From the Research
Nocturnal oxygen therapy is not a primary treatment for nasal congestion, and its effectiveness in reducing congestion is not well-established. Oxygen therapy works by delivering supplemental oxygen through nasal cannulas or masks, which may help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and improve breathing 1. However, this therapy is typically prescribed for conditions like COPD, sleep apnea, or other respiratory disorders rather than specifically for nasal congestion. For those with underlying respiratory conditions who experience nasal congestion, oxygen therapy might provide some relief as a secondary benefit. The flow of oxygen may help dry excess mucus and reduce swelling in the nasal passages.
Key Considerations
- Standard home oxygen therapy typically involves flow rates of 1-5 liters per minute, adjusted based on individual needs and prescribed by a healthcare provider.
- If you're primarily concerned about nasal congestion, more direct treatments like saline nasal sprays, decongestants (such as pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine), antihistamines, or nasal steroid sprays would be more appropriate first-line options.
- These target the congestion directly by reducing inflammation or thinning mucus.
- Oxygen therapy requires a prescription and proper setup, including an oxygen concentrator or tanks, appropriate tubing, and regular monitoring, making it impractical as a primary treatment for simple nasal congestion.
Recent Evidence
A recent study published in 2025 found that domiciliary nasal high-flow therapy for breathlessness in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who do not qualify for domiciliary long-term oxygen therapy was feasible, but its effectiveness in reducing nasal congestion was not specifically evaluated 1. Another study from 2021 discussed the benefits of thermo-humidified nasal high flow oxygen therapy in acute respiratory failure, but did not address its use for nasal congestion specifically 2.
Clinical Implications
Given the current evidence, the most appropriate approach for managing nasal congestion would be to use direct treatments such as saline nasal sprays, decongestants, antihistamines, or nasal steroid sprays. Oxygen therapy might be considered for patients with underlying respiratory conditions who experience nasal congestion as a secondary symptom, but it should not be the primary treatment for nasal congestion due to its indirect effects and the need for prescription and monitoring.