A stuffed nose is a common complaint. It can be a symptom of seasonal ailments like colds or allergies. Let's explore the causes and discover some easy remedies.

Stuffed nose? An irritating inflammation

In most cases a stuffed nose is the result of inflammation of the airways, which increases mucous production and interferes with physiological drainage, resulting in an unpleasant sense of nasal congestion that can get worse at night when lying face up.

Nasal congestion: from allergies to sinusitis

Nasal congestion can have a variety of causes, besides the common cold: from an allergy – an excessive immune response to certain substances known as allergens – to sinusitis, an inflammation of the mucous membranes that reduces the normal functions of the upper respiratory system.

Allergic rhinitis

Nasal congestion is a near continuous symptom in cases of allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal mucosa caused by pollen, dust or other allergens). Allergic rhinitis affects anywhere from 10 to 20 percent of the global population. Scientific studies have found that the exponential growth in the percentage of people with allergic rhinitis seen in recent years is a result of increased patient awareness.

Opening the airways

A variety of remedies are available to counter the symptoms described above: nasal decongestants, steam inhalation, nasal irrigation. However, the most common form of congestion of this initial segment of the respiratory tract can be alleviated with the application of nasal strips. Nasal strips are devices that open the airways by gently pulling the nasal wings apart. This promotes airflow through the nose rather than the mouth and can even limit nocturnal snoring. Nasal plasters have long been used for sports activities, as a means of moderately improving performance.

No more nighttime concerts

Nasal congestion is one of the causes of snoring, a sleep ailment resulting from vibrations generated by the tortuous passage of air through the initial airways, especially when breathing in. In adults, approximately 40% of men and 24% of women snore. Snoring is prevalent with increasing age, especially in men over 50, during pregnancy, and in obese individuals. By facilitating airflow through the nose rather than the mouth, nasal plasters can help reduce or even eliminate snoring.

For sports activities

Nasal strips have long been used in recreational and competitive sports to boost performance and reduce fatigue caused by difficult breathing. By providing smoother airflow through the respiratory system, they help athletes focus their energy on crossing the finishing line.