Stuffy nose and clogged ears with COVID: what to know

COVID can cause a stuffy nose and clogged-ear sensation through inflammation and pressure changes, but these symptoms can also have other causes. Symptoms alone cannot confirm COVID, so use current local testing and health advice when infection is a concern.

Inflammation in the nose can narrow the eustachian tubes, the small passages that help balance middle-ear pressure. This may cause popping, fullness or muffled hearing. A Common Cold, Allergic Rhinitis or Sinusitis can create a similar pattern, so the combination does not identify one illness by itself.

COVID may occur with sore throat, cough, tiredness, fever or altered taste or smell, but people vary. Persistent facial pressure, worsening one-sided symptoms or ear pain may point to a separate sinus or ear problem that deserves assessment.

Follow current public-health advice about testing, staying home when unwell and protecting people at higher risk. Rest, drink fluids, use saline spray, and keep the air free from smoke. Swallow or yawn gently for pressure; do not forcefully blow your nose. Ask a pharmacist about symptom relief that fits your medical history, pregnancy status and regular medicines. Do not start antibiotics unless a clinician identifies a bacterial reason.

Contact a clinician if breathing symptoms worsen, fever persists, dehydration develops, or ear pain and hearing changes do not settle. Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, blue or grey lips, new confusion, fainting or sudden hearing loss. People with significant long-term conditions, pregnancy, or weakened immunity should seek advice earlier when COVID is suspected.

Ask whether you need a COVID test, whether any antiviral treatment may be appropriate for your risk profile, how to manage ear pressure safely, and which warning signs should prompt same-day care.