When you have a blocked nose, your nasal passages become inflamed and swollen, restricting airflow and often leading to a build-up of mucus.
Understanding Nasal Congestion
A blocked nose, also known as nasal congestion or a stuffy nose, occurs when the tissues lining your nasal passages become inflamed. This inflammation leads to several noticeable changes:
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Swollen Nasal Passages: The inflammation causes the blood vessels in your nose to dilate, leading to swelling of the nasal tissues. This swelling narrows the nasal passages, making it harder for air to pass through.
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Difficulty Breathing: The constricted airflow due to the swollen passages makes it difficult to breathe comfortably through your nose. You may find yourself breathing more through your mouth.
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Mucus Build-up: The inflammation can also stimulate the production of more mucus. The swelling makes it harder to drain this mucus, leading to a build-up in your nasal passages. This excess mucus further contributes to the feeling of congestion.
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Potential Causes: A blocked nose is commonly caused by:
- Viral infections: Such as the common cold or flu.
- Allergies: Like hay fever.
- Sinus infections (sinusitis): Inflammation of the sinuses.
- Irritants: Such as smoke or pollution.
Summary
In essence, a blocked nose involves inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages, which restricts airflow and often leads to a build-up of mucus, making it difficult to breathe through your nose.
