Usually, while sitting, my nose can become quite stuffy when in the midst of a cold. But when I stand up, it magically gets better and is much easier to clear my nose. What’s going on here?
I think it has something to do with the evolutionary process. If you get on your hands and knees or lay facedown, it will clear out your sinus cavity as well.
I’ve experienced this same phenomenon myself and the difference can be quite dramatic and instantaneous. Lying down only exacerbates the congestion. I have to assume it is due to blood pressure – that while standing, blood pressure in your head decreases to such a level as to alleviate congestion. The congestion then must be caused more by dialated blood vessels in the sinuses than by mucous.
I’ve noticed this, too. Sometimes when I’m really congested, jumping up and down helps. Weird, huh?