What should you know about frequent nasal congestion?

The lining inside the nose can swell and produce mucus, making breathing through one or both nostrils difficult. Record whether symptoms are seasonal, linked to dust or pets, worse at night, or accompanied by facial pressure, discharge, sneezing or fever.

Allergic Rhinitis and House Dust Mite Allergy commonly cause congestion with sneezing, itching or watery eyes. A Common Cold usually brings a changing mixture of blocked nose, runny discharge and throat symptoms. Sinusitis or Chronic Sinusitis may add facial pressure, reduced smell or thick discharge. Loud snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing and morning tiredness make Obstructive Sleep Apnoea worth discussing.

Reduce exposure to smoke, strong fragrances and known triggers, and ventilate dusty rooms. Saline spray or rinse can loosen mucus; use clean water and follow product instructions for rinsing. Sleep with your head slightly raised if night-time blockage is troublesome. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether Allergy Medication is suitable, particularly if you have other conditions or take regular medicines.

Book an assessment when blockage keeps returning, affects sleep, reduces smell, or remains mainly on one side. Seek prompt care for swelling around the eyes, severe facial pain, high fever, confusion, breathing difficulty, or a nosebleed that will not stop with pressure. Children with breathing or feeding difficulty need urgent attention.

Ask whether the pattern fits allergy, sinus disease, infection or sleep-related obstruction; whether your medicines could worsen dryness or swelling; and which spray technique is appropriate. Bring a trigger diary and mention snoring, reduced smell, facial pain and any recurrent nosebleeds.