Find A DoctorStuffy nose in the morning
Do you go to bed breathing clearly only to wake up most mornings with a stuffy nose? That could be an allergic reaction. For instance, dust mite allergy can cause the same congestion or rhinitis symptoms you get with a cold. Antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids may provide some relief.
That is, once you know the exact cause of your stuffy nose in the morning. It may be due to breathing in an irritant like tobacco smoke. Your healthcare provider will be able to make a diagnosis and talk you through the treatment options.
In this article we’ll look at what could be causing your stuffy nose in the morning and how to manage the congestion.
What’s happening in your body when you get a stuffy nose?
Nasal congestion happens when blood vessels and nasal tissues become inflamed with excess fluid. The cause can vary. For most, a stuffy nose is a minor inconvenience. But it can be more troublesome if it affects your sleep.
Other symptoms associated with a stuffy nose
Nasal congestion sounds as if you should be totally blocked up. But a stuffy nose can go along with a runny nose too, although it doesn’t always.
If dust mite allergens are the cause, you may also get post-nasal drip (when mucus drips down the back of your throat) and itchy, red or watery eyes, as well as skin reactions such as eczema. You can read more about the symptoms of dust mite allergy here.
What could be causing my stuffy nose in the morning?
Allergies, pollution, acid reflux, pregnancy, and medications can all causes a stuffy nose. And some people may find a combination of these factors is contributing to their symptoms.
How to tell if a cold
could be an allergy
Dust mites
Dust mites can thrive in your bedroom, especially in pillows, mattresses and bedding. They also live in upholstered furniture, carpets, curtains and stuffed toys. If you inhale dust mite allergens from your pillow while you sleep, it may make your symptoms worse by giving you a stuffy nose in the morning.
Seasonal allergies
A stuffy nose at specific times of the year could be due to tree, grass or weed pollen allergy, or a reaction to mold spores. The timing and severity of the allergy season varies by location but pollen levels tend to peak in the morning. Indoor mold can potentially cause nose stuffiness all year round.
Pet dander
et dander contains flakes of animal skin and saliva, both of which can trigger allergic reactions. A stuffy nose at specific times of the year could be due to tree, grass or weed pollen allergy, or a reaction to mold spores. The timing and severity of the allergy season varies by location but pollen levels tend to peak in the morning. Indoor mold can potentially cause nose stuffiness all year round.
Pet dander contains flakes of animal skin and saliva, both of which can trigger allergic reactions. If your cat or dog spends a lot of time in your bedroom, or they sleep on your bed, you could be breathing in allergens during the night. This could explain why you wake up with a stuffy nose.
Air pollution
People with rhinitis who live in densely populated areas with high levels of pollution tend to experience more severe nasal symptoms. Poor indoor air quality can also make nasal congestion symptoms worse. For example, frequently inhaling indoor tobacco smoke or using a log burner can irritate your nose, so it feels stuffy as you wake up.
Acid reflux
Acid reflux can in some instances worsen nasal congestion. If you have acid reflux try not to eat several hours before going to bed. Your symptoms could be worse at night and affect you the following morning.
Nasal polyps
Polyps are benign growths, in this case on the lining of your nasal passages or sinuses. They can give you a chronic stuffy nose, which feels like it’ll never unblock. These growths can also cause sinusitis (a sinus infection).
Dust mite allergy treatment
Pregnancy
Rhinitis commonly affects women during pregnancy. It can start at any time and usually disappears after giving birth. So if you notice your nose is stuffy as soon as you wake up, it could be due to changes in pregnancy hormones
Certain medications
Overuse of nasal decongestant sprays can make stuffiness worse. If you’ve been using decongestants for longer than the prescribing information states, this could be the cause of your stuffy nose in the morning.
Try to avoid having a stuffy nose in the morning
Reducing your exposure to dust and other indoor allergens may help lessen morning congestion. Allergy symptoms are often worse during or immediately following dusting, sweeping or vacuuming.
This is because cleaning scatters dust into the air, which makes it easier to inhale. So, try not to clean your bedroom just before going to bed.
Some treatment options for congestion
There are several options to try that may ease your stuffy nose in the morning.
Drug-free remedies
Rinsing your nasal passages with saline helps flush out irritants. Rinse aids include neti pots, squeeze bottles, bulb syringes and water jets.
Adding moisture to the air around you may help ease congestion too. Try using a humidifier or a cool mist vaporizer. Taking a shower and inhaling the steam can also ease that stuffy feeling.
It’s a good idea to keep hydrated as this helps to thin the mucus. So drink lots of water.
Symptom-relieving medications
Antihistamines or nasal corticosteroids may work for a persistent stuffy nose in the morning. Both reduce nasal inflammation and irritation. Decongestant sprays can help too but they should only be taken for the time stated on the prescribing information.
Diagnosing persistent stuffy nose in the morning
If you repeatedly get a stuffy nose in the morning or if it interferes with your sleep, speak to your healthcare provider. They may request skin prick or blood tests if they suspect allergies could be the cause of your symptoms. We can also help you find an allergist if you need one.
Summary
A stuffy nose in the morning may be a symptom of non-allergic or allergic rhinitis. It can happen for various reasons including a cold, inhaling an irritant or an allergen like dust mites, pollen or pet dander.
Congestion doesn’t usually need treatment unless it affects your breathing or keeps you up at night. Rinsing your nasal passages with saline may help clear it. Typical medications to relieve the symptoms include antihistamines, corticosteroids and decongestants.