What is a blocked nose?

Your nose is part of your upper respiratory system. A blocked nose is when your nose feels congested or stuffy. Your nose might have a lot of mucus (snot) or your nasal (nose) passages may be narrow.

Nasal congestion often feels worse at night. You might find it hard to breathe through your nose.

A blocked nose can last for a short or a long time depending on the cause. It's very common.

This page is for anyone who has a blocked nose or gets a blocked nose regularly.

Visit the Pregnancy, Birth and Baby site to read about runny or blocked nose in babies.

What symptoms are related to a blocked nose?

As well as a blocked nose, you may have:

• a runny nose from one or both nostrils
• face pain
• fever (high temperature above 38°C)
• a changed sense of smell or taste
• difficulty sleeping at night, and daytime sleepiness
• sneezing and itching of your nose

What causes a blocked nose?

A blocked nose can be caused by increased mucus or structural conditions.

Here are some conditions that involve increased production of mucus.

• Allergic rhinitis — inflamed or runny nose caused by an allergen or hay fever.
• Non-allergic rhinitis — caused by a viral infection, such as a cold, the flu, COVID-19, parainfluenza virus or human metapneumovirus.
• Sinusitis — inflammation in your sinuses.
• Inhalation (breathing in) of wood dust or chemical irritants.

Here are some causes related to the structure of your nose:

• nasal polyps
• large adenoids
• deviated septum
• inferior turbinate hypertrophy
• a tumour — these can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer)
• previous surgery

Some prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can also give you a blocked or dry nose.

If you use decongestants for longer than a few days, it can make a blocked nose worse when you stop.

How is the cause of a blocked nose diagnosed?

Your doctor or pharmacist will ask about your symptoms. They might examine you and ask about your medical history.

They might ask if:

• the symptoms come and go during the day or night or at certain times of the year
• one or both nostrils are involved
• you have noticed any triggers, such as exposure to pollen, smoke or animals
• you or other family members have allergies, hay fever or asthma
• you have any face or ear pain
• you have ever had surgery on your nose
• you take any medicines, smoke or drink alcohol

Your doctor might use instruments to look inside your nose, ears and throat.

If they think you have a virus or see pus coming from your nose, a swab can be sent for testing.

If they think you have an allergy, you might need a blood or skin prick test to find out more.

If your doctor can't find the cause of your blocked nose, they might suggest imaging of your sinuses.

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor if:

• you have difficulty breathing
• you have signs of infection, such as a fever, thick green or yellow mucus or severe pain
• you have a runny nose on one side that is not getting better
• you have ongoing changes to your sense of smell or taste
• your blocked nose is impacting your sleep

When to seek urgent care for a blocked nose

Go to the emergency department if you have:

• changes to your vision (ability to see)
• swelling of the front of your nose
• a severe headache
• an object in your nose, such as a battery or insect
• swollen red or painful eyes
• a nosebleed that does not stop
• an injury to your nose

How is a blocked nose treated?

Treatment depends on the cause of your blocked nose. Often, medicines will help. If the cause is related to the structure of your nose, surgery might be the best option.

Read about how to treat a runny or blocked nose in infants and children.

Self-care at home

If your blocked nose is caused by a cold or the flu, it should get better after a few days. Here are some remedies for a blocked nose:

• saline drops
• nasal sprays that contain eucalyptus
• lozenges that contain menthol
• steam or vapour treatments

While you are sick, try to:

• drink plenty of fluids
• rest at home

Medicines for a blocked nose

If your blocked nose is caused by allergic rhinitis, your doctor or pharmacist might suggest:

• a steroid nasal spray
• antihistamine tablets or nasal spray
• using a nasal douche (nasal wash)
• a saline nasal spray

Steroid nasal sprays and saline rinses are also used for sinusitis. Check with your healthcare professional on how to use your nasal spray or nasal rinse.

If you have a sinus infection, your doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics.

If you have nasal polyps, you might need to take a short course of oral steroid tablets.

Other treatment options

You might be referred to a specialist ear nose and throat (ENT) surgeon for:

• turbinectomy (surgery to reduce the size of your turbinate bones)
• sinus surgery
• polypectomy (surgery to remove nasal polyps)
• septoplasty (a procedure to straighten your septum)

What are the complications of a blocked nose?

If you have a blocked nose that is not getting better, it could be related to chronic (ongoing) rhinosinusitis. People with a blocked nose for a long time may be more likely to get a middle ear infection.

If your blocked nose is worse at night, your doctor might need to consider sleep apnoea or other sleep disorders. Some other symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea are:

• heartburn at night
• dry mouth
• getting up at night to urinate (wee)
• waking up with a headache

Can a blocked nose be prevented?

If you have allergic rhinitis, you can find out what triggers your allergy and try to avoid it.

Follow all instructions on your medicines. Talk to your doctor if you have questions or notice any side effects.

You can help prevent cold and flu infections by washing your hands and following good hygiene. Some infections can be prevented through vaccination.

Resources and support

Learn more about colds and flu and other respiratory viruses.

Ask your pharmacist how to manage your blocked nose symptoms at home.

Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia provide advice for people living with allergies. Call them on 1300 728 000.

Find out more about allergy testing at the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) website.

Download the AirRater app to track your hay fever symptoms and monitor allergens in the environment.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.