Cold and blocked nose: what should you know?

During a cold, the lining inside the nose becomes irritated and produces extra mucus. You may have sneezing, a runny nose, reduced smell, mouth breathing or pressure around the face. Allergic rhinitis often causes repeated sneezing, itchy eyes and clear discharge, whereas sinus inflammation may add facial pressure or thicker mucus. Symptoms that continue well after other cold features settle deserve a different explanation.

Night-time blockage can disturb sleep and encourage mouth breathing. Persistent noisy breathing or pauses noticed during sleep should be discussed with a clinician because sleep-related airway conditions can also affect nasal comfort and rest.

Drink fluids according to your usual health needs, rest, and use saline nasal drops or a saline rinse prepared with safe water. A warm shower may loosen mucus, but avoid burns from hot steam. Keep away from cigarette smoke and other irritants. Ask a pharmacist or clinician before using decongestant products, especially if you have high blood pressure, glaucoma, pregnancy or other ongoing conditions. Allergy medication may help when an allergic trigger is responsible, rather than a viral cold.

Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, swelling around an eye, confusion, a severe headache with neck stiffness, or sudden one-sided symptoms. Arrange medical advice if facial pain is severe, symptoms worsen after initial improvement, fever persists, or congestion lasts longer than expected for a cold. Seek review for repeated episodes, reduced smell that does not return, or sleep disruption from blocked breathing.

Ask whether your pattern fits a common cold, allergic rhinitis or sinusitis, and whether an examination is needed. Ask how long to use any nasal product, which ingredients suit your medical history, and whether persistent night-time blockage should be assessed for obstructive sleep apnoea.