Extreme nasal congestion: what helps

Swollen nasal lining from a common cold or allergic rhinitis is a frequent explanation. Facial pressure, thick discharge, reduced smell, or symptoms that continue may point towards sinusitis or chronic sinusitis. House dust mite allergy can cause persistent stuffiness, especially indoors. Night-time blockage, loud snoring, pauses in breathing, and morning headaches warrant discussion of obstructive sleep apnoea. A blocked nose can also be worsened by smoke, dry air, or overuse of some decongestant sprays.

Drink fluids, use a saline spray or rinse with safe prepared water, and keep away from smoke and known triggers. Rest with your head raised if lying down makes blockage worse. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether allergy medication is suitable; check instructions carefully, particularly if you have high blood pressure, glaucoma, pregnancy, or take other medicines. Avoid prolonged use of medicated decongestant sprays unless advised.

Get urgent help for severe difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips or face, sudden confusion, or a severe headache with neck stiffness. Arrange prompt review for one-sided blockage with bleeding, facial swelling, eye pain or vision change, high fever, or marked worsening. Persistent blockage that disrupts sleep, smell, eating, or daytime function deserves a planned assessment.

Ask whether the pattern fits allergy, a cold, sinusitis, chronic sinusitis, or sleep apnoea. Tell them about discharge, facial pain, smell changes, snoring, medicine sprays, workplace exposures, and whether symptoms are seasonal or worse in a particular room.