Blocked Nose (Nasal Obstruction)

What causes a nasal obstruction of blocked nose?

A blocked nose is a common and frustrating symptom in both children and adults. Commonly a blocked nose is caused either by deviated or bulky anatomy within the nose (which interferes with airflow) or by inflammation of the lining of the nose such as in allergic rhinitis (allergy in the nose) or chronic sinusitis.

Less commonly, a blocked nose can be due to polyps, foreign bodies or tumours within the nose.  

What are the symptoms of a blocked nose?

Symptoms associated with a blocked nose can include; nasal drip (front or back), smell loss (anosmia), snoring, mouth breathing, facial pain & fullness and nose bleeds (epistaxis)

How do you treat a blocked nose?

Treatment of a blocked nose will depend on the underlying cause. As part of the assessment, an in-office nasendoscopy is used to visualise the inside of the nose.

Medical treatment in the form of targeted nasal sprays & rinses is often a first line measure whilst initial investigations are performed. If these treatments are unsuccessful then excellent surgical options are available to unblock the nose (eg a septoplasty & turbinoplasty).