be elevated to 37-37.5C, while in adults the temperature is usually normal.

Chronic sinusitis is a progressive disease, so it requires emergency treatment. Treatment for sinusitis can be medication or surgery. Its goal is to destroy the infection (with the help of antibiotics), ensure the drainage of pus from the affected sinus, relieve inflammation of the mucous membrane, and also increase the patient’s body’s resistance.

In case of ineffectiveness of drug treatment or the development of complications, such as the formation of polyps, intracranial effusions of pus, etc. resort to surgical intervention - puncture of the sinus, followed by washing out the pus and introducing an antibiotic directly into the sinus cavity.

Anatomical disorders

When the nose is stuffy and there is no snot, it cannot be ruled out that the nasal passages are obstructed as a result of anatomical disorders - the growth of polyps or adenoids, cysts, etc. Such formations purely mechanically block the lumen of the nasal passages, as a result of which the nose becomes partially or completely blocked. How to identify anatomical disorders? Let's talk about this further.

Deviated septum

The curvature is most often the result of injury - a broken nose.

If nasal septum is curved or has growths on it (ridges, spines), nasal breathing becomes difficult and sometimes even impossible. This, in turn, significantly increases the risk of developing infectious diseases(sinusitis, posterior rhinopharyngitis, etc.). In addition, the mucous membrane is under constant stress ( mechanical irritation, circulatory disorders) which significantly increases the sensitivity of receptor cells to allergens, temperature changes, etc.

A deviated nasal septum is a factor that significantly increases the risk of developing chronic sinusitis, vasomotor rhinitis, atrophic and hyperplastic processes in the mucosa.

Symptoms of a deviated nasal septum:

  • constantly stuffy nose without runny nose;
  • snore;
  • dry nose and mouth;
  • tendency to sinusitis;
  • asymmetry of the nose (not always clearly noticeable).

Obviously, a deviated nasal septum cannot be corrected with drops and other medications - all of them can only short time make the patient feel better. The only way to achieve a long-term effect is septoplasty - surgical correction partitions.

Septoplasty is performed under local anesthesia, or under general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the operation and the wishes of the patient. After recovery correct position its septum is fixed using silicone tubes (or gauze swabs, but in modern clinics This method is no longer used). One day after the operation, the tubes are removed. The swelling may persist for another 4-7 days, after which nasal breathing is restored.

Adenoids are hypertrophic growths of lymphadenoid tissue of the nasopharyngeal tonsil. This disorder is most often diagnosed in preschool and school age. After puberty, the pharyngeal tonsil becomes smaller, so adenoiditis practically does not occur in adults.

Adenoids look like convex, loose outgrowths covering the posterior arch of the nasopharynx. They can block not only the nasal passages, but also the openings eustachian tubes connecting the pharyngeal cavity with the inner ear.

Characteristic features:

  1. A child suffering from adenoiditis has a stuffy nose without a runny nose, as a result of which he unconsciously “switches” to mouth breathing.
  2. For the same reason, snoring and nasal voice are disturbing.
  3. Tendency to otitis.
  4. Frequent runny nose.
  5. Lethargy, fatigue, headaches.

Adenoiditis may have severe consequences– lag mental development, violation of the formation of the bones of the skull, chest, anemia, etc.

With severe hypertrophy of the adenoids, their removal during a minor operation - adenotomy - is indicated. The operation is performed under local anesthesia, but if the child is very young or emotionally sensitive, it is possible to remove the adenoids under short-term general anesthesia.

Polyposis

Polyps are formed from the epithelium of the mucous membrane and are found in both children and adults.

Signs of the presence of polyps:

  • nasal congestion;
  • snore;
  • frequent sinusitis;
  • deterioration of the sense of smell, or total loss;
  • headaches.

The patient may not be aware of the presence of polyps until the ENT doctor identifies them during an examination of the nasal cavity.

It is believed that the cause of polyp formation is allergic reactions, infectious processes in the sinuses, as well as disruption of the glandular cells of the mucous membrane. Moreover, in many cases, it is possible to trace the connection between the formation of polyps and any allergic or infectious factor fails.

Treatment for nasal polyposis includes surgical removal polyp, followed by hormonal therapy.

