What should you know about severe nasal congestion relief?

Swelling inside the nose can make breathing difficult during a common cold, allergic rhinitis, or sinusitis. House dust mite allergy may cause recurring blockage, sneezing, and itchy or watery eyes. Thick mucus, facial pressure, reduced smell, or symptoms lasting a long time can point towards sinus inflammation. Night-time obstruction and loud snoring may need assessment for obstructive sleep apnoea. One-sided blockage, recurrent bleeding, or a change that does not settle deserves a clinician's examination.

Use a saline spray or rinse with appropriately prepared water and clean equipment, and breathe in moist air without exposing your skin to hot steam. Drink enough fluids to keep mucus easier to clear. Keep away from smoke and known allergens; wash bedding regularly if dust mites are a trigger. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether allergy medication or another nasal treatment fits your symptoms. Follow product directions, and do not use decongestant sprays for longer than advised because rebound blockage can occur.

Arrange review when blockage is persistent, repeatedly returns, affects sleep, or comes with facial pain, fever, reduced smell, or thick discharge. Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, swelling around an eye, severe headache, confusion, a stiff neck, or a blocked nose after a significant injury. A baby or child who is struggling to breathe or feed needs urgent attention.

Ask whether the pattern fits allergy, a cold, sinusitis, or another cause, and which spray or medicine is suitable with your existing conditions. Mention one-sided symptoms, snoring, sleep disruption, loss of smell, and how long the congestion has lasted.