If this condition persists, it will not only cause fatigue and sleep deprivation but may also be a warning sign of many ear, nose, and throat diseases that require early treatment.
- Common causes of nighttime nasal congestion
- Due to physiological reasons
- Due to allergic rhinitis
- Due to sinusitis
- Due to gastroesophageal reflux
- Due to sleeping with air conditioning and fans on for extended periods.
- Due to nasal structural abnormalities
Nocturnal nasal congestion can stem from a variety of causes, ranging from simple physiological changes to chronic conditions such as sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, or structural abnormalities of the nose.
Common causes of nighttime nasal congestion
Due to physiological reasons
One of the most common causes of nighttime nasal congestion is the physiological change in the body when lying down to sleep. When the body shifts to a lying position, blood tends to flow more to the head and neck area. This makes the nasal passages more prone to congestion and swelling, narrowing the nasal airways. As a result, patients experience difficulty breathing, nasal congestion, or have to breathe through their mouths while sleeping.
This condition is commonly seen in people who:
- Lack of physical activity during the day.
- Sleeping with a pillow that's too low.
- The bedroom is stuffy and lacks ventilation.
- The sleeping environment is too dry due to frequent use of air conditioning.
Typically, nasal congestion caused by physiological factors will improve with a change in posture or after waking up in the morning.
Due to allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is a very common cause of persistent nasal congestion, especially at night and in the early morning.
Nocturnal nasal congestion is a fairly common condition, causing discomfort and insomnia.
Bedrooms contain many allergens that are difficult to see with the naked eye, such as:
- House dust
- Dust mites in bedding and mattresses
- Dog and cat hair
- Mold
- Cigarette smoke
When exposed to these allergens, the nasal mucosa overreacts, causing swelling and increased mucus secretion.
Patients often have accompanying symptoms such as:
- Constant sneezing
- Clear runny nose
- Itchy nose
- Nasal congestion worsens at night.
If left uncontrolled, allergic rhinitis can affect sleep, cause persistent fatigue, and increase the risk of chronic sinusitis.
Due to sinusitis
Acute or chronic rhinitis and sinusitis are also common causes of nighttime nasal congestion.
When lying down to sleep, secretions in the sinuses and nasal cavities tend to accumulate, further obstructing the airways. Patients often experience noticeable shortness of breath when lying down, especially in a side-lying position.
In addition to nasal congestion, people with sinusitis may also experience:
- Severe pain in the forehead and cheek area.
- Yellow or green nasal discharge
- The sensation of fluid flowing down the throat.
- Coughing at night
- Bad breath
If the condition persists for several weeks without improvement, the patient should consult an ENT specialist for proper treatment of the underlying cause.
Due to gastroesophageal reflux
Few people know that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is also linked to nighttime nasal congestion.
When lying down to sleep, stomach acid can reflux into the throat and nose, irritating the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. This leads to mucosal edema, nasal congestion, and throat discomfort.
People with acid reflux often have additional symptoms such as:
- Heartburn
- Bitter taste in the mouth
- Dry cough at night
- Morning hoarseness
- A feeling of something stuck in the throat
Effectively managing reflux disease also significantly improves nighttime nasal congestion symptoms.
Due to sleeping with air conditioning and fans on for extended periods.
In hot weather, many families use air conditioners or fans all night. However, cold, dry air can cause the nasal mucosa to lose its natural moisture.
When the nasal mucosa dries out, the body reacts by increasing congestion to protect the mucosa, which causes a feeling of nasal congestion.
Habits that can easily worsen the condition include:
- To set the air conditioner temperature too low.
- To direct the fan's airflow directly at your face.
- Failure to clean the air conditioner regularly.
- The bedroom lacks humidity.
Therefore, it is advisable to maintain a room temperature of around 26-27 degrees Celsius and keep the humidity at an appropriate level to protect the respiratory system.
Due to nasal structural abnormalities
Some cases of nighttime nasal congestion stem from structural abnormalities inside the nose, such as:
Deviated nasal septum
Enlarged nasal turbinate
Nasal polyps
Patients often experience nasal congestion lasting for months, sometimes affecting only one nostril, and the symptoms worsen when lying down to sleep.
These cases usually do not improve completely with conventional medication and require specialist examination for proper assessment and treatment.
Therefore, persistent nighttime nasal congestion should not be taken lightly, especially when accompanied by symptoms such as:
- Persistent nasal congestion for several weeks.
- Headache, facial pain
- Yellowish-green nasal discharge
- Snoring, restless sleep
- Coughing that lasts at night
- Difficulty breathing or reduced sense of smell…
Patients should visit an ENT specialist if symptoms persist or recur frequently. Accurate identification of the cause will lead to effective treatment, improved sleep quality, and prevention of respiratory complications.
Source: https://suckhoedoisong.vn/ngat-mui-ban-dem-do-dau-169260518151919101.htm
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