Why do we have a stuffy nose when we have a cold?

the common cold is due to the presence of a virus, most often a retrovirus, in upper airways (nose and pharynx). This results in a set of symptoms: coughing, sneezing, sore throat, fatigue and of course, stuffy nose. The primary cause is the overproduction of mucus, a liquid secreted by the mucous membranes nose to trap the dust and bacteria. Normally, we thus produce about a liter of mucus per day, evacuated towards the throat by the cilia of the nasal cavities. Only then, when the virus sticks to the mucous membranes, these will accelerate the production of mucus, the eyelashes then no longer being able to evacuate the surplus, hence the runny nose.

Causes of stuffy nose

At the same time, the blood vessels in the nose dilate to let in the immune cells responsible for attacking the virus. This influx of blood causes tissue swelling that prevents mucus from flowing backwards. This unpleasant sensation of stuffy nose is reinforced by the fact that the mucus, made thicker and often color yellow, contains a lot of white blood cells. Eventually, mucus buildup can clog the sinuses and cause sinusitis.

How to cure a stuffy nose?

Contrary to popular belief, the use of a nasal spray only aggravates the situation because it further increases the humidity of the nose and can irritate very sensitive small vessels. Cold medicines, which contain a pseudoephedrine-based decongestant, are also not recommended, especially in children, because of their possible side effects. You can perform a inhalation, based for example oneucalyptus or mint, plants known for their decongestant properties. It is also important to drink a lot to thin the mucus and facilitate its evacuation.