Many things can cause nighttime nasal congestion. It can be caused by certain allergens or because you have a cold. You can have a hot cup of tea or take some cold medicines for quick relief of your nighttime nasal congestion. However, things would be different if you experience nasal congestion during pregnancy.
Causes of nighttime nasal congestion
Allergies and irritants. As many as 30% of adults and 40% in children are affected by nighttime nasal congestion because of allergies. Many irritants can cause nasal congestion even if you are not allergic to them. Examples of these would include cigarette smoke, or on days when there is very heavy air pollution.
Colds. If you have a cold, a stuffy nose would be a normal occurrence. Getting a good rest would be one of the ways to get rid of a cold, but sometimes if you are suffering from a cold, this can be difficult.
Deviated septum. The septum is the cartilage that separates each nostril form the other. If you have a deviated septum, it would be hard for you to breathe through one or both of your nostrils.
Drug-free relief from nighttime nasal congestion
Although many over-the-counter medicines can be used to provide relief from a stuffy nose, there are also drug-free methods that people can use.
Nasal strips. Nasal strips are a good option to get rid of a stuffy nose. Whether you are pregnant and cannot take any over-the-counter medicine, or if you just would like to use more natural and drug-free ways to get rid of your nighttime nasal congestion, nose strips would be a good idea. These strips are stuck onto the nose and can be used for up to 12 hours long (or all through the night) for long-lasting relief.
Nasal sprays. You may also opt to use a nasal spray on your stuffed-up nose. If you are pregnant though, consult your doctor before using any nasal spray because not all sprays would be safe to use during pregnancy.
Nasal congestion may not be a serious symptom, but it can cause discomfort and have many negative effects on daily life. Medicines get rid of some of the symptoms, but then some colds would have to take their full course before they go away. Increasing fluid intake is always a good idea and can also help relieve nasal congestion. If you are pregnant and would want relief from a stuffy nose, it would be a good idea to consult your doctor before buying any medicines. Your doctor will be able to advise you which medicines would be safe for you to take, and they will also advise you on which drug-free treatment methods would work best for you. The goal is to be able to get relief from nighttime nasal congestion so that you will be able to sleep better at night, as well as gain knowledge on what you can do just in case you experience a cold again.
