– When laying on one side, why does the opposite nostril clear and seem to shift the “stuffiness” to the side you’re laying on?

Question

I’ve always wondered this. Seems like you can constantly shift it from side to side without ever clearing both!

In: 5742

Answer 1

The “moving part” inside your nose is called the inferior turbinate. Inferior as in “on the bottom” rather than “not as good.” There is a congestion/decongestion cycle every 6-8 hours going from side to side. Lying down accentuates your perception of this happening.

There are other parts that can swell as well, but the inferior turbinate is the major one. In addition to a deviated septum, this effect can be quite pronounced.

This cycle occurs whether you have had surgery or not, so it must be managed over time. This is a primary reason we prescribe nasal steroids such as Flonase.