is there anything that i can do about my nose clogging up when i lay down ? it happens to the lower nostril?

Question

I try using Naseral. I normally end up using Afrin eventually 'cause I can't sleep. I have even tried a cayenne pepper spray called sinus buster. it always happens when I recline, normally on my side. Please help!

Answer 1

Try nasal irrigation. It is inexpensive, safe and works.

A Simple, Inexpensive Way to Relieve Nasal Symptoms
Those who suffer from chronic sinusitis or from nasal allergies may want to try one of the most effective methods for clearing out sticky, persistent mucus that clogs sinuses -- nasal irrigation.

Why It Helps
Nasal irrigation is a procedure that uses a saline solution to cleanse the nasal passages. It helps do the following:

Clear out sticky, persistent mucus.
Temporarily reduce symptoms of post nasal drainage.
Help reduce nasal congestion.
Cleanse and rid the nostrils of pollen and other irritants or contaminants.
Relieve nasal dryness.
Improve breathing.
Reduce cough caused by post nasal drip.
The Saline Solution
A saline solution for irrigation is easy to make. To make an isotonic solution (one similar to the salt content of your bodily fluids), mix 1/4-teaspoon salt in an 8-ounce glass of warm water and add a pinch (1/4-tsp.) of baking soda. Discard any unused solution.
You may chose to use filtered or distilled water if your water contains a lot of chemicals. Table salt can be used, but many prefer to use non-iodized canning or pickling salt.

If you do not want to make your own solution, you can also purchase sterile saline at your local pharmacy or grocery store. You can find it in the contact lens care section of the store. The purchased solutions, however, do not contain baking soda. Using baking soda improves the mucus-solvent properties of the solution.


Different Methods of Nasal Irrigation
Once the saline solution is ready, it needs to be put in some sort of container that can be inserted in the nostril. That is, if you don't want to snuff the solution out of your hand. Here are a few containers that work for irrigation:

High capacity syringes - ear or nose
Neti pot
Nose spray bottles
A straw
Grossan Sinus Irrigator Tip - a Water Pik attachment
The container should allow a continuous flow of saline solution to pass from one nostril to the next.

How To Irrigate Your Sinuses
This is the trickiest part. Even though it is easy, it is awkward until you get used to it. Once you have the solution in a container:

Lower your head over a sink.
Turn your neck so your left nostril is down.
Keep your nose slightly higher than your mouth.
Pour solution from the container into your right nostril.
Water will drain from your left nostril into the sink.
Gently blow your nose.
Repeat if needed.
Repeat the same process for other nostril.
To keep the solution from running into your mouth, breathe continuously through your mouth.

How Often Should It Be Used?
Nasal irrigation is not addictive and is safe for everyone no matter how long it is used or how often. For best results, it should be used once or twice a day.

Answer 2

There are good suggestions in the above answers. I would recommend using the salt water irrigation and also elevate the head of your bed by putting a couple of bricks under the 2 legs, to get the head up about 6 inches. Feels weird at first but you will sleep a lot better.

Answer 3

Elevate your head on 2-3 pillows. Use saline based nose sprays. The others are habit forming and just make the situation worse.

Answer 4

This is very common. Its likely to be an allergy to dust mite and that is why you get it when you lie down. Try putting your pillows in the freezer to kill the dust mite and wash your bedding regularly to see if this helps at all. Taking a simple anti-histamine may also prove effective. As always if the problem persists go to your GP (As it is only when you lie down I think it unlikely to be your septum)

Answer 5

I sleep on a very little pillow, which I put under my neck and the head leans backwards, so no nasal backup when I awake. I don't even get a stiff neck, since the pillow is so tiny.

Answer 6

Try raising the head of your bed 6 inches that seems to help me. It also helps my reflux. Have you ever tried those Breath Right strips that go on your nose? They too have worked for me. Good luck.

Answer 7

If you have cleaned the little men out, you may need to see an Ear,Nose, Throat specialist. I had a polyp that made breathing difficult for me. Get it checked out.

Answer 8

Better visit an EENT...maybe specialist can examine your nose and can give the right medicine...and the doctor can tell you the do's and dont's...sometimes taking a lot of medications worsens...t.c.

Answer 9

Happens to most people. A good decongestant should work but when I get desperate I use niquil

Answer 10

benidryle works sometimes or any otc allergy medicines might help are those nose strips that go across the bridge of your nose, forgot what they call them