Why allergic rhinitis can cause a clogged nose

Blockage may affect either side or shift from one side to the other. Sneezing, clear discharge, an itchy nose or itchy eyes make an allergic pattern more recognisable. Congestion can reduce smell, encourage mouth breathing and interfere with sleep.

Symptoms that follow dust, pets, pollen or a particular room suggest an exposure-related trigger. Persistent blockage without itching or sneezing can have another explanation, such as a structural narrowing, nasal polyps, medicine effects or sinus inflammation.

Thick coloured mucus alone does not establish a bacterial infection. Facial pressure, reduced smell, fever, symptom duration and examination findings help a clinician distinguish allergy from sinus disease. One-sided obstruction that does not clear deserves assessment rather than repeated self-treatment.

Limit contact with a suspected trigger when feasible. A saline spray can moisturise the nose; a larger-volume rinse should use sterile, distilled, or previously boiled and cooled water. A pharmacist can explain correct technique for a corticosteroid nasal spray, which needs regular, well-aimed use rather than spraying toward the central septum.

An antihistamine may help accompanying itch and sneezing. Decongestant nasal sprays are intended for brief use because prolonged use can create rebound congestion. Check suitability before using any decongestant if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, glaucoma, thyroid disease, urinary difficulty, pregnancy, or other regular medicines.

Seek urgent care if nasal symptoms occur with breathing difficulty, swelling of the tongue or throat, faintness, or rapidly worsening facial swelling. Prompt assessment is also appropriate for severe headache, swelling around an eye, changes in vision, confusion or a stiff neck.

Book a non-urgent visit for persistent one-sided blockage, repeated nosebleeds, loss of smell that does not improve, significant facial pain, or sleep disturbance despite sensible treatment. A child with blockage and a suspected object in the nose should be examined rather than having the object probed at home.

Describe when the obstruction occurs, whether it switches sides, and what exposures precede it. Ask whether your spray technique is correct, how long the chosen treatment should be tried, and whether examination or allergy testing would change management. Mention snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep, wheeze, facial pain and reduced smell.