Polyps are insensitive to pain and do not bleed during surgery, as they lack nerve endings and blood vessels. Unfortunately, many patients who have had a polyp removed experience their reappearance.

Conclusions

We discussed why my nose is constantly stuffy, but there is no runny nose. It is worth noting that these are just some of the most common ones. possible reasons. For detailed consultation and diagnosis, you need to consult an otolaryngologist - he will not only make a diagnosis, but also prescribe the correct treatment.

Very often people complain that they have a stuffy nose without a runny nose. In this case, there are no signs of a cold. This symptom in itself brings very discomfort and besides, it also has a very negative impact on general condition patient. As a rule, people do not know what to do in such a situation.

The main symptom of congestion without a runny nose is difficulty breathing through the nose. varying degrees expressiveness. Such sensations are especially painful if they last long enough. In this case, difficulty breathing may be accompanied by headache and dizziness.

If the causes of such a symptom are not identified in time and sufficient attention is not paid to treatment, very severe and unpleasant complications. Before starting treatment, it is necessary to undergo a full examination and find out the exact cause of the disease. Based on the examination data obtained, the doctor can recommend the most effective treatment.

If your nose is stuffy without a runny nose, the reasons usually lie in swelling of the mucous membrane or its pathological growth. This could be one of initial symptoms with recently started rhinitis. Even if there is no discharge from the nose, swelling can still lead to the development of a number of complications. This is why it is so important to start treatment in a timely manner.

The nasal mucosa acts as a primary barrier to bacterial and viral infections. It performs protection functions. On the surface of the mucous membrane of the nasal passages there are microscopic villi, which through their movements facilitate the passage of foreign organisms into the stomach. There, microbes are processed under the influence of an aggressive environment gastric juice. If protective functions the body is weakened, pathogenic microorganisms cause the development of an inflammatory process. This leads to a vasomotor reaction and the development of plethora and swelling of the mucous membranes.

Non-infectious causes

There are a number of reasons why a stuffy nose occurs that are not infectious:

  1. Regular hypothermia and colds. If a person is constantly outside in the autumn-winter period and freezes very often, gradually he immune system begins to malfunction and the ciliated epithelium of the nasal passages cannot cope with its functions. As a result, it may develop inflammatory process, leading to congestion.
  2. When substances that the body regards as foreign agents enter the nasal passages, an allergic reaction may develop. This releases a large amount of biologically active substances, leading to the expansion of small capillaries and the release of plasma into the intercellular space. This leads to the development of allergic edema.
  3. Traumatic injuries can also damage the mucous membrane and cause reactive edema.
  4. Adenoids, as well as a deviated nasal septum, can cause nasal congestion and difficulty breathing.

If the nose begins to breathe poorly at night and congestion appears periodically in one or another part of it, this may be caused by being in a room with excessively dry air. In this case, symptoms of a runny nose are never observed. Difficulty in nasal breathing is accompanied by a burning sensation and dryness in the nose.

During night sleep, congestion without symptoms of a runny nose is most often associated with the horizontal position of the person’s body in bed. As a rule, breathing is restored in the morning upon waking up. Treatment in such cases is not required.

Congestion due to pathology of the nose and paranasal sinuses

There are a number of diseases of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, which with a high degree of probability can lead to a feeling of congestion without causing the discharge of liquid discharge.
If the body has already undergone viral intervention or bacterial cells, after a few hours a feeling of congestion and difficulty breathing may develop. At the same time, there is no runny nose, but the nose is stuffy. As a rule, such a “dry” stage infectious process doesn't last long. After just a few hours, liquid discharge may appear on the mucous membrane.

Difficulty in nasal breathing at night in children younger age may be associated with adenoiditis. Sprawl lymphoid tissue in the nasal cavity - adenoids - leads to a narrowing of the lumen of the nasal passages. A common symptom A child with adenoiditis may snore at night. With a pronounced degree of the pathological process, apnea may occur at night. Exacerbation of this pathological process can be provoked by viral infection and a decrease in the body's immune defense. As a rule, the child does not have any mucous discharge. Long-term lack of oxygen supply with air through the nasal passages can cause oxygen starvation all tissues of the body. This is most clearly manifested in the central nervous system.

