What causes swollen, congested turbinates and nasal obstruction, and what should be done about it?
Nov 28, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
Nasal turbinate swelling and congestion causing nasal obstruction may be due to aging, lack of sleep, excessive stress, allergic rhinitis, acute rhinitis, etc. It can be improved by adjusting sleep habits, relieving emotional stress, medication, and other methods. If nasal congestion persists or is accompanied by headache and runny nose, prompt medical attention is necessary. Nasal mucosa gradually atrophy and thin with age.
Nasal congestion due to swollen and congested nasal turbinates may result from aging, lack of sleep, excessive stress, allergic rhinitis, acute rhinitis, and other causes. Adjusting daily routines, relieving emotional stress, and medical treatments can help improve symptoms. If nasal congestion persists or is accompanied by headache or runny nose, prompt medical attention is necessary.
1. Aging: With age, the nasal mucosa gradually atrophies and thins, leading to decreased defense function and increased susceptibility to irritation, which may cause turbinate swelling and congestion, resulting in nasal blockage. It is recommended to maintain appropriate indoor humidity and avoid exposure to dust and cold air to reduce nasal irritation.
2. Sleep deprivation: Chronic lack of sleep weakens the body's immunity and disrupts vascular regulation in the nasal mucosa, leading to turbinate congestion and swelling. It is advised to maintain a regular sleep schedule, ensure 7–8 hours of sleep per day, and avoid excessive fatigue before bedtime.
3. Excessive stress: Prolonged mental tension and anxiety affect autonomic nervous system function, causing abnormal nasal blood vessel constriction, which may trigger turbinate swelling and nasal obstruction. Stress relief through exercise, listening to music, and maintaining emotional stability are recommended.
4. Allergic rhinitis: After exposure to allergens such as pollen or house dust mites, an allergic reaction occurs in the nasal mucosa, leading to turbinate congestion and swelling, along with sneezing and clear nasal discharge. Patients may use medications such as mometasone furoate nasal spray, loratadine syrup, and montelukast sodium chewable tablets under medical guidance to relieve symptoms.
5. Acute rhinitis: Viral infection causes acute inflammation of the nasal mucosa, resulting in mucosal congestion and edema, swollen turbinates, nasal congestion, and watery nasal discharge. It is recommended to use saline nasal sprays, ribavirin granules, or pediatric paracetamol-phenylephedrine granules under medical supervision to alleviate discomfort.
Maintain good indoor ventilation, avoid allergens and irritating gases, drink plenty of water, follow a light diet, clean nasal passages with saline solution, and engage in moderate exercise to strengthen overall health.
