Dry, blocked nose: possible causes

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Extract from the article: Whatever the time of year, some people wake up every morning with a blocked nostril, or even the whole nose. This unpleasant symptom, which makes you want to sleep clutching a handkerchief, is disabling and affects quality of life. Dr Jean-Claude Bak

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Whatever the time of year, some people wake up every morning with a blocked nostril, or even the whole nose. This unpleasant symptom, which makes you want to sleep clutching a handkerchief, is disabling and affects quality of life. Dr Jean-Claude Bakpatina, General Practitioner at the Floréal Clinic (Lomé-Togo), shows that there are a number of possible causes for a blocked nose.

Throughout our lives, we can suffer from a variety of minor ailments. A common and unpleasant complaint is a runny nose. Although a runny nose is annoying, having a dry nose can also be a real nuisance. This is because a dry, irritated nose can lead to itching, crusting and sneezing. What's more, this symptom, which can occur in both summer and winter, increases the risk of contracting an infection.

Dry air

Like any other organ, the nose can become exhausted when it has to work in poor conditions. « Dry air is one of them.To maintain the ideal level of humidity for the nose to function properly, keep hydrated throughout the day and sleep with the window closed to prevent dry air from entering the room. Ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice on a suitable cleansing product », says Dr Jean-Claude Bakpatina, General Practitioner at the Floréal clinic in Lomé.It is also possible to buy a humidifier air to ensure a rate of humidity always optimal in its interior.

Inflammation

Whether smoke, dust mites, pollen, stress, hormones or food intolerance are responsible, the result is the same: the mucous membrane is irritated. « The blood vessels nose dilate to fight this irritation, the mucous swell and nose mouth. This can be a temporary cold, caused by a virus, or chronic rhinitis, which can affect the sinuses and lasts for more than three months. The solution: to consult without hesitating, and the solution: to consult without hesitating, and the solution: to consult without hesitating. The solution: consult without hesitating a doctor », informs Dr Jean-Claude Bakpatina, General practitioner. He can determine the cause of this irritation and suggest a treatment to relieve the symptoms.

The skeleton of the nose

Certain abnormalities, such as « a deviated septum due to birth deformity or trauma, as well as cartilage or muscle problems, can cause nasal obstruction.The wings of the nose become so narrow that they no longer allow air to pass through and stick to the wall during inspiration», relieves Dr Jean-Claude Bakpatina. Surgery can correct this problem and put the septum back in place.Don't delay in talking to your GP about this, as it can encourage sleep apnoea and, consequently, lead to more serious problems, warns the GP.

Tumours

Whether benign or malignant, tumours in the nose are difficult to diagnose because they present the same symptoms as rhino-sinus conditions. « In the case of an absence of smell, it may be polyposis, a chronic disease of the sinuses.In all cases, only a thorough examination by a specialist can enable the situation to be properly assessed and appropriate solutions put in place », explains Dr Jean-Claude Bakpatina.

William O.