Why does our nose get blocked on alternating sides when we breathe?

Ever wondered why your nose keeps getting "blocked on alternating sides"? Sometimes the left side feels congested, then when you lie on your right side, it gets blocked on the right instead? Some people think it's just due to allergies flaring up, but it's actually an "automatic bodily function" called the Nasal Cycle.

Why do noses alternate between getting blocked?

Our nasal cavity contains a spongy tissue structure filled with blood vessels. The brain, through the autonomic nervous system, instructs the blood vessels on both sides of the nasal cavity to "alternately expand and contract" every 2–6 hours.

• On the side where the blood vessels dilate: the tissue swells, gradually narrowing the nasal passage (a period of rest from inhaling air).

• On the side where the blood vessels constrict: the tissue collapses, and the nasal passage widens (this occurs during periods of heavy workload, where air is inhaled and dust is filtered).

Simply put, our noses have a "revolving system" to prevent the nasal lining on one side from drying out or working too hard.

Why do people with allergies suffer more than usual?

People with allergies have nasal linings that are more sensitive to triggers than average. When exposed to dust, pollen, or changes in weather, allergy cells release inflammatory substances, causing blood vessels to dilate and fluid to leak out. This results in the nasal lining, which is already swollen, becoming distended.

When this allergy-induced nasal swelling is compounded by the natural "alternating nasal rest cycle," it further exacerbates the swelling and blockage on the side that's supposed to be resting, making breathing almost impossible. This is the classic symptom experienced by allergy sufferers: "alternating nasal blockage on each side."

How to manage and care for your nasal passages to get back to a clear and comfortable state.

If you frequently experience alternating nasal congestion, you shouldn't let it bother you. You can manage and control the symptoms using these methods.

• Regular nasal irrigation with saline solution: helps to wash away allergens and accumulated mucus, relaxing the nasal lining.

• Take allergy medication according to the severity of your symptoms:

  • Anti-drowsiness formula (for working people/drivers): Fexofenadine, Bilastine

  • Less Sleepy Formula: Cetirizine, Loratadine

  • Sleepy formula (primarily for consumption before bedtime to promote restful sleep): Chlorpheniramine (CPM)

• Use nasal spray correctly.:

  • nasal steroid spray: Suitable for those who experience frequent episodes, to reduce long-term inflammation (should be used under the guidance of a doctor).

  • Fast-acting anti-swelling nasal spray (e.g., Oxymetazoline): Caution! Do not use continuously for more than 3–5 days, as this may cause a rebound effect, resulting in the nose becoming even more swollen and congested than before.

• Take care of your health and find the cause.: Get enough rest, exercise regularly, and schedule allergy testing so you can avoid triggers effectively.

  
  

If your symptoms don't improve after adjusting your self-care routine, or if you feel there's a problem with the nasal structure causing difficulty breathing, you can always visit and consult with our medical team at Jumroon Clinic for a check-up. 💙