Blocked Nose

A blocked nose happens when swollen nasal lining, mucus, or a structural problem narrows the passages that carry air.

You may breathe through your mouth, notice a reduced sense of smell, or feel pressure around the cheeks, forehead or eyes. Congestion can switch from one side to the other with position, and it may be more noticeable at night. Infants and young children may feed or sleep less easily when their nose is congested.

Seek urgent medical assessment for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or around an eye, a severe headache with confusion, a stiff neck, or symptoms after a significant injury to the face. Arrange prompt care if a child has breathing difficulty, is struggling to drink, or seems unusually drowsy. A clinician can also assess blockage that stays on one side, repeated nosebleeds, or congestion that does not settle.

Congestion can accompany allergy, a viral illness, inflammation of the sinuses, irritants such as smoke, or changes in the nasal structure. The list below is alphabetical, not a ranking of explanations. Allergy-related symptoms may include sneezing, itching and watery eyes; sinus inflammation can add facial pressure or altered nasal discharge. Snoring and pauses in breathing during sleep deserve a separate assessment.

A clinician will ask when the blockage began, whether both nostrils are affected, and what seems to trigger or ease it. They may examine the nose, throat, ears and face, and ask about sleep, medicines, smoke exposure and previous nasal injury. Further assessment may be considered when symptoms persist, recur, affect one side, or suggest sinus or sleep-related disease.

Saline spray or rinsing can loosen mucus and moisturise the nose. Allergy treatment may involve avoiding a recognised trigger and using medicine recommended by a pharmacist or clinician. A clinician may suggest a nasal anti-inflammatory spray for some causes; correct technique matters because the spray should be aimed away from the middle wall of the nose. Do not continue decongestant nasal sprays beyond the label directions, as overuse can worsen congestion. Sleep-related obstruction and persistent sinus symptoms need cause-specific review.

Avoid tobacco smoke, strong fragrances and other irritants that reliably make your nose feel blocked. Wash hands after close contact with people who are unwell and avoid sharing items that touch the face. If dust seems to trigger symptoms, cleaning methods that reduce airborne dust and washing bedding regularly may help. Use prescribed nasal treatments as directed and keep the applicator clean.

Tell a clinician about fever, facial pain, green or bloody discharge, loss of smell, ear pressure, wheeze, snoring, waking short of breath, or symptoms that interfere with work, school or sleep. These details help separate nasal irritation from a condition affecting the sinuses, airways or sleep.

Mouth breathing can leave the throat dry, and disturbed sleep can affect concentration and energy. Repeated congestion may also make it harder to manage an underlying allergy or sinus condition. A planned review is useful when self-care is not helping, symptoms keep returning, or breathing during sleep is a concern.