Does a common cold cause a blocked nose?

During a common cold, the lining inside the nose becomes inflamed. Swelling narrows the air passages, while mucus can add to the blocked feeling. Congestion may affect one side more than the other and can be worse when lying down. A cold may also bring sneezing, a runny nose, sore throat, cough, or a mild temperature.

Rest, drink fluids, and use gentle saline nasal drops or spray if suitable for you. Breathing moist air may feel soothing, but avoid burns from hot steam. Ask a pharmacist before using a medicated decongestant, particularly if you have high blood pressure, heart problems, glaucoma, are pregnant, or take regular medicines.

Arrange medical advice if congestion is severe, keeps returning, lasts longer than expected, or comes with significant facial pain. Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing, swelling around the eyes, confusion, a severe headache, or a rapidly worsening illness.

Ask whether your symptoms fit a cold or suggest allergy or sinus disease, which nasal products are suitable with your health conditions, and how long to use them. Mention one-sided blockage or repeated episodes.