Swollen nose

Definition

In the case of a swollen nose, the location of the swelling must be distinguished. So only the outer part of the nose can be swollen. However, the inside of the nose can also swell.

In most cases, the mucous membranes of the nose are thickened. Due to a swelling of the nose, the airway through the nose can be narrowed, which can hinder breathing. This is often perceived as very disturbing. Typically, this occurs as a result of an immune reaction, for example in the case of a cold or allergy. However, it can also have other causes.

Causes of a swollen nose

The cause of an internally swollen and thus congested nose is usually a nasal mucosa inflammation. The technical term for this is rhinitis. The inflammation can cause the mucous membrane of the nose to swell, making it difficult to breathe.

Colloquially, the acute inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes is called rhinitis. This is usually caused by infection with a harmless virus. Frequently the cold also occurs in the context of a cold or flu.

The second major cause of a swollen nose is an allergy. Especially the typical hay fever is accompanied by a swelling of the nasal mucous membranes. Actually harmless molecules are recognized by our immune system.

This becomes active and triggers an inflammation. The nose is usually the first part of the body in contact with the air we breathe and also has a filter function. Therefore, allergenic substances in the air, as well as other aggressive substances normally trigger a reaction here first.

Besides the main infectious and allergic causes of a swollen nose, there are a number of other causes. The so-called vasomotor rhinitis is a swelling of the nasal mucous membranes, which can resemble an allergy. However, the exact cause is often not identifiable.

Finally, the mucous membranes inside the nose can become elevated, which can protrude into the airways. These are called nasal polyps. Here, too, the exact cause is often not identifiable.

An external swelling of the nose is usually caused by so-called boils, a painful inflammation of a fine hair root of the skin. If there is an infection of several neighboring hair follicles, it is called a carbuncle. These are usually caused by bacteria.

Also the so-called rhinophyma can be perceived as a swelling of the nose. This is a nodular swelling, especially in the area of the tip of the nose. The exact causes are usually not detectable here either. Another cause can be a pus pimple in the nose.