Why do I feel pressure in my nose when I lie on my back?

Seek immediate emergency medical attention or contact a qualified emergency medical service if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Sudden vision impairment
• Rapid swelling in the face or around the eyes.
• Severe, sudden onset headache
• High fever and general deterioration of condition.
• Confusion or feeling faint
• Severe breathing difficulty

The sensation of pressure in the nose when lying on your back is usually caused by positional changes and structures in the nose/sinus. These may include:

• Nasal congestion due to swelling/mucus buildup in the sinuses or nose.
• Swelling of the nasal turbinates
• Vascularization and swelling caused by allergic reactions.
• Accumulation of mucus or fluids at night due to changes in position
• Rarely, structural problems or chronic sinus problems

A family physician is a suitable starting point for initial consultation; they can refer you to an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT/otorhinolaryngology) specialist if needed. The ENT specialist will assess your symptoms and may order a physical examination and imaging (sinus examination) as necessary.

The following low-risk measures may provide relief for some people; however, they are not a substitute for medical treatment and a health evaluation is necessary if symptoms worsen:

• Sleeping with your head slightly elevated
• Drink plenty of fluids and get rest.
• Nasal cleansing and providing a moisturizing environment (e.g., room humidity)
• Monitor symptoms and accompanying signs.