Chronic Nasal Congestion

It is widely accepted that people suffering from nasal congestion tend to be habitual ‘mouth-breathers’. However, contrary to popular thinking, habitual open-mouth breathing may in fact be the reason for the nasal congestion in the first place. Inflammation of the nasal passages, constriction of smooth muscle lining the nasal passages and even outgrowths from the nasal mucosa such as nasal polyps may in fact be a response to the dysfunctional breathing pattern. In other words, inflammation and constriction of the upper airway is happening in response to the underlying problem: over-breathing.

The Buteyko clinic programme relieves nasal congestion by helping restore a normal breathing rate and volume. Inflammation and mucus production reduce as breathing volumes normalise. In addition to this restoring natural CO₂ levels in the nasal passages helps soothe nasal membrane tissue and dilates smooth muscle lining the nasal sinuses.   

Note: Reduction of nasal polyps may take 2-3 months of dedicated practice in severe cases. In a small number of cases surgery might be required where nasal blockage is due to injury. However, from my clinical experience nasal breathing can be restored without recourse to surgery.

You shouldn’t have to rely on nasal decongestants, steroid nasal sprays and sinus rinses to keep your nose clear.  Learn how to restore comfortable nasal breathing without the need for nasal spray or surgery...

Try this nose clearing exercise:

Breathe Easy - Clear a Blocked Nose Naturally

Hyperventilation syndrome (HVS) should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with nasal congestion, particularly after failed nasal surgery. Additional surgery may not necessarily be the answer in HVS patients complaining of nasal congestion.

Jim Bartley BHB, MB, ChB, FRACS, FFPMANZCA
Otolaryngologist

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16402650