What should you know about good medicine for stuffy nose?

A cold can inflame the nasal lining and increase mucus. Allergic rhinitis may bring sneezing, clear discharge and itchy eyes, while sinusitis can add facial pressure, reduced smell or thicker discharge. Persistent congestion may also relate to nasal structure or irritants. Night-time blockage with loud snoring, pauses in breathing or morning headaches deserves assessment for obstructive sleep apnoea rather than repeated self-treatment.

Drink fluids, rest, avoid smoke and consider a saline nasal spray or rinse prepared with safe water. A pharmacist can help select an allergy medicine when allergy symptoms are present. Decongestant sprays may offer short-term relief but prolonged use can worsen congestion; follow the label and ask before use if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, glaucoma, pregnancy or take regular medicines. Do not use antibiotics unless prescribed for a diagnosed infection.

Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, swelling of the face or throat, confusion, a severe headache with a stiff neck, or swelling around an eye. Arrange a medical review for one-sided persistent blockage, repeated nosebleeds, significant facial pain, high temperature, reduced smell that continues, or congestion affecting sleep. Children with breathing or feeding difficulty need prompt attention.

Does my symptom pattern suggest allergy, a cold or sinusitis? How long should I use a nasal spray? Could my night symptoms indicate sleep apnoea? Which treatments are suitable with my existing conditions?