Blocked nose and post-nasal drip: what to know

Post-nasal drip happens when mucus moves from the back of the nose towards the throat. Swelling inside the nose can make breathing difficult while also changing how mucus drains. Allergic rhinitis may bring sneezing, itching, and watery discharge. A common cold can add sore throat, cough, or feeling unwell. Facial pressure, reduced smell, or thick discharge can occur with sinusitis, although symptoms alone cannot identify the cause.

Notice whether symptoms follow dust, pets, outdoor exposure, illness, or lying down. Reflux and dry air can also irritate the throat, but persistent nasal blockage deserves a broader assessment.

Drink fluids according to your usual health advice, avoid cigarette smoke and strong fragrances, and use a saline nasal spray or rinse prepared exactly as directed. Keep the head slightly raised during sleep if drainage triggers coughing. Wash hands and avoid sharing towels during a cold. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether allergy medication is suitable, especially if you take other medicines, are pregnant, or have high blood pressure. Do not keep using a decongestant nasal spray beyond its label advice, because congestion can rebound.

Arrange medical advice if blockage keeps returning, affects sleep, lasts beyond the expected course of a cold, or comes with recurring facial pain or reduced smell. Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, swelling around an eye, confusion, a stiff neck, or a severe headache unlike your usual headaches. One-sided blockage with repeated nosebleeds or a foul-smelling discharge also needs assessment.

Ask what pattern best fits your symptoms, whether allergy testing or a nasal examination is useful, and which spray technique is appropriate. Tell the clinician when drainage began, its colour, triggers, sleep impact, and every medicine you use.