Having a stuffy nose is not always the result of a cold. Irritation of the mucous membranes, trauma or nasal polyps are some of the causes that can be behind a stuffy nose without mucus secretion.
- Stuffy nose without mucus: causes
- How to unclog a stuffy nose without mucus
Respiration is the innate and essential process by which we provide oxygen to our cells so that they can carry out their functions and we remove the waste product (carbon dioxide).
Breathing well is key to well-being, helps us gain vitality and improves our mood. Although breathing is usually an unconscious process, we can keep it in mind when having a stuffy nose (nasal congestion) prevents us from carrying it out normally, something that can be due to different causes.
STUFFY NOSE WITHOUT MUCUS: CAUSES
One of the main symptoms of respiratory infections such as the common cold or flu is nasal congestion, usually with a runny nose. But what happens when we have a stuffy nose without mucus? Why is that?
A stuffy nose is usually due to inflammation of the mucosa within the nostrils. This mucosa is the first defense barrier against microorganisms, allergens and other substances that enter our body through the air we breathe. A stuffy nose without mucus discharge can have several causes:
RHINITIS DRIA
Unlike other more common rhinitis, in dry rhinitis there is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa that does not produce mucus. Its main symptoms, in addition to congestion, are nasal dryness, itching or persistent stinging.
It can be caused by exposure to irritants such as tobacco smoke or other harmful substances. Environmental pollution can also irritate the airways and cause nasal inflammation and obstruction.
The abuse of decongestant sprays or corticosteroid sprays is another cause of this type of rhinitis. Also, some medications for acne or for the treatment of cancer can temporarily dry out the mucous membranes.
RHINOSINUSITIS
Rhinosinusitis is a consequence of the accumulation of mucus in the sinuses that causes an infection in the area. Usually, the cause is a poorly cured cold or flu and people with allergy, asthma, chronic rhinitis or deviations in the nasal septum are more at risk of suffering from it.
The main symptom is nasal obstruction or congestion, which may or may not be accompanied by mucus (when the mucus is very thick). There may also be pain in the face, headache and total or partial loss of smell.
Chronic rhinosinusitis is one that lasts more than 3 months or that recurs throughout the year and, although its symptoms are less intense, it can damage the tissues of the sinuses. According to the Spanish Society of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (SEORL-CCC), almost 12% of the population has some type of chronic rhinosinusitis.
NASAL POLYPS
Nasal polyps are caused by a chronic inflammation of the nasal passages that causes benign soft and painless masses inside the nostrils and sinuses.
Its causes are not entirely clear, but it usually occurs in people with chronic rhinosinusitis. In fact, according to the SEORL-CCC, it occurs in 4% of people with chronic rhinosinusitis.
If the polyps are small, they cause hardly any symptoms. In case they are larger, at first there will be nasal congestion and later sleep apnea, loss of smell and pressure and facial pain may appear. Large polyps that cause a lot of discomfort can be removed with surgery.
TRAUMA OR FRACTURES
The nose is one of the parts of the face that suffers more goals and fractures (for example, from traffic accidents, domestic accidents or while practicing sports) due to its prominence.
Trauma to the nose can lead to inflammation of the nasal passages or a dislocation or deviation of the nasal septum. In some cases, the inflammation may go unnoticed, especially if there is no fracture, but a feeling of having a stuffy nose may be noticed.
- Having a deviated nasal septum can make one nostril more plugged than the other.
HOW TO UNCLOG A STUFFY NOSE WITHOUT MUCUS
Some of the causes of stuffy nose mentioned, such as deviation of the nasal septum, can only be corrected with surgery. However, these natural tips will help relieve the symptoms of stuffy nose in many cases:
- Maintain good nasal hygiene by performing nasal washes.
- Make nasal mists (for example, thyme) from time to time, covering your head and inhaling the steam for a few minutes. You can also inhale the steam from the bathroom when you go to shower.
- When lying down, stay in a slightly upright position or with your head raised to prevent even greater congestion.
- Put a warm damp cloth on your face several times a day.
- Avoid blowing hard because you could further damage the nasal mucosa.
