What should you know about super stuffy nose?

Nasal blockage occurs when the lining inside the nose swells or mucus narrows the airflow passages. A common cold often brings sneezing, runny mucus, and a changing sense of smell. Allergic rhinitis or house dust mite allergy may cause repeated congestion, itching, and watery eyes. Sinusitis can add facial pressure, thick drainage, or reduced smell; chronic sinusitis lasts longer and may recur. Night-time blockage, snoring, pauses in breathing, or morning headaches can occur with obstructive sleep apnoea and need assessment.

Drink fluids, use saline spray or a saline rinse prepared as directed, and avoid smoke and known triggers. Keep the sleeping area free from dust where possible. Allergy medication may help when symptoms follow a clear allergy pattern; ask a pharmacist about suitability. Use decongestant sprays only as directed and for the recommended short period, because overuse can worsen congestion. Do not forcefully blow the nose if it causes pain or bleeding.

Seek prompt care for breathing difficulty, swelling around the eye, severe facial pain, confusion, a stiff neck, or a high fever with marked illness. Arrange review for one-sided blockage with bleeding, repeated episodes, reduced smell that persists, symptoms lasting beyond a usual cold, or sleep disruption from breathing problems. A clinician can examine the nose and decide whether allergy, sinus disease, or another cause needs treatment.

Does the pattern suggest allergy, a cold, sinusitis, or another nasal problem? Is a saline rinse or allergy medication suitable for me? Could night-time blockage be affecting my breathing during sleep?