Overview
Breathing through your nose should come naturally, but it can be a constant struggle for many, especially at night or when lying down. If you find yourself frequently wondering, “Why can’t I breathe through my nose?” you’re not alone. Nasal obstruction and chronic sinusitis are the most common reasons for difficulty breathing through the nose. These issues can range from something as simple as a stuffy nose due to a cold to more complex conditions like a deviated septum or chronic nasal inflammation. While some may only need time to recover from a sinus infection, others might require medical interventions such as medication or surgery. Keep reading to find out how your trouble breathing correlates with shortness of breath, dizziness, or interferes with your daily activities.
Why can’t I breathe through my nose?
It is estimated that nasal congestion affects about 30% of the population. Breathing through your nose should be effortless, but various conditions can make it difficult for many. Here are some common causes:
1. Deviated septum
One of the leading causes of nasal obstruction is a deviated septum. This occurs when the thin wall between your nasal passages is deviated or off-center, making breathing harder through one or both nostrils. A deviated septum can be present from birth or result from an injury.
- Treatment often involves septoplasty, a surgical procedure to straighten the septum, which can significantly improve airflow and reduce breathing issues. Surgical interventions can help correct structural issues in the nose, enhancing airflow and providing long-term relief from congestion.
2. Nasal polyps
Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths that form inside the nasal passages due to chronic inflammation caused by allergies, asthma, or recurring infections. These growths can block airflow, making it feel like your nose is perpetually congested.
- Nasal polyps can be treated with corticosteroid sprays, surgery, or a minimally invasive balloon sinuplasty procedure to remove or shrink them. Nasal corticosteroids are commonly prescribed for individuals with chronic allergies or nasal polyps. They help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and can shrink polyps, improving breathing.
3. Allergies
Seasonal allergies can cause inflammation in the nasal tissues, leading to swelling and congestion, even without mucus buildup. Allergies trigger the immune system to release chemicals that inflame the nasal passages, making it difficult to breathe through the nose.
- Treatments include antihistamines, nasal sprays, and avoiding known allergens. Decongestants and antihistamines reduce swelling and inflammation in the nasal passages, making breathing easier. Antihistamines are especially effective if allergies cause congestion.
4. Chronic sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis is a long-term inflammation of the sinuses, often caused by infections, nasal polyps, or a blockage preventing proper drainage. This condition can last months, leaving the nasal passages swollen and congested.
- Treatment may involve corticosteroids, surgery, or balloon sinuplasty to clear blockages and improve airflow.
5. Nasal valve collapse
The nasal valve is the narrowest part of your nasal passage, and when it weakens or collapses, it can severely restrict airflow. This may occur due to injury, previous surgery, or weakened cartilage.
- Treatments for nasal valve collapse include nasal implants like LATERA, which support the nasal walls and keep the airway open, or surgery to strengthen the area.
6. Enlarged turbinates
Turbinates are small structures inside your nose that filter and humidify your air. However, infections or allergies can cause them to swell, restricting airflow and making breathing harder, especially at night.
- Treatment options include nasal sprays to reduce inflammation or, in severe cases, surgery to shrink the turbinates.
If you consistently struggle to breathe through your nose, it’s important to consult a doctor to determine the cause and find the appropriate treatment. From medication to surgical procedures, some solutions can help you breathe freely again. These treatments aim to reduce nasal blockage and alleviate discomfort, ultimately improving sleep quality and overall well-being.
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What happens if you can’t breathe through your nose?
Chronic nasal obstruction can cause more than just discomfort. When you can’t breathe through your nose, you may develop a mouth-breathing habit, which can lead to various issues. Mouth breathing might solve the immediate need for airflow, but over time, it can result in:
- Dry mouth: Breathing through your mouth can dry out your oral tissues, leading to bad breath and increasing the risk of dental problems like cavities and gum disease.
- Sleep disturbances: Nasal blockage often leads to trouble sleeping, causing frequent awakenings, snoring, and even conditions like sleep apnea. This can result in daytime fatigue and diminished focus.
- Headaches: Ongoing nasal obstruction can contribute to headaches and sinus pressure.
- Facial structure changes: Long-term mouth breathing may also impact facial development, particularly in children, leading to changes in jaw alignment and dental issues.
Addressing chronic nasal congestion is essential for maintaining proper airflow, preventing complications, and improving your quality of life.
Why do I feel suffocating when I breathe through my nose at night?
If you’re struggling to breathe through your nose at night, it’s often due to the effects of gravity when lying down, which can worsen congestion. This congestion may be caused by several factors, including:
- Allergies: Exposure to allergens like dust mites or pet dander can lead to nasal inflammation and swelling, making it harder to breathe while sleeping.
- Sinusitis: Chronic sinus infections can cause persistent inflammation, leading to blocked nasal passages and difficulty breathing at night due to mucus buildup.
- Enlarged turbinates: These structures inside your nose help filter and humidify the air. When they become enlarged, they can obstruct airflow, especially when lying down.
Nasal inflammation and swelling restrict airflow and make it difficult to clear mucus, contributing to a feeling of suffocation. These issues can significantly impact your sleep quality, leading to restless nights and disrupted breathing.
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How to sleep when you can’t breathe through your nose?
Struggling to sleep when you can’t breathe through your nose can be frustrating, but these tips can help:
- Elevate your head: Keeping your head propped up with extra pillows or using a wedge pillow can reduce congestion. Lying flat often worsens congestion, so elevating your head helps promote better airflow while sleeping.
- Use a humidifier: Dry air can exacerbate nasal congestion. Running a humidifier in your bedroom adds moisture to the air, soothing your nasal passages and making breathing easier.
- Saline sprays: A saline spray before bed can help keep your nasal passages moist and clear, allowing for easier breathing throughout the night.
- Steam therapy: Taking a hot, steamy shower before bed can open up nasal passages, making breathing easier when lying down.
- Nasal strips: Nasal strips effectively open the nasal passages mechanically, providing temporary relief and improving airflow as you sleep.
- Over-the-counter remedies: Steroid or decongestant nasal sprays can also help reduce inflammation and congestion, giving you some relief at night. However, avoid prolonged use of decongestants as they may worsen symptoms over time.
- Honey: Consuming a teaspoon of honey before bed can soothe your throat and reduce coughing, potentially helping you sleep better when dealing with nasal congestion.
Combining these methods can significantly improve sleep quality even when nasal congestion makes breathing difficult.
Treat nasal congestion and breathe freely.
When to consult a doctor?
It’s essential to consult a doctor if your nasal congestion persists for more than 10 days, especially if you experience additional symptoms such as:
- A high fever
- Thick yellow or green nasal discharge
- Sinus pain or facial swelling
If you can’t breathe through your nose at night, it could be more than a minor inconvenience. Persistent nasal blockage may indicate a more serious condition, such as nasal valve collapse. In such cases, seeing an ENT specialist is recommended to rule out or treat underlying issues.
FAQs about the can’t breathe through nose
A deviated septum occurs when the nasal septum is significantly off-center, causing one nasal passage to be smaller. In severe cases, this can block one side of the nose, making it difficult to breathe through that nostril.
Symptoms of nasal valve collapse include difficulty breathing, especially during exercise or lying down, mouth breathing during the day, snoring at night, and constant nasal congestion.
While you can manage the symptoms of a deviated septum with remedies like nasal sprays and humidifiers, correcting the septum itself usually requires a surgical procedure known as septoplasty.
To perform left nostril breathing, close your right nostril with your thumb and gently exhale through the left nostril. Then, breathe in slowly through the left nostril. This method, often used in yogic practices, can help with relaxation.
