Blocked Nose Self-Check

How it feels

My nose is blocked most days.

It is always worse on the same side.

It gets worse at night or when I lie down.

I breathe through my mouth, especially when sleeping.

I wake up with a dry mouth or throat.

What I have tried

I use a decongestant spray for more than 5 days at a time.

Steroid sprays or rinses have not helped enough.

Steam or balms give only short relief.

Other clues

I snore.

I get headaches or face pressure.

My sense of smell is reduced.

Red flags

Blockage on one side with bleeding.

Swelling of the face or around the eye.

Loss of smell on one side only.

See all questions on one page

How it feels

My nose is blocked most days.
It is always worse on the same side.
It gets worse at night or when I lie down.
I breathe through my mouth, especially when sleeping.
I wake up with a dry mouth or throat.

What I have tried

I use a decongestant spray for more than 5 days at a time.
Steroid sprays or rinses have not helped enough.
Steam or balms give only short relief.

Other clues

I snore.
I get headaches or face pressure.
My sense of smell is reduced.

Red flags

Blockage on one side with bleeding.
Swelling of the face or around the eye.
Loss of smell on one side only.

What your ticks may mean

A nose that is blocked most days, or always on one side, often has a cause that can be seen on a nasal endoscopy: a bent septum, swollen turbinates or polyps. Long-term decongestant spray use can itself keep the nose blocked.

See a doctor soon if

You ticked any red flag, or you ticked three or more boxes in total. An ENT evaluation (examination and, if needed, a CT scan of the nose) can find the reason.