Blocked nose without mucus: what could be the cause and how to unclog it with natural remedies

Breathing is the innate and essential process by which we provide our cells with oxygen so they can carry out their functions and we eliminate 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 come to keep it very present when having the stuffy nose (nasal congestion) prevents us from carrying it out normally, something that may be due to different causes.

Stuffy nose without mucus: causes

One of the main symptoms of respiratory infections like the common cold or flu is the nasal congestion, usually with a runny nose. But what happens when we have the stuffy nose without runny nose? What can it be due to?

A stuffy nose is usually due to mucosal inflammation inside the nostrils. This mucosa is the first barrier of defense against microorganisms, allergens and other substances that enter our body through the air we breathe. A stuffy nose without mucus discharge may have various causes:

dry rhinitis

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 runny nose, itching or persistent itching.

It may be caused by the exposure to irritants such as tobacco smoke or other harmful substances. Also the environmental pollution it can irritate the airways and cause inflammation and nasal obstruction.

He abuse of decongestant sprays either sprays with corticosteroids It is another cause of this type of rhinitis. Also some medications for acne or for the treatment of cancer can dry out the mucous membranes temporarily.

rhinosinusitis

The rhinosinusitis is a consequence of the mucus buildup in the sinuses that causes an infection in the area. Usually the cause is a poorly cured cold or flu and people with allergies, asthma, chronic rhinitis or deviations in the nasal septum are more at risk of suffering from it.

The main symptom is blocked or stuffy nose, which may or may not be accompanied by mucus (when the mucus is very thick). there may also be pain in the faceheadache and partial or total loss of smell.

The chronic rhinosinusitis is the one that lasts more than 3 months or that is repeated throughout the year and, although its symptoms are less intense, it can damage the tissues of the paranasal sinuses. According to the Spanish Society of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (SEORL-CCC), almost 12% of the population You have some type of chronic rhinosinusitis.

nasal polyps

Nasal polyps are caused by a chronic inflammation of the nasal passages which causes soft, painless benign masses inside the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.

Their causes are not entirely clearbut 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 hardly cause symptoms. In case they are larger, at first there will be nasal congestion and later it can appear Sleep apnea, loss of smell and pressure and facial pain. 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 the most injuries and fractures (for example, due to traffic accidents, domestic accidents or while playing sports) due to its prominence.

Trauma to the nose can cause inflammation of the nasal passages or a dislocation or deviation of the nasal septum. In some cases, the swelling may go unnoticed, especially if there is no fracture, but a stuffy feeling may be noted.

Having a deviated septum can make you notice a nostril more stuffy than the other.

How to clear a stuffy nose without runny nose

Some of the mentioned causes of stuffy nose, such as a deviated septum, can only be corrected with surgery. However, these natural tips they will help you relieve stuffy nose symptoms in many cases:

Maintain good nasal hygiene by performing nasal washes.Makes nasal fumes (e.g. 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 you go to bed, stay in a slightly upright position or with your head elevated to prevent further congestion.Place a wet warm cloth on the face several times a day.Avoid blowing loudly because you could further damage the nasal mucosa.