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Check nowThere are many reasons why someone might suffer from a blocked nose without any other cold or flu symptoms, and these range from hayfever and allergies to the shape of your nose. Today I explore why you might be suffering from a constant blocked nose, and what you can do about it.
We all know the feeling of having a blocked nose during a cold, but when we have a blocked nose without a cold in sight we can begin to wonder just when we are going to be able to breathe easily again. Constantly having a blocked nose can not only be irritating and unpleasant, but it can also be difficult to know the best way to tackle the problem.
Although a blocked nose with a cold can feel as if it is going on forever, it is not until a symptom has lasted for 12 weeks that it can be defined as ‘chronic’. Sometimes a constant or chronic blocked nose is termed as sinusitis.
It is unlikely that a viral-induced blocked nose is going to last this long, so we have to look to other reasons why your nose may be blocked.
It may come as a surprise just how many different conditions, from allergies to a deviated septum, can result in a blocked nose. With such a diversity of reasons, finding the root cause is essential for effective treatment.
Common causes of a long-term blocked nose include:
Although most of us will have experienced a blocked nose at some point in our lives, there are many different causes, each with their own set of symptoms. It can be worthwhile, therefore, to spend a bit of time pinpointing exactly how you feel, as this can help you to identify the cause of your nose trouble and find an effective solution.
One important point to consider is if you are producing a lot of mucus. This is most likely to be caused by a virus, allergy or intolerance, as it is your body’s mechanism of trying to trap and expel the infection or irritant from your body.
If you feel that you are blocked up but are not really producing mucus, then this is more indicative of a physical abnormality, such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum.
It is quite common for people to complain of having a blocked nose on one side. If this is caused by an infection or allergies, then it is quite common for the blocked nostril to switch sides. If caused by a deviated septum or obstruction, then the same nostril will always be affected.
Children have a reputation for being plagued with snotty noses, and often this stereotype is a reality. It can be more difficult to make an accurate diagnosis in children as it can be harder for them to describe their symptoms to a doctor. It then becomes important to keep an eye on how easily they