What should you know about ongoing nasal congestion?

A blocked nose may come with sneezing and itchy, watery eyes when allergic rhinitis is involved. House dust mite allergy can cause symptoms that continue indoors, while a common cold usually brings a temporary blocked or runny nose. Sinusitis may add facial pressure, reduced smell, thick discharge or a cough. Chronic sinusitis means this pattern keeps returning or persists and may need a focused examination. Congestion can also worsen at night and contribute to mouth breathing or noisy sleep; obstructive sleep apnoea is a separate sleep-related condition that needs assessment rather than self-diagnosis.

Note whether symptoms follow dust, pets, seasons, workplace exposures or lying down. Saline spray or a saline rinse may loosen mucus; use safe water and clean equipment for rinsing. Keep smoke and strong fragrances away from the nose, and drink normally. Allergy medication may help when an allergic trigger is suspected, but ask a pharmacist or clinician how to use it. Decongestant nasal sprays should not be used for longer than the product instructions because overuse can worsen blockage. Arrange a GP review if congestion continues, keeps returning, affects sleep or is mainly on one side.

Seek urgent medical help for severe breathing difficulty, swelling around the eye, vision changes, confusion, a severe headache, or a high fever with marked illness. Get prompt advice for repeated nosebleeds, facial swelling, severe one-sided pain, or a blocked nose after an injury. A clinician can inspect the nasal passages and decide whether treatment or further testing is appropriate.

Could an allergy, sinus problem, medicine or nasal structure explain this pattern? Should I use a saline rinse or allergy medication, and for how long? Do my sleep symptoms suggest that I need a separate assessment?