Inside a stuffy nose: what to know

Inside the nose, soft lining can become inflamed and narrow the air passages. A cold may bring congestion with sneezing, sore throat, or cough. Allergic rhinitis often adds itching, watery discharge, and repeated sneezing, while sinusitis can cause facial pressure, reduced smell, or thick drainage. Dust-mite exposure can aggravate allergy symptoms. Night-time blockage may also worsen mouth breathing and snoring; persistent night symptoms deserve assessment for obstructive sleep apnoea.

Drink fluids according to your usual health advice, use a saline nasal spray or rinse, and avoid smoke and other irritants. Wash hands and rest when congestion accompanies a cold. If allergies are suspected, reduce exposure to known triggers and ask a pharmacist or clinician whether an allergy medicine suits you. Follow product directions carefully; decongestant nasal sprays used for too long can make blockage rebound.

Arrange medical advice when blockage is severe, keeps returning, affects sleep, or lasts longer than expected for a cold. Seek prompt care for swelling around an eye, severe facial pain, a persistent high temperature, confusion, or a one-sided blocked nose with bleeding or a foul smell. Trouble breathing, especially in a child, needs urgent assessment.

Ask whether your pattern fits allergy, sinus inflammation, infection, or a structural problem. Ask how to use a saline rinse safely, which treatment is suitable with your other medicines, and whether persistent night obstruction needs sleep assessment.