Breathe Easy - Clear A Blocked Nose Naturally

Comfortable nasal breathing is a sign of a healthy breathing pattern. A blocked nose is one of the most common symptoms of dysfunctional breathing. Mouth breathing is a slippery slope and what may start as a symptom of seasonal allergies or a respiratory infection can develop into a permanent situation. When mouth breathing is the norm the nasal passages tend to block; a case of use it or lose it.

There are four main contributors to nasal congestion:

1. Inflammation of the nasal mucosa
2. Mucus
3. Constriction of smooth muscle lining the nasal passages
4. Structurally narrow sinus passages

The following exercise can bring temporary relief by soothing the nasal mucosa and relaxing smooth muscle lining the nasal passages. If the obstruction is due to nasal polyps or structural narrowing of the airways, such as a deviated septum, the exercise may only offer limited or no relief. 

This exercise should help clear the airways to permit nasal breathing for a short period. In stubborn cases or when the blockage is due to a cold, you may have to repeat the exercise a few times. 

This exercise is only a quick fix. However, even temporary clearing of the nasal passages indicates that it should be possible to restore comfortable nasal breathing once you have achieved a functional breathing pattern.

New Zealand ENT surgeon Jim Bartley postulated a link between hyperventilation syndrome and nasal congestion. He suggested that correcting the breathing disorder may help avoid surgery.¹ 

Anyone contemplating surgery for chronic nasal obstruction should first consider seeing one of our practitioners for an assessment. In our clinical experience, most cases of nasal congestion can be resolved without surgical intervention once a healthy breathing pattern is restored. Contact our clinic to learn more.

^[1] Bartley J. 2005 Nasal congestion and hyperventilation syndrome. Am J Rhinol.