When to worry about a blocked nose with a common cold

A cold can irritate the nasal lining, making it swell and produce extra mucus. The blockage may shift from one nostril to the other and can be worse when lying down. A gradual improvement is reassuring. Symptoms that become more intense after initial improvement, remain troublesome without easing, or are accompanied by significant facial pain may need a clinician to check for another problem.

Rest, drink fluids, and use saline drops or a saline rinse to loosen mucus. Warm moisture may feel soothing, but avoid burns from hot water. A pharmacist can advise whether a short course of a decongestant is suitable for you, particularly if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, glaucoma, are pregnant, or take regular medicines. Follow the product directions and avoid combining products with the same ingredients.

Contact a clinician if the blocked nose is not easing, keeps returning, or comes with persistent high fever, worsening facial pain, dehydration, or ear pain. Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, confusion, severe drowsiness, swelling around the eye, or a severe headache with a stiff neck. A blocked nose alone is usually not an emergency, but breathing difficulty is.

Ask how long your symptoms should reasonably last, whether your medicines are suitable with your health conditions, and whether the pattern suggests sinus, chest, or ear involvement. Mention fever, pain, breathlessness, and any recent improvement followed by deterioration.