My Allergy Tests Are Normal, But Ny Nose Is Still Stuffy.

What Are Other Causes Of The Stuffy Nose?

Most short-term episodes of stuffy nose or drainage are not due to allergies. Allergies by definition, are chronic. The most common reason for the acutely stoppedup nose and drainage is the common cold. This is caused by the common rhinovirus (nose virus) and typically occurs more commonly in the winter months. Adults exposed to young children, however, may be blessed with colds or the acute upper respiratory infection (URI) any time of the year.

Still, many of us notice that our noses may stop-up off-and-on for no apparent reason. However, there are good reasons for the unpleasant symptoms that plague so many rhinosufferers in the Ohio Valley.

The average nasal cavity and sinus passages swell every four to six hours. Usually, this swelling will alternate between the right and left nasal cavity, with one side staying open. We call this alternating swelling the "nasal cycle". The best explanation for this cycle is that nature does not want us breathing out of one side of the nose all the time. If this happened, the membranes would dry out, crust, and then bleed. This ingenious system has figured out our weaknesses toward crusting. Alas, the nasal cycle. The swollen side clogs up, less air flows, and the naturally-occurring mucus refreshes the membranes.

The most important environmental factors that affect this nasal cycle are temperature, humidity, and most importantly barometric pressure. All of these variables change on a daily basis in the greater Louisville area. In fact it is often said, "if you don't like the weather today, just wait until tomorrow. It will change." Snow is usually soon followed by rain. Thunderstorms often mark the transition from winter to spring, and spring to summer. During these times of rapid climate changes, our noses are talking to us. They may swell, run, itch or crust. You may also experience facial pressure.

Humidity plays a critical role in nasal drainage, or at least the perception of drainage. In the normal twenty-four hour period, the nose and sinuses will produce about two quarts (that's right quarts!) of mucus. If the thickness of this drainage is the same as our own saliva, likely we will have no sensation of drainage. If the amount of drainage is greater than normal (the common cold or acute hayfever), we will notice a runny nose. If the thickness of the drainage is greater than normal, we may notice thick post-nasal drip. This usually means the drainage is too dry.
 
Barometric pressure changes cause very predictable responses. When the pressure rises, our bodies are compressed causing the nose and sinuses to open. When the pressure drops, our bodies expand, causing the nose and sinuses to close. Since the nose can't enlarge when the membranes swell (see Karl Malden's nose -- we think his can), the small sinus passages close up and the nose clogs. Facial pressure around the nose and eyes may indicate that these membranes are swollen. The headache around the eyes often signifies dilation of blood vessels in the nose and around the eyes.

Although we cannot control the environment in which we live, there is still hope for the average "rhinovirus" sufferers. The Sinus Center^TM can get you on the road to recovery. Contact Us at one of the locations listed on the left for more information.