Blocked nose

A blocked, congested, stuffy or bunged-up feeling in the nose is a common symptom of a cold, the flu, hay fever, allergies or sinusitis. It's also called nasal congestion. 

• Congestion occurs when nasal passages are inflamed and filled with excess mucus. When severe, a stuffy nose can block airflow and force you to breathe through your mouth.
• Depending on the cause, a blocked nose can last a short while (a few days) or can be ongoing (a few weeks to months).

The commonest causes of a blocked nose are:

• infections (eg, colds, the flu, COVID or sinusitis)
• allergies (eg, hay fever or allergic rhinitis)
• nasal polyps.

Other causes include:

• injuries or foreign bodies in your nose
• swollen adenoid glands
• rebound congestion after stopping decongestant medication
• side effects of some medicines.

Saline or decongestants

Use saline nose drops or spray to help soothe or clear a stuffy nose. Medicated decongestants, eg, oxymetazoline (Drixine®) and xylometazoline (Otrivin®) may also be helpful – but be aware that they are only for short term use. Don't use them for longer than 7 days. If you use them for longer than this, a rebound more severe congestion of your nose can happen. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which medicine will be the best for you.

Steam inhalation and vapour rubs

Steam inhalation for adults: If it is something you like to do, and have found helpful for clearing a blocked nose in the past, make sure the water isn't too hot and be careful carrying containers of hot water – especially when there are tamariki around. Some people add eucalyptus oil or other essential oils to the water, thinking that the scented steam will clear their blocked nose. Take care when using essential oils and keep them out of reach of children. Read more about steam inhalation and essential oils.  

Steam inhalation for children: This is not recommended for children, so it's best to find a different way of managing your tamariki with blocked noses. 

Vapour rubs: Some people find using vapour rubs soothing and helps relieve nose and chest congestion. Vapour rubs are ointments that contain essential oils such as menthol, camphor and eucalyptus. They are usually applied to your skin, on your throat, chest or back. Rub gently and leave clothes loose to allow vapours to be inhaled easily. 

Some brands of paper tissues are eucalyptus scented and these may help with a blocked nose too.

Steroid nose sprays

Steroid sprays are often used for nasal congestion, especially if it's caused by allergies (eg hay fever) or by nasal polyps.

• Steroid sprays work by reducing the swelling of the inside of your nose.
• The nasal spray should be applied directly to the inside of tour nose.
• Steroid nasal sprays are safe for adults to use in the long term if needed.
• Read more about steroid nasal sprays.  
  
  

Image credit: 123rf

Apps reviewed by Healthify

You may find it useful to look at some Ear, nose, throat and eye health apps.

In most cases a blocked nose only lasts for a short while (a few days) and usually goes away when you have recovered from you your infection (eg, a cold or the flu). However, in some cases a blocked nose may be ongoing, lasting for a few weeks to months.

You should also see your healthcare provider if:

• your symptoms last for longer than 10 days
• you're feeling very unwell or have severe pain
• there's no clear cause for your nasal congestion
• there's blood in the discharge coming from your nose
• only one side of your nose is blocked.