Why do decongestants only unclog one nostril when both of them are stuffed up?!
Question: I am congested from my allergies and have taken OTC decongestant pills and a prescription nasal spray (not at the same time of course) to help. Unfortunately, all they seem to do is move the congestion from one nostril to another instead of clearing them both. Does anyone know why this is?
Answers: I am congested from my allergies and have taken OTC decongestant pills and a prescription nasal spray (not at the same time of course) to help. Unfortunately, all they seem to do is move the congestion from one nostril to another instead of clearing them both. Does anyone know why this is?
Yes, it's called a turbinate dysfunction. Sorry, but I'm not a doctor so I can't simplify it. I just know it because a Ear Nose and Throat specialist told me I had it constantly. I had cryotherapy done where they use cold nitrogen to burn the inside of the nose to reduce the swelling. (I have no allergies that caused this)
"Intermittent blockage of 1 nasal passage followed by switching of the congestion to the other nasal passage is a common report and is known as the nasal cycle. Patients may describe positional congestion, such as when lying on 1 side while sleeping. The nose is thought to shut down 1 nasal passage every 2-4 hours in order to prevent desiccation and irritation from inhaled air. The extent of this shutdown can range from complete obstruction to a slight degree of congestion that is hardly noticed. Treatment is not required unless the symptoms are exaggerated because this shutdown is part of normal nasal physiology."
That is a million dollar question.