Nasal congestion (blocked nose)
A blocked, stuffy feeling in the nose from swollen lining and mucus. Usually caused by colds or allergies and short-lived, but persistent one-sided or long-standing congestion can have a structural or, rarely, more serious cause worth checking.
What it means
Nasal congestion is the stuffy, blocked sensation that comes when the lining of the nose swells and produces mucus, narrowing the airway. It is one of the most common everyday symptoms. Short-lived congestion is almost always due to a viral cold or to allergic rhinitis (hay fever), where allergens trigger swelling, sneezing and a runny nose. Longer-lasting or recurring congestion can come from ongoing allergies, non-allergic rhinitis (triggered by irritants, weather or hormones — including pregnancy), chronic sinus inflammation (sinusitis) sometimes with nasal polyps, a deviated nasal septum or enlarged turbinates, and overuse of decongestant nasal sprays (which paradoxically worsen congestion). Persistent congestion on one side only, especially with bleeding, deserves assessment to exclude a growth. Congestion is usually a nuisance rather than dangerous, but when it is persistent and affecting sleep or quality of life it is worth addressing.
Common causes
- Common cold and other viral infections — the commonest short-lived cause.
- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) — with sneezing, itch and a runny nose.
- Non-allergic rhinitis — triggered by irritants, weather, or hormones (including pregnancy).
- Sinusitis — chronic sinus inflammation, sometimes with nasal polyps.
- Structural — a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates.
- Overuse of decongestant nasal sprays — rebound congestion.
- Rarely — persistent one-sided blockage, especially with bleeding, needs exclusion of a growth.
Lab work-up approach
Nasal congestion rarely needs blood tests — it is usually diagnosed from the pattern and, when needed, by examining the nose. Testing is targeted: if allergy is the driver, a raised eosinophil count fits, and specific IgE or skin-prick testing identifies triggers. TSH is checked if hypothyroidism is suspected as a contributor. Persistent, one-sided or otherwise concerning congestion is assessed directly, sometimes with nasal endoscopy or imaging of the sinuses, rather than by blood tests. Mediora.AI can surface a raised eosinophil pattern consistent with allergic rhinitis; the nasal assessment itself belongs with your doctor or an ENT specialist.
Tests Mediora.AI can interpret
Related conditions
Panels to consider
When to see a doctor
Most nasal congestion settles by itself or responds to simple measures — saline sprays, treating a cold or allergy, and avoiding overuse of decongestant sprays (limit to a few days). See a doctor if congestion lasts more than a couple of weeks, keeps returning, is affecting sleep or quality of life, or comes with facial pain and pressure, coloured discharge and fever suggesting sinusitis. Importantly, persistent congestion on one side only, especially with nosebleeds or a reduced sense of smell, should be checked to exclude nasal polyps or, rarely, a growth. Mediora.AI helps flag an allergic contributor; persistent nasal congestion is assessed by your doctor.