A stuffy nose can mean a rough night’s rest, which can wear on you all day long.
Although it’s most pronounced in cold and flu season, for many, it is often an ongoing problem. If nasal congestion is keeping you up at night, it might be time to consult a rhinoplasty surgeon.
Why am I Only Congested at Night?
It’s a strange phenomenon that the nose only seems to get stuffed up at night, right when it’s most inconvenient. In truth, nasal congestion isn’t limited to bedtime, even though it often feels that way.
If your nose is stuffed up at night, it’s been stuffy all day. During the day you’re simply too busy and experience too many other stimuli to notice.
As you get ready to rest, there’s nothing to focus on except for breathing, and any difficulty is much more pronounced.
What Causes Nasal Congestion
Sickness or Allergens
Allergens are the most common source of nasal congestion. If you find that your nose gets stuff around the same time each year, seasonal allergies are the most likely culprit.
Over-the-counter allergy medications can help as a temporary solution, helping you get through the night. But the best solution is to remove allergens, such as dust and pet dander, from the bedroom.
Vacuuming, using an air purifier, and keeping pets out of the bedroom are all potential solutions.
Sickness can also be a cause of temporary congestion. Viral infections, like the common cold, are notorious for causing stuffy noses. They create extra mucous, which blocks the nose. Rest and medication are your best bet here.
As well, acid reflux is a potential cause. It affects the throat, which is closely connected to the nasal packages. As a result, it can cause congestion, making it difficult to breathe.
Pregnancy
Any significant hormonal changes, like those that occur during pregnancy, can cause excess blood flow to the nose. In turn, this inflames blood vessels causing nasal congestion.
If you are pregnant, do not take any medications or use nasal sprays until you consult with a doctor. Until then, keep hydrated and elevate your head during sleep to help reduce the congestion.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is the most common cause of persistent nasal congestion. This condition interferes with mucous drainage. The mucous pools, causing swelling and inflammation of the sinuses.
A doctor may prescribe treatments to alleviate sinusitis and/or its symptoms. If it continues to persist for three months while undergoing treatment, it is classified as chronic sinusitis. Once it reaches the chronic phase, it may require surgical intervention.
Functional Rhinoplasty Surgery
As with sleep apnea, functional rhinoplasty can help reduce the night time woes of chronic sinusitis. Surgical intervention offers a permanent, effective way to put an end to congestion.
This approach typically employs endoscopic sinus surgery. The surgeon uses a thin endoscope to conduct the procedure. The incision is made on the inside of the nostrils, leaving no visible scar. After three, or more, months of congested sleep, the 3-5 days of recovery for this treatment are a more than fair tradeoff.
Get Rhinoplasty for OSA in Toronto
If you’re trusting your sleep to anyone, your best bet is a highly-qualified doctor with a strong track record.
Dr. Rival is an Otolaryngologist who specializes in Facial Plastic Surgery, with an emphasis on rhinoplasty. He is a fellow of the American and Canadian Academies of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
For your consultation at one of Dr. Rival’s Toronto-Newmarket area offices, reach out to us today.