A variety of reasons can cause swelling of the nasal mucosa without a runny nose. It is important to find out in time what exactly triggered this condition, this will help you choose the right treatment and get rid of the problem. Consultation with a doctor in such a situation is mandatory, you cannot take medications on your own and use traditional medicine, this can only harm your health. By collecting anamnesis, conducting visual and instrumental examination, studying laboratory tests, the doctor can make the correct diagnosis and prescribe an effective treatment.
The mechanism of development of the violation
A typical situation for every person is the secretion of mucus, which makes breathing difficult, but swelling of the nose without a runny nose is much less common. A similar phenomenon occurs due to the fact that the body tries to fight against pathogenic microparticles and microorganisms that have entered the respiratory tract. When the immune system is weakened, the movement of the cilia of the ciliated epithelium, which expelled the nasal mucosa, slows down, they cannot effectively filter the inhaled air, and foreign agents "colonize" healthy cells.
Since the mucous membrane does not cope with its protective functions, the body includes another method of protection - it directs blood and lymph to the site of injury in order to reduce the permeability of blood vessels and prevent pathogenic microorganisms from entering the bloodstream. This causes swelling of the nasal cavity, in which there is no hypersecretion of the mucous membrane.
Predisposing factors
There are various reasons that can cause swelling of the nasal mucosa without a runny nose. However, under normal conditions, the body successfully fights against pathogenic and opportunistic agents due to the protective functions of the mucous membrane. In order for a violation to occur that provokes swelling of the nose, it is necessary to create favorable conditions. Among the factors predisposing to pathology are:
- drop in local and general immunity;
- the presence in the body of foci of infection that can easily migrate;
- previously not completely cured diseases;
- unfavorable ecological situation;
- severe systemic diseases that lower the body's resistance;
- alcohol abuse, drug addiction.
Why pathology develops
When the nasal cavity is dry and the mucous membrane is swollen, it is worth being examined by a doctor. This condition can be a symptom of a wide variety of diseases and disorders that need to be treated as quickly as possible.
Consider what reasons can provoke difficulty breathing due to swelling:
Cold. Despite the fact that everyone associates this disease with profuse rhinitis, at the first stage of its formation, mucus may be completely absent. When the infection gets on the mucous membranes and pathogenic microorganisms begin to "settle" on healthy cells, the vessels and capillaries in the nose swell, as the circulatory system sends antibodies to the site of the lesion. Nasal congestion without snot can last up to 2 days.- Polyposis. Polyps are a degenerated nasal mucosa that grows due to constant irritation. When neoplasms are just beginning to form or increase in size, nasal congestion is observed, while a runny nose is either completely absent, or the discharge is very scarce. Treatment of such a pathology can be carried out with medication, but surgical removal of polyps will be more effective.
- Adenoids. When an infection enters the respiratory tract, adenoid tissue increases in size and causes difficulty breathing. It can cause swelling not only of the nose, but also of the nasopharynx. It is necessary to be treated for this pathology immediately, it is especially dangerous for children, as it can cause sudden respiratory arrest during sleep (sleep apnea).
- Allergy. An allergic reaction can also appear atypical. Mucus is not secreted, but the sinuses and passages are blocked, which makes breathing much more difficult. Concomitant symptoms are: watery eyes, tickling in the nose, sneezing.
- Dry mucous membranes. Due to the drying out of the nasal mucosa, its swelling occurs, and the secret is not secreted. This condition can be provoked by inhalation of too dry air and some chemicals, prolonged stay in dusty rooms. Pathology is often found in people who smoke for a long time or abuse alcoholic beverages.
- Rhinitis medicamentosa. This term is called dependence on local vasoconstrictor sprays and drops. With prolonged and uncontrolled use, they lead to depletion and overdrying of the nasal mucosa, its swelling. Treatment with such means is not recommended for more than 7-10 days.
Cold. Despite the fact that everyone associates this disease with profuse rhinitis, at the first stage of its formation, mucus may be completely absent. When the infection gets on the mucous membranes and pathogenic microorganisms begin to "settle" on healthy cells, the vessels and capillaries in the nose swell, as the circulatory system sends antibodies to the site of the lesion. Nasal congestion without snot can last up to 2 days.Vasomotor rhinitis destabilizes the nervous and reflex functions of natural mechanisms in the nasopharynx. This leads to partial or complete blocking of air flow into the nasal passages, in which mucus is not secreted.
- Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. Sinusitis can cause swelling of the mucous membrane, especially if a large amount of purulent masses collects in the maxillary sinuses. The characteristic features of this disease are severe headaches, which are most pronounced when the head is tilted.
Improper nutrition. Excessive consumption of sugar can cause swelling of the mucous membrane without a runny nose. It is deposited in the body and causes a hormonal disorder, which negatively affects the work of the ciliated epithelium of the nasal passages and the blood supply to this part of the face.- Pregnancy. When carrying a fetus, especially at a later date, a complete restructuring of hormones occurs in a woman's body, an intense release of progesterone is observed. This causes swelling in the nose without a runny nose. Treatment in such cases is not required; the condition stabilizes immediately after the pregnancy is resolved.
- The presence of foreign bodies in the nasal cavity. Most often occurs in children who insert various objects into their nostrils. Congestion is observed only on one side, but it happens that the child blocks both passages at once.
- Neoplasms in the nose. Growing oncogenic and benign tumors block the flow of air and negatively affect the functioning of the nasal mucous membranes. Treatment of such pathologies is long-term, sometimes surgical intervention is required.
Improper nutrition. Excessive consumption of sugar can cause swelling of the mucous membrane without a runny nose. It is deposited in the body and causes a hormonal disorder, which negatively affects the work of the ciliated epithelium of the nasal passages and the blood supply to this part of the face.An irregularly shaped nasal septum can also cause dysfunction of the nasal mucosa and, as a result, swelling without a runny nose. Congestion can be one-sided and two-sided.
Let's summarize
They cause swelling of the mucous membrane, in which there is no runny nose, for various reasons. The condition may be associated with an improper lifestyle or diet, in which case, it can be easily corrected. However, it can also be provoked by serious diseases, for the elimination of which it is necessary to undergo a course of treatment or an operation. In the presence of this disorder, it is best to immediately consult a doctor and undergo a full examination.
