The obstruction of the nasal passages is a problem that generates a lot of discomfort for those who have it. The difficulty in breathing can trigger other alterations that can put the patient at risk.
The sensation of a stuffy nose without mucus occurs very frequently for different reasons and can cause the affected person to breathe through the mouth, an undesirable action. In addition, this nasal congestion can cause hearing disorders and snoring, sleep disorders, and even what is known as sleep apnea. Next, in this FastlyHealarticle, you will learn much more about a stuffy nose without mucus: the causes that trigger it, the appropriate medical treatments, and the most used home remedies to relieve it.
Table of Contents
Stuffy nose without mucus: causes
Runny nose without mucus can occur from several causes, including:
- Infectious processes of the paranasal sinuses or adenoids: the accumulation of discharge in cavities such as the paranasal sinuses or other cavities of the face that empty into the nose can cause nasal obstruction and, at the same time, cause sinusitis. Sinusitis is the inflammation of the mucosa of the paranasal sinuses, which generates a nasal obstruction.
- Enlarged or inflamed turbinates: Allergies or infections cause nasal obstruction due to inflammation of the turbinates.
- Presence of a foreign body: this sensation of a stuffy nose without mucus due to a foreign body is common in children, as small objects such as buttons, seeds, peanuts, necklace clips are introduced into the nostrils obstructing them.
- Enlargement of the adenoids: they are part of the lymphatic system, are located in the upper part of the tonsils behind the nose, and can increase in size due to an infectious process that causes difficulty breathing. This condition is prevalent in children.
- Nasal cysts or tumors: sometimes, a stuffy nose can be due to benign or malignant tumors or a cyst. Generally, this is usually covered on the injury’s side.
- Deviation of the nasal septum: The nasal septum is a bone that serves as a division between the right and left sides of the nose. When this septum moves to one side or the other, it can obstruct the side where it goes. This can present from the moment of birth or after trauma during the development of life, giving rise to a nasal obstruction without the presence of mucus.
- Choanal atresia or stenosis of the piriformis opening: this alteration occurs when the back of the nose is closed by a bone or tissue at the time of birth. This obstruction can be bilateral or unilateral. When it is bilateral, it can be observed from the moment of conception, unlike when it is unilateral, which becomes evident years after birth.
- Nasal polyps: in the nasal mucosa, you can see a growth in the shape of a grape cluster that gives rise to what is known as nasal polyps, which can cause nasal obstruction and shortness of breath.
Stuffy nose without mucus: associated symptoms
The symptoms that can accompany a stuffy nose without mucus are the following:
- Difficulty breathing through the nose.
- Headache or facial level.
- Plugged ears.
- Dry mouth.
- Nasal bleeding.
- Sleep disturbance.
- Poor performance, especially during sports.
- Loss of concentration
- Irritability.
- Alteration of sexual desire
Stuffy nose without mucus: medical treatment
When the cause of a stuffy nose without mucus is determined, treatment should be directed to the reason causing the congestion. The specialist indicated to treat this condition is the otolaryngologist.
In the beginning, a good physical examination will be carried out to make a precise diagnosis. According to the patient’s symptoms, medications will be indicated orally or applied locally in a spray to reduce inflammation of the nasal mucosa and allow air passage.
In some cases, to solve the obstruction, it will be necessary to perform surgery if there is a deviation in the nasal septum presence of cysts, polyps, or tumors.
The treatment will be effective as long as a good diagnosis is made, so do not hesitate to go to the doctor with nasal obstruction or difficulty breathing.
Home remedies for stuffy nose without snot
To decongest the nose, it is possible to resort to some effective natural remedies. Of course, you must bear in mind that these do not replace medical treatments in any case and should only be used if they are not counterproductive to your health.
- Eucalyptus oil is a good anti-inflammatory and antibacterial nasal decongestant, so it is ideal to use it when you feel a stuffy nose without mucus. It would be best to use a few drops of this essential oil on a handkerchief, inspiring its aroma. It can also be placed on the pillow to prevent nasal congestion and breathe better during sleep.
- Onion: it is recommended to peel, cut an onion and smell it for 5 minutes. With this, the nasal passages will be decongested. If you have this feeling of a stuffy nose without mucus at night, place an onion cut in half in the room near your bed to breathe better at night while you sleep.
- Ginger: it is a natural remedy with multiple uses. It is an excellent nasal decongestant. You can consume it grated, mixing a teaspoon in a glass of hot water, then ingesting it or taking inhalations.
- Garlic is a natural home remedy often used as an antiviral in viral infections, flu, or cold. The smell of garlic decongests the nasal passages, allowing better breathing.
- Hot drinks: infusions or hot teas relieve inflammation of the nose and throat membranes, so it is recommended to drink hot beverages several times a day and before sleeping to improve breathing.
- Steam inhalations: through steam, the airways are humidified, relieving nasal congestion. The function of the moisture is to soften the nasal mucosa.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Stuffy nose without mucus: causes, treatment, and remedies, we recommend entering our Ear, nose, and throat category.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.