If your nose is stuffy and there is no runny nose, it is necessary to exclude sinusitis - inflammatory processes in the paranasal sinuses. Although this pathological process is more characteristic of abundant purulent discharge from the nasal cavity. Additional symptoms With inflammatory processes in the paranasal sinuses, there is frequent severe headache, malaise and weakness. Severe soreness may occur in the forehead and cheeks.

Quite often, women complain of a stuffy nose and difficulty breathing during pregnancy. IN lately V medical practice a term such as rhinitis during pregnancy was even unofficially introduced. Most expectant mothers are susceptible to this unpleasant condition.

Swelling of the nasal mucosa can be caused by hormonal changes occurring in the body. An increase in the content of female sex hormones in the body of a pregnant woman leads to the accumulation of fluid in the intercellular space. This process also occurs in the nasal mucosa. At night, complaints of swelling and difficulty breathing always intensify. Snoring or periodic reflex stops in breathing may occur.

If a person eats incorrectly and unbalancedly, this can also lead to a constantly stuffy nose, but no runny nose.
A number of foods can cause allergic reactions in humans. In this case, a massive release of inflammatory mediators occurs, leading to expansion of the peripheral vascular bed and effusion free liquid into the intercellular space. The most common allergens are chocolate and products made from it, coffee, citrus fruits, nuts, and honey. An allergic reaction to the proteins of chicken meat and eggs, as well as milk, is possible. Possible allergy to fish dishes and seafood.
A reaction to the content of chemical preservatives and dyes in the body is possible.

Salt and sugar can lead to the development of edema. The sodium ions contained in salt prevent the removal of fluid from the body and contribute to the formation of swelling. Treatment may involve normalizing the diet.

Theoretically, allergic reactions are possible to any food product. Here the individual characteristics of each person’s body play a decisive role.

No less often, continuous swelling and congestion of the nasal passages can be caused by taking certain medications, treatment for which the patient is prescribed. This phenomenon may relate to both recognized side effects described in the instructions for use, and individual intolerance to the drug or its individual component.

This disease of the nasal mucosa is one of the most common. According to statistical estimates, they are found in every hundredth inhabitant of the planet; this pathology is more characteristic of adults than children. The most common nasal congestion is in men.

The mechanism of development of the disease is hypertrophy of the epithelium of the nasal mucosa. Such pathological growths, increasing in volume, gradually fill the lumen of the nasal passage and lead to difficulty breathing. This process is caused by the fact that the mucous membrane constantly takes on the aggressive effects of infectious agents and other unfavorable external factors. This leads to massive death of epithelial cells and their compensatory proliferation. It is this growth that leads to the formation of polyps. Over time, polyps can block the entire lumen of the nasal passage. Since the supply of oxygen to the body is difficult, this leads to hypoxia of all tissues, especially nervous system. Symptomatically it looks like increased fatigue, frequent headaches and irritability. Since depletion of the epithelium leads to damage to the olfactory receptors, the patient’s sense of smell may be significantly reduced, even to the point of anosmia. Sometimes there is a feeling of a foreign body in the nose.

Thus, in order to find out the causes of nasal congestion without a runny nose, it is recommended to conduct a thorough examination and eliminate external reasons that could cause it. Based on the examination, the attending physician will recommend what to do if you have nasal congestion.

It happens that the nose is stuffy, but there is no runny nose. A constant lack of air is annoying; a mouth slightly open for breathing does not look aesthetically pleasing and can cause ridicule from others. Why does this condition arise, is it necessary to treat it, is it possible to prevent it?

  • The first stage of an infectious or viral disease.
  • Allergies, including to city smog and nicotine smoke. Depending on causative factor may be seasonal or permanent.
  • Dryness or pathological processes mucous membranes of the nose.
  • The body's reaction to the effects of certain drugs, for example, as side effect or as a symptom of addiction.
  • Nasal polyps or inflammation of the adenoids.
  • Hypothermia.
  • Deviation of the nasal septum.

A considerable part of diseases of this kind are combined into one group - vasomotor rhinitis. This is the body’s reaction to external stimuli, in which one or both nostrils become blocked. There is a lack of oxygen, fatigue and irritability increase, and sleep is disturbed. The mucous membranes of the nasal passages are dry, there is periodic sneezing, itching, and the release of fluid, which is completely different from the mucus associated with a normal runny nose. If the disease progresses to chronic form, possible burden concomitant diseases(shortness of breath, accumulation of moisture in lung tissue, autonomic disorders respiratory function), the mucous membranes thicken, after which it may even be necessary surgery.

In some cases, help is required qualified specialist, in others, it is enough just to eliminate the cause, and the body will quickly restore normal activity. Polyps, deviated nasal septums, and adenoids cannot be cured on your own; if you have an allergy, you need to identify the causative agent and then try to avoid contact with it. In these cases, a doctor’s consultation is necessary, but if the problem arose due to the effects of medications, a cold, or too dry air in the room, it is quite possible to cope with it yourself.

Differences in types of rhinitis

24-hour nasal congestion most often indicates an advanced form of the disease. The main reasons are polyps, adenoids, deviated nasal septum, hormonal changes (quite common in pregnant women), and poor environment. In case long-term use With vasoconstrictor nasal medications, “habitual” tissue swelling occurs, which can be removed with the same remedy. To get rid of addiction, you will have to gradually reduce the dosage of the drug and the frequency of its use.

If your nose is mostly stuffy at night, but there is no runny nose, most likely the problem is due to too dry air in the room. If it is not possible to purchase a humidifier, it is recommended to place wet towels in several places and place a bowl of water. Very quickly saturates the air with moisture hot water. The pan with boiling water should be left in the room for 10-15 minutes, this time is quite enough. Lastly, it is important to comply drinking regime, drink a glass of clean, cool water before bed.

Morning rhinitis often signals the onset of sinusitis, allergies to dust, feathers and down, and animal hair. If morning nasal congestion continues for more than 2-3 weeks, you should visit an otolaryngologist.

Rhinitis in children

Often, congestion, irritation, and itching in the nasal cavity can be caused by foreign object, which the child stuck into his nostril. If this object is deep, it is better not to risk it and take the baby to the doctor; an x-ray may be needed.


Other reasons could be congenital atresia, hay fever, defects or damage to the nasal septum. You can’t ignore your child’s mouth breathing habit. If the disease exists, it will only get worse over time. Using home remedies will temporarily relieve symptoms without affecting the problem itself.

Consequences of chronic rhinitis

Even if the disease began with simple nasal congestion due to hypothermia, the following consequences are possible:

  • partial or complete loss of smell;
  • headache, feeling of squeezing;
  • otitis, sinusitis, sinusitis.

An untreated illness easily develops into more severe forms, capturing neighboring areas. It is not for nothing that one specialist treats diseases of the ears, nose and throat; the inflammatory process very quickly spreads throughout the ethmoid bone of the skull, penetrates into the nasal and frontal sinuses. The consequences can be quite serious, from complete deafness to meningitis, which is why medicines are selected individually in each case.

Important! If it is difficult to breathe through your nose and the congestion continues for more than a week, you should definitely go to the hospital.

Medicines and home remedies

One cannot replace the other, it is best to combine home treatment with the recommendations of the attending physician. It is most effective to carry out drug treatment after rinsing the nose with saline or saline solutions, herbal decoctions. If there is no doctor's prohibition, you can use steam inhalations With essential oils fir, eucalyptus, peppermint.

To combat rhinitis and congestion, medications are available in the form of sprays, drops, ointments, tablets and powders. Drops and spray have an effect most quickly, but they medicinal effect less long. Vasoconstrictors Vibrocil, Brizolin, Tizin, Otrivin are popular. When using these and similar medications, you must strictly adhere to the dosage and timing of treatment. The body may become addicted and pathological changes nasal mucous membranes. At allergic rhinitis Cetrin or Loratadine are recommended. Naturally, the doctor prescribes treatment, especially if we're talking about O children's health.

Preventive actions

Many problems are prevented by hygiene, a healthy and active lifestyle, refusal bad habits(alcohol abuse and smoking). In autumn and spring, it is advisable to take courses of multivitamins, and during epidemics of influenza and acute respiratory infections, avoid crowds of large numbers of people or cover your face with a medical mask, it will significantly reduce the possibility of infection.

Surprisingly, the most the best remedy from nasal congestion - laughter. It increases the level of adrenaline in the blood and reduces blood vessels. Be happy and healthy!