ENT CONCERN

Blocked Nose

Also called: blocked nose, stuffy nose, cant breathe through nose, sinus problems, deviated septum breathing

A blocked nose, also known as nasal congestion or nasal obstruction, occurs when airflow through one or both nostrils becomes restricted. It may be temporary, such as during a cold, or persistent due to allergies, inflammation or structural changes inside the nose.

TYPICALLY OCCURS

Infections, allergies, inflammation and structural obstruction

TREATED BY

Nasal surgery, medication, sprays and allergy management

ALSO LINKED TO

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Why it happens?

A blocked nose often develops when the tissues lining the nasal passages become inflamed and swollen. Colds and other respiratory infections are common temporary causes, while allergic rhinitis can produce recurring or persistent congestion in response to allergens such as pollen, house dust mites, mould or animal dander. Irritants including smoke, pollution and strong odours can also trigger inflammation. Increased mucus production may accompany the swelling, but congestion is not simply caused by excess mucus — swollen blood vessels and tissues inside the nose can significantly reduce the space available for airflow.

Persistent nasal blockage can also result from structural problems. A deviated nasal septum, where the wall separating the nostrils is displaced to one side, can make one nasal passage narrower than the other. Enlarged turbinates — structures inside the nose that help warm and humidify incoming air — can further restrict airflow when chronically swollen. Nasal polyps, which are soft non-cancerous growths associated with chronic inflammation, can obstruct the nasal passages or sinuses. Previous nasal injuries and changes to the external or internal structure of the nose can also contribute.

The pattern of blockage can provide clues about its cause. Temporary congestion affecting both nostrils is commonly associated with infection or allergy, whereas persistent obstruction predominantly affecting one side may be more suggestive of a structural problem and should be assessed if it continues. It is also normal for airflow to alternate naturally between the nostrils throughout the day due to the nasal cycle, so occasional changes from one side to the other do not necessarily indicate disease. Chronic blockage, however, can interfere with sleep, exercise, smell and comfortable nasal breathing and may lead to increased mouth breathing.

How far along is it?

Early

Congestion comes and goes, often during a cold, allergy exposure or certain environmental conditions. Nasal breathing remains relatively comfortable most of the time.

Moderate

One or both nostrils feel blocked regularly. Mouth breathing, reduced sense of smell, disturbed sleep or difficulty breathing comfortably during exercise may become noticeable.

Advanced

Nasal airflow is substantially restricted and symptoms interfere with sleep or everyday activities. Persistent inflammation, polyps or structural obstruction may be contributing and specialist assessment may be appropriate.

What addresses it?

Treatments that address this

Turbinate reduction→Septorhinoplasty→

A temporary blocked nose caused by a cold will often improve as the infection resolves. Professional assessment is worthwhile when nasal blockage lasts for several weeks, repeatedly returns, consistently affects one side or begins interfering with sleep, smell, exercise or everyday breathing.

Seek medical advice sooner if persistent blockage is accompanied by recurrent nosebleeds, significant facial pain or swelling, unusual nasal discharge or a noticeable deterioration in symptoms. Severe difficulty breathing requires urgent medical attention.

Quick Questions:

Why is my nose constantly blocked?

Persistent nasal congestion can result from allergies, chronic inflammation, enlarged turbinates, nasal polyps or structural problems such as a deviated septum. An examination can help determine what is restricting airflow.

Why is only one side of my nose blocked?

The normal nasal cycle naturally causes airflow to alternate between nostrils. However, a nostril that remains persistently blocked may be associated with septal deviation, inflammation, a polyp or another structural obstruction and is worth assessing.

Can allergies cause a permanently blocked nose?

Allergic rhinitis can cause long-lasting or frequently recurring congestion, particularly when exposure to the responsible allergen is ongoing. It may also cause sneezing, itching, watery discharge and irritated eyes.

Can a deviated septum cause a blocked nose?

Yes. A deviated septum can narrow one or both nasal passages and reduce airflow. Some people have no significant symptoms, while others experience persistent obstruction, particularly if swelling of the surrounding nasal tissues is also present.