Waking up with a stuffy nose can be uncomfortable and annoying. Sometimes, it clears up on its own after a few hours, but for some people, it lingers. What causes morning nasal congestion, and how can you deal with it? Learn more in the following review!

Common causes of morning nasal congestion

Nasal congestion happens when your nasal passages become inflamed or blocked. The most common culprits are allergies or infections, but other factors such as hormonal disturbances or more serious health issues can also contribute.

Here are some typical causes of a stuffy nose in the morning:

Allergies

If you wake up with a stuffy nose, it could be a sign of allergic rhinitis, an inflammation of the nose triggered by allergens. While you sleep, you may be exposed to allergens in your bed, like dust, mites, or pet dander. These allergens can cause an allergic reaction, leading to a stuffy nose, runny nose, or sneezing when you wake up.

To fix it, keep your sleeping area clean. Regularly wash your bed sheets, pillowcases, and curtains. Clean your windows and other surfaces in your room, and vacuum to remove any invisible dust and debris.

Flu or cold

Another common cause of morning congestion is having a cold or the flu. When you’re sick, your body produces extra mucus as part of the immune response to fight the infection.

GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition where stomach acid flows back into the throat, which can cause nasal congestion. GERD is also associated with rhinitis and may worsen at night.

For those with GERD, relief measures include:

• Avoid spicy and fatty foods before bed
• Elevate the head of the bed while sleeping
• Do not eat heavy meals close to bedtime

Sinusitis

Sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinuses, can also cause a stuffy nose. This condition is characterized by swelling of the sinuses, which are small cavities in your facial bones. It is commonly caused by an infection such as a cold or flu, as well as other medical conditions. In addition to congestion, sinusitis usually causes pressure or pain, reduced sense of smell, headaches, toothaches, and green or yellow nasal discharge.

Cigarette smoke

Exposure to cigarette smoke, even secondhand, can irritate your nasal passages and cause congestion. Studies have shown that smokers are more likely to develop chronic rhinitis. Cigarette smoke can also increase the risk of developing rhinitis. If you are dealing with a stuffy nose due to cigarette smoke exposure, it is best to consult a doctor for proper treatment.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, hormonal changes and increased blood flow can cause nasal congestion. This often starts early in pregnancy and usually improves in the second or third trimester. To relieve nasal congestion due to hormonal changes, you can do this in the following way:

• Elevate your head while sleeping
• Exercise regularly
• Wash your nose with a saline nasal rinse

Pregnant women should exercise caution when taking any medication, including those for nasal congestion, and should consult a doctor if they have persistent health issues.

Anyone can wake up with a stuffy nose, and the way you manage it depends on the cause. You can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

Looking for more information about other diseases? Click here!