Nose
Nasal Congestion
Nasal congestion is a feeling of blockage or difficulty breathing through the nose. It may affect one or both sides and can be temporary, recurring or persistent.
Swelling of the nasal lining is a common cause, but the shape and support of the nasal passages can also restrict airflow. Identifying the cause helps determine which treatment is appropriate.
What Can Cause a Blocked Nose?
Common causes include:
- Colds and other upper respiratory infections.
- Allergic or non-allergic rhinitis.
- Enlarged turbinates, the structures that warm and humidify inhaled air.
- A deviated nasal septum.
- Nasal polyps or chronic sinus inflammation.
- Narrowing or collapse of the nasal valve.
- Overuse of certain decongestant nasal sprays.
More than one factor may be present. For example, a person can have both a deviated septum and allergy-related swelling.
What Other Symptoms May Occur?
Depending on the cause, congestion may accompany sneezing, itching, a runny nose, post-nasal drainage or a reduced sense of smell.
Persistent blockage can lead to mouth breathing and disturbed sleep. Facial pressure or discharge may suggest associated sinus inflammation, but a blocked nose alone does not establish a diagnosis of sinusitis.
How Is It Assessed?
Assessment includes discussing how long symptoms have lasted, whether one side is worse, possible triggers and any previous injury or surgery. Current nasal spray use is also important.
Examination evaluates the septum, turbinates and nasal airway. Nasal endoscopy may help inspect areas further inside the nose. Allergy testing or imaging is considered when the history and examination suggest it would help; these tests are not necessary for everyone.
What Are the Treatment Options?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Options may include saline sprays or rinses, reducing exposure to irritants, and appropriate allergy treatment.
Corticosteroid nasal sprays may help reduce inflammation when indicated. Correct technique and regular use as directed are important.
Decongestant sprays provide short-term relief but can cause rebound blockage if used for too long. Follow the product’s recommended duration and seek advice if you need repeated use. This warning does not apply in the same way to saline or corticosteroid sprays.
Antibiotics are not routinely needed for nasal congestion and do not treat allergies or structural narrowing.
When Might Surgery Be Considered?
Surgery may be discussed when a confirmed structural problem or persistent nasal disease continues to cause significant symptoms despite appropriate treatment.
Depending on the findings, options may include septoplasty, turbinate reduction, nasal valve repair or surgery for sinus disease and polyps. The procedure should address the identified cause; not every blocked nose requires surgery.
Using Nasal Rinses Safely
If nasal irrigation is recommended, use distilled, sterile, or previously boiled and cooled water. Follow the device instructions for preparing the saline solution and cleaning the equipment.
When Should You Seek Medical Advice?
Arrange an assessment if congestion persists, repeatedly returns or affects sleep and daily activities. Persistent one-sided blockage, particularly with bleeding, should also be checked.
Seek urgent care for swelling around the eye, visual changes or a severe headache with worsening sinus symptoms.
Discuss Your Symptoms
Contact the clinic to arrange an assessment and discuss options suited to the cause of your nasal blockage.
This information provides general guidance and does not replace an individual medical assessment.
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