The otorhinolaryngologist spoke about the systemic causes of nasal congestion

The nasal cycle is a physiological phenomenon in which the vascular tone of the nasal mucosa periodically changes, leading to alternating intensification and weakening of nasal breathing in the right and left halves of the nasal cavity. Igor Semenovich Manevich, an otorhinolaryngologist at JSC "Medicine" (Academician Roitberg Clinic), a doctor of the highest category, told Izvestia on September 6 about the relationship of the nasal cycle with vegetative-vascular dystonia and arterial hypertension.

The specialist explained that the natural nasal cycle, in which there is an alternating change in the tone of the vessels of the right and left halves of the nose, can be disrupted by vegetative vascular dystonia and arterial hypertension.

"With vegetative vascular dystonia, there is an imbalance in the work of the autonomic nervous system. This leads to an asymmetric blood filling of the nasal concha and a feeling of constant congestion in the absence of organic pathologies. Patients experience an elongation or shortening of the physiological cycle, sometimes one nostril remains blocked for a long time," explained Manevich.

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Arterial hypertension also affects nasal breathing, he noted. A chronic increase in blood pressure causes changes in the vascular tone of the nasal mucosa. Characteristic symptoms include prolonged congestion in the supine position, impaired alternation of breathing through the nostrils, impaired sense of smell, and reflex headaches. Some antihypertensive medications may worsen these symptoms.

Stressful situations and emotional stress increase the manifestations of disorders. With chronic stress, a parasympathetic "rebound" occurs, leading to vasodilation and swelling of the nasal mucosa. Anxiety is often accompanied by a subjective feeling of lack of air.

Diagnosis requires a comprehensive approach, including an otorhinolaryngological examination and assessment of vegetative status. Treatment should be aimed at correcting the underlying disease. Normalization of sleep, stress reduction and increased physical activity play an important role. In some cases, gentle surgical intervention may be required.

The specialist emphasizes that persistent nasal congestion is not always associated with ENT pathology. This symptom may indicate systemic disorders of the autonomic nervous system and requires an interdisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment.

In April, Olga Popova, a pediatric otorhinolaryngologist at the SM Clinic for Children, told us what to do with prolonged rhinitis in children. She noted that the main danger is that a prolonged runny nose without treatment can lead to complications.

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