What does blocked nose feel like with chronic sinusitis?

Blocked Nose is a very common presentation of Chronic Sinusitis. Swelling in the nasal and sinus lining can make one or both nostrils feel closed or restricted. You may breathe through your mouth, notice a reduced sense of smell, or feel mucus draining into the throat.

Facial pressure may occur around the cheeks, forehead, eyes, or bridge of the nose, with a dull headache or a heavy feeling that worsens when bending forward. Thick discharge, cough, tiredness, or an unpleasant taste can also occur. Symptoms that continue or repeatedly return need a proper assessment because several conditions can cause nasal blockage.

Drink regularly and consider a saline rinse to loosen mucus; use safe water and clean equipment. Rest with your head slightly raised if drainage bothers you. Avoid smoke and other nasal irritants. A clinician may recommend a steroid nasal spray or investigate nasal polyps, allergy, or another cause; use prescribed treatment exactly as directed.

Arrange an appointment when blockage lasts, keeps returning, reduces smell, or disrupts sleep. Seek urgent help for swelling around an eye, vision changes, severe headache, confusion, stiff neck, facial swelling, high fever with marked illness, or difficulty breathing. One-sided bloody discharge also needs prompt assessment.

Ask whether the symptoms suggest sinus inflammation, allergy, nasal polyps, or another cause. Discuss whether an examination, nasal treatment, or referral is needed, and ask how long to continue each treatment before checking back.