Why does my nose become blocked when I get a cold?When the mucus membrane lining of the nasal passages become irritated by an allergy or infection, the blood vessels which supply the membrane become enlarged. This leads to the accumulation of fluids in the surrounding tissues and promotes the production of increased amounts of mucus.
This is typically what happens when we get a cold or have an allergic response to an allergen, such as pollen in the case of hay fever. Congestion can also occur in the sinuses - the open air spaces within the skull - leading to sinusitis.
Following a bad cold last month my nose was really blocked up so I used a decongestant nasal spray. Although my cold is gone and I'm still using the spray, my nose has become blocked again, this time even worse than before. Why has this happened?
Although decongestants, used in the form of drops or sprays, work well in relieving blocked noses, using one for too long or too often can lead to something called "rebound congestion".
Most topical decongestants work by constricting the blood vessels in the mucus membrane of the nasal passages and sinuses, thereby reducing the swelling and mucus production. If overused, however, they can cause the blood vessels to over-dilate leading to even worse congestion. The best way to use a topical decongestant is to take only the minimum effective dose and to use them sparingly. Avoid taking them on a regular basis.
Can you suggest an alternative treatment I can use when my nose is blocked?
A blocked nose is a common symptom of a common cold but you may find that you do not always have to resort to topical decongestant use to clear it. Steam inhalation can be very effective in clearing the nose and sinuses. Adding a couple of drops of menthol or eucalyptus oil to the hot water before inhaling will also help.
Decongestants should be used only when steam has proved ineffective or in those who have recurrent sinusitis or middle ear infections. In this case, your GP may prescribe a course of oral decongestant, which does not usually cause rebound congestion, rather than drop or spray decongestants.