Blocked nose and dry mouth

Congestion from a cold, allergic rhinitis or sinusitis can make nasal breathing difficult. Dry air, dehydration, smoking and some medicines can add to the dryness. Mouth breathing may leave your lips cracked, make your throat sore and contribute to unpleasant breath. If you snore loudly, wake with headaches or feel unusually sleepy, discuss possible obstructive sleep apnoea. Persistent dryness despite a clear nose can have a separate cause and needs a medication and health review.

Sip water regularly and keep water beside your bed. Use a saline spray or rinse for nasal congestion, following the product instructions. A humidifier may help if indoor air is dry, but clean it carefully. Sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva; avoid tobacco and frequent sugary drinks. Review medicines with a pharmacist rather than stopping a prescribed treatment yourself. Treating an allergy may improve both nasal airflow and sleep-related mouth breathing.

Seek urgent care for difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips or throat, confusion or inability to drink. Arrange an appointment if dry mouth causes painful swallowing, mouth sores, repeated dental problems, marked thirst or reduced urination. Review persistent one-sided blockage, recurrent nosebleeds, or loud snoring with pauses in breathing.

Ask whether a medicine, allergy or sleep-related breathing problem could explain the combination, how to protect your teeth and mouth, and which nasal products are suitable for you.