When you have a stuffy nose and can’t breathe, it can be hard to remember what it was like to inhale through both of your nostrils without struggling. To add insult to injury, finding a solution to your congestion issues isn’t always as straightforward as you might expect. 

But don’t worry — Kaplan Sinus Relief is here to help. Let’s take a look at the most common causes of a stuffy nose and the most popular treatment options available to you. 

Can you suffocate from a stuffy nose? 

While this question might sound silly to some, those who have previously suffered from severe congestion might be able to relate to a fear of dying due to suffocation when sleeping with a stuffy nose. 

But rest assured: Even if you have a stuffy nose and can’t breathe through your nostrils, you almost certainly won’t die in your sleep. While it may make your sinus issues worse, you will be able to breathe through your mouth. 

However, if you have a stuffy nose and can’t breathe through your nostrils, the likelihood of experiencing snoring or sleep apnea increases dramatically. Both conditions (along with congestion alone) can contribute to a lack of sleep and an overall decline in health. 

Reasons you have a stuffy nose & can’t breathe 

When you have a stuffy nose and can’t breathe, it can be difficult to determine what is causing your congestion. You can have a stuffy nose for one reason or for multiple reasons simultaneously, and it can be a challenge to figure out what exactly is behind your discomfort. We highly recommend visiting an ENT to get to the root of your stuffy nose, but in the meantime, the following are typical causes of a stuffy nose: 

• Acute or chronic sinusitis (sinus infection) 
• Allergies (read more about having allergies in Houston)
• Common cold 
• Deviated septum 
• Flu 
• Nasal polyps 
• Rhinitis (nonallergic) 
• Pregnancy (discover why you might have a stuffy nose while pregnant) 
• Weather changes and cold weather (learn more about sinus infections and weather changes) 

Check out our post on chronic nasal congestion causes for more information.  

How can I unclog my nose?

If you asked 10 friends and family members, “How can I unblock my sinuses?” chances are you would receive 10 different answers. We cover traditional methods of dealing with a stuffy nose in our post on how to treat severe sinus congestion; however, if you have a stuffy nose and can’t breathe through your nostrils for 10 days or more, it’s time to see the doctor to discuss more additional treatment options, such as balloon sinuplasty in Houston.  

A good ENT will be able to answer all of your questions, including “How should I sleep with a stuffy nose?” and “Why do I also have sinusitis nausea with my congestion?” 

Balloon sinuplasty offers relief to patients with chronic congestion  

When you have a stuffy nose and can’t breathe, everything from work to sleep to exercise can become difficult. Balloon sinuplasty grants patients who have a stuffy nose and can’t breathe with the ability to inhale fully again. During the procedure, your doctor uses a small balloon to expand your sinus cavities, reducing the effects of inflammation and opening up your nasal passageways for better drainage. 

Kaplan Sinus Relief is home to one of the top balloon sinuplasty doctors in the country, Dr. Michael Kaplan. He and his team of professionals can perform the balloon sinuplasty procedure in less than 20 minutes, which will provide you with long-term relief and results. 

An untreated stuffy nose, however, can lead to a sinus infection, and an untreated sinus infection can lead to unnecessary risks. Don’t take risks with your health. Call Kaplan Sinus Relief at 713-766-1818 or request an appointment online to discuss your options today. 

Related Resources: 

• Sinus Headaches in the Morning
• Why Get IV Sedation for Balloon Sinuplasty
• Understanding Mountain Cedar Pollen Count in Houston
• Will Sinus Surgery Help My Allergies?
• TGS Navigation for Sinus Surgery