What should you know about constant stuffy nose and cough?

A blocked nose can force mouth breathing and allow mucus to drip into the throat, causing cough. A Common Cold usually improves with time, while Allergic Rhinitis or House Dust Mite Allergy may cause repeated congestion, sneezing and itchy eyes. Sinusitis and Chronic Sinusitis can add facial pressure, reduced smell or thicker nasal discharge. Reflux, smoke, dry air and some medicines may irritate the throat. Night-time blockage with loud snoring, pauses in breathing or morning tiredness can point toward Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.

Note whether symptoms follow dust, pets, outdoor exposure, seasons, meals or lying down. Saline nasal rinsing may loosen mucus when performed with safe prepared water and clean equipment. Keep smoke and strong fragrances away from the room, drink enough fluids, and sleep with the head comfortably raised if drainage bothers you. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether Allergy Medication is suitable. Do not use decongestant sprays for longer than the product instructions, because overuse can worsen blockage.

Arrange a review if cough or congestion persists, repeatedly returns, disrupts sleep, affects smell, or comes with facial pain. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, chest pain, coughing blood, swelling around the eye, severe headache, confusion or a rapidly worsening illness. A child who is struggling to breathe or becoming unusually drowsy needs immediate assessment.

Ask whether the pattern suggests allergy, Sinusitis, infection, reflux or a sleep-related breathing problem; whether examination or testing is needed; and how long to use any nasal treatment. Mention triggers, night symptoms and all medicines.