By Adebukola Aluko
The nose is a sensory organ and respiratory passageway that allows individuals to smell and breathe. It is located at the centre of the face, between the eyes, where it warms, conditions and filters the air we breathe. It also houses our olfactory organs, which give the sense of smell.
However, when an individual is sick, he or she may have symptoms such as nasal congestion or runny nose.
Nasal congestion is the most common condition affecting the nose. This happens when allergens or pathogens (viruses, bacteria, or fungi) cause inflammation of the nasal passage.
In an exclusive interview with our health correspondent, Adebukola Aluko, an Assistant Director of Nursing, University College Hospital, UCH, Mrs Oluseyi Owoade gave an insight into what Nasal congestion is, remedies and prevention.
”The nose is an organ of respiration and smell, and so when we are breathing air through the nose, automatically, we breathe in particles that cannot be seen, and God has made provision for us for these intruders and particles that we cannot see to be clean and purified to a great extent before we take in air so that it does not cause terrible damage deep down our respiratory system and so our noses are lined up with tiny hairs that may not be visible or at times may be visible depending on individual genetic makeup. This hair stops the air we breathe in from taking in dirt, microorganisms and pollen.
Nasal Congestion occurs when we take in an allergy which could be from particles, sprays, perfumes or may even be due to an infection. Anything that irritates the inside of the nose can cause a stuffy nose. Infections such as colds, flu and allergies often cause stuffy and runny noses. Irritants in the air, such as tobacco smoke, perfume, dust and car exhaust, also can cause these symptoms”, the Medical Expert explains.
Mrs Owoade throws more light on how the body launches defence against foreign invaders.
”When there is an intrusion, the body tries to defend itself by sending in soldiers, and these soldiers get there through the blood vessels. Now these blood vessels carry blood that will bring in soldiers to fight and this will enhance the production of mucus inflammation known as swelling, it is this swelling that blocks the tiny air passage that makes the nose to be blocked”.
What do you do when the nose is blocked? we should ask ourselves what could be the possible cause and what is the thing we may be reacting to, and once the offender has been removed the blocked nose is taken care of.
Do a further check to see if all allergies have been addressed. For instance, do away with allergic sprays and perfumes among other things.
Do a steam inhalation for adult
Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil into the boiling water, if there is no history of allergic reaction to eucalyptus
Cover with a blanket, breathe in air from the mouth and puff out through the nose. Repeat by breathing through the nose and puffing out through the mouth until the water does not bring steam again.
Note: Steaming should not be done before taking a bath or shower but rather steaming should be done after a birth or shower as this will retain the steam in our body. After steaming between 5-10 days and the blocked nose is not relieved then you must seek medical attention.
For babies, put their faces beside your face and allow the steam of boiled water poured in a bowl to get into your face and the babies’ face, then do that until the water is cold, this will relieve the blocked nose.
Nasal Congestion should not be taken lightly both in children and in adults, it could be a pointer to a serious health condition and must be given serious attention because the nose is one of the cavities on the face and the bones of the face are made up of different holes called the Sinosis. When this Sinosis are blocked, then we may experience disequilibrium and lack of balance, feeling dizzy. However, it is not advisable to blow any blocked nose because doing this will rupture the membranes and cause serious damage in our body”. Mrs. Owoade continues.
Nasal hygiene is an important aspect of health. Below are home remedies that can help when you’re experiencing nasal congestion.
A blocked nose can cause ear and brain infections if not urgently and adequately taken care of
Air purifier helps to get rid of particles and offending tiny particles
A humidifier is used to keep the air moist to prevent dry air that can irritate the mucus membrane of the nose
Increase fluid intake
increase intake of vitamin C through fruits and vegetables
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory or antihistamine drugs
A small amount of garlic may be chewed or infused in drink
Don’t remove hairs in the nose, because they filter dirt.
Irrigate your nasal passages with saline spray to keep them clean and moist.
Keep your home clean to reduce the amount of dust and other allergens you may breathe in. Wash your bedsheets to remove dust.
Avoid smoking or breathing in second-hand smoke.
Propping your head up on pillows can also encourage mucus to flow out of your nasal passages.
For Babies
Avoid spraying perfumes, air fresher, and insecticides around babies and children
Consult a paediatrician when babies and children have blocked nose
An aspirator can be used to remove remaining mucus from the baby’s nose
Blockages, congestion and other nasal conditions can make you feel miserable, Regular nasal hygiene can keep you healthy and improve your overall well-being.
Washing hands frequently with soap and water
Washing bed linens regularly in hot water and detergent
keeping the windows and doors closed during high pollen and mould seasons
Vacuuming frequently
Avoiding close contact with people who are ill.
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