According to Associate Professor Dr. Pham Thi Bich Dao from the Department of Otolaryngology at Hanoi University of Medicine, during patient examinations, doctors frequently receive inquiries regarding nasal congestion upon waking up.
Many studies indicate that morning nasal congestion is a sign of rhinitis. Approximately 74% of individuals experiencing nasal congestion have allergic rhinitis, which is often linked to allergens present in the bedroom.
Patients with ear, nose, and throat diseases are prone to nasal congestion upon waking. (Photo: The Holly Private Hospital).
Additionally, 26% of patients suffer from vasomotor rhinitis due to changes in temperature, atmospheric pressure, and magnetic fields during the morning, caused by sympathetic nervous system effects on the inferior turbinate, leading to vasodilation that obstructs airflow and causes congestion.
- When experiencing nasal congestion, patients should clean their bedroom and bedding by vacuuming the room and bed, changing sheets, mattress covers, and pillowcases daily, and using antihistamines and H1 blockers.
- Antihistamines are medications that prevent allergic reactions and alleviate symptoms. Options include promethazine, loratadine, and fexofenadine, depending on the patient’s condition and response.
If the patient responds well, they may continue the medication for 2-4 weeks. However, antihistamines can have side effects such as fatigue, drowsiness, dry mouth, and constipation.
Patients using these medications may experience cardiovascular reactions such as arrhythmias, rapid heart rate, respiratory depression, difficulty coughing up phlegm, and an increased risk of severe infections. Therefore, patients must take medications as prescribed by an otolaryngology specialist.
Associate Professor Dr. Pham Thi Bich Dao notes that many studies show allergies often manifest as diseases when the body’s immune resistance decreases. Patients may consider specific immunotherapy for respiratory allergens (a small dose of allergen is injected into the body).
This method is only used when the body does not respond to antihistamines or when tolerance develops.
The physician will test for allergens to find the appropriate medication, gradually increasing the dilution of the injection over 2-5 years. If the patient has vasomotor rhinitis, treatment options for this condition may be utilized.
