Definition
Our nasal mucosa lines the inside of the nose and fulfils important functions. It has a so-called respiratory ciliated epithelium on its surface, which are tiny hairs on the surface of the nasal mucosa. These ciliated hairs “beat” in the direction of the throat and thus transport dust, for example, but also other secretions from the airways to keep them free. Usually these foreign particles are then swallowed or coughed up. Furthermore, the nasal mucous membrane provides for moistening and warming of the air we breathe in.
Causes
Causes for a swollen nasal mucosa are manifold. The first of these are allergies. Above all, if the so-called “Polllensaison”, which begins under circumstances already in February and can stop only in October, the nasal mucous membranes of many humans irritates.
Also one must think in this connection of allergies against any animal hair or also house dust allergies. All these causes can cause a swollen nose mucous membrane and thus also a blocked nose. House dust allergy As a further cause, anatomical changes in the nasopharyngeal area can also cause swelling of the nasal mucosa.
As an example, a crooked nasal septum is to be mentioned here, such a thing can exist from birth, but can also be caused by an external trauma, such as a blow on the nose. Furthermore, enlarged nasal conchae can also be the cause of a swollen nasal mucosa. If this is the case, one should go to a doctor for ear, nose and throat medicine, a so-called ENT doctor. Other causes of a swollen nasal mucosa can be the regular use of nasal drops, frequent nose blowing, nasal polyps (these are benign, so-called benign, growths of the nasal mucosa), foreign bodies in the nose, smoke (especially cigarette smoke) but also dry air. In addition, autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome also cause a swollen nasal mucosa or an underfunction of the thyroid gland (hypothyroidism).
