What stuffs a stuffy nose?

Question

Why is it that when you have a stuffy nose it's stuffy? What makes it congested and feel like it's closed on one side? There's nothing in there when you look but no air will go through it...it's one of life's many mysteries that I can't quite understand...any thoughts?

Answer 1

The mucus glands in your sinus cavities are constantly creating a thin mucus to lubricate the tissues. This serves two purposes; to keep them from drying out, which would cause them to crack, bleed, and generally be unhealthy, and also to help your sense of smell. The particles in the air are trapped and moistened so your olfactory nerves can detect what is in your environment. Unfortunately, some of these same particles cause irritation, such as dust, pollen, and bacteria. So as a defense, the mucus glands kick into overdrive to essentially coat the cause of the irritation. If it is bacteria that's causing the problem, your body sends white blood cells to fight it off. That's why the doc asks you what color the discharge is. If it's yellow or green, then the white blood cells are attacking an infection. If it's clear, then your body is just coating an irritating particle like dust or pollen.
The reason you feel stuffy, but can't see the blockage is that the ongoing mucus thickening is up in your sinus cavities, far enough not to see, but close enough to the respiratory tract to cause obstruction. Gravity can be used to determine where the mucus tends to flow. (ok, this is a bit gross, but you asked LOL) If you sleep on your side, you'll notice you're stuffier on the lower side.
If you sleep on your back, your sinuses tend to clear slightly, but be careful you don't choke on the stuff going down your throat. (OK...all together now...
EEEEEWWWWWW) hehehe

To go a little farther, let me explain how antihistamines work to clear up the stuffiness. The receptors that tell your body to have a reaction to certain particles are called histamines. The medicine blocks these receptors, which makes the body think there isn't anything there that will cause problems, therefore it slows down the mucus production. This works well for simple allergic reactions, but infections need to be treated by antibiotics because the bacteria are multiplying, rather than a simple speck of dust that lands where it isn't wanted.

I know this went a little farther than what you were asking, but I can't help it...I love sharing knowledge. LOL

Hope this helps!!
Blessings

Answer 2

DRY HEAT CAUSES STUFFY NOSE U PROBABLY HAVE AN ALL ELECTRIC FURNACE. TRY GETTING A VAPORIZOR AND LET IT MOISTURIZE THE HOUSE SO TTHAT THE AIR ISN'T SO DRY.