Hyderabad ENT surgeon explains why you wake up with a blocked nose in the morning: ‘When a person lies down…’

Do you wake up in the morning with a blocked nose which makes starting your day very uncomfortable? Then the whole morning feels sluggish before it’s even started, as you’re left sneezing or constantly reaching for the handkerchief to wipe it off. To understand this common concern, HT Lifestyle contacted Dr. Manushruta, Consultant ENT, Head and Neck Surgeon at Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad. He confirmed that this is indeed a common issue, but one should see if it is happening frequently. Because if this happens, it may indicate an underlying nasal or sinus condition that requires medical attention.

Also read: Suffering from nasal allergies? Doctor shares 4 practical tips to manage triggers

“Morning nasal congestion can occur due to allergies, dryness of the nose, sinusitis or deviation of the nasal septum,” Dr. Manushrut explains about the common causes of nasal congestion in the morning.

The ENT surgeon further explained how blocked nose occurs. “During sleep, mucus accumulates, and when a person lies down, the nasal passages swell due to increased blood flow, causing a stuffy feeling upon waking,” he said.

This means that when you are sleeping at night, as you are lying flat, mucus can swell and drain into the nasal passages. This results in you feeling a blocked nose in the morning, even if you were fine the night before.

4 common triggers

There are many everyday habits and environmental factors that can cause nasal congestion in the morning. ENT surgeons have listed these 4 common triggers:

1. Exposure to dust particles, pet dander or mold in the bedroom.
2. Using air conditioners or heaters that dry out the air.
3. Sleeping under the fan.
4. Even reflux or certain sleeping positions can contribute to congestion.

How to get relief from blocked nose at night?

According to Dr. Manushruta, the solution to nasal congestion is to keep the nasal passages clean and moist. Now, to keep the nasal passages moist, you have to pay attention to both environmental and physical factors, ensuring that the air is not too dry as well as maintaining proper nasal hygiene to reduce mucus buildup.

Dr. Manushruta suggested these 6 tips:

1. Use saline nasal spray or rinse with salt water before bed and after waking up.
2. Maintain good hygiene in the bedroom; Wash bed linens in hot water weekly.
3. Use dust-proof covers and keep pets away from the sleeping area.
4. A humidifier can help if the air is dry.
5. One should avoid strong room fresheners, and incense sticks can reduce irritation.
6. Inhaling steam for 5-10 minutes in the morning can also help loosen mucus and open the nasal passages.

When to see a doctor?

But just because it’s common doesn’t mean it should be ignored. Morning congestion that keeps returning again and again may indicate possible ENT-related problems. If the blockage persists for more than two weeks or is accompanied by warning signs like snoring, loss of smell, facial pressure or frequent sinus headaches, Dr Manushrut recommends visiting an ENT specialist.

He described possible treatments, saying, “Chronic congestion may be caused by sinusitis, nasal polyps, or a deviated septum, which may require medical treatment or minor corrective procedures.”

So with timely medical care and treatment, this problem of nasal congestion can be easily managed. It reduces breathing problems and improves sleep quality.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.