Plugged nose at night

[Opie]

I am a healthy 45 year old male. Starting about a year ago my nose started closing off whenever I lay down, especially at night. I often wake up gasping for air.  My nasal passages clear up within a few minutes of sitting up from a horizontal position. I was tested for allergies but don'y have any. Only spray nasal decongestants help me breath at night but rebound is a problem. I've tried nasal strips that hold your nose open but I still plug up.  What else can be done? Is there something safer that OTC nasal decongestants?

[fake name]

One of my first presenting symptoms for heart problems was the same problem you mention.

Your ventricles in the brain produce CSF which is replenished throughout the night. Normally your body can absorb this excess fluid but when your body can not do that anymore, you have this excess fluid filling up  the sinuses.  It is one of the very first signs of heart trouble, at least according to my ENT.  

[Concerned lady]

Here's what keeps my nose open at night (drug-free): Read some SINUS TIPS, on page 10 of my VCD website. Here's a link:
<a href=http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com/page10.html>http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com/page10.html</a>

Hope this helps!

Concerned lady
<a href=http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com>http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com</a>

[National Jewish]

There are two choices:
1. Nasal steroid sprays, which are very safe and will shrink down the membranes in the nose; or
2. Oral decongestants, which cannot be taken by some because they can increase blood pressure, cause prostate problems in males and can keep people awake.

The nasal steroids are a good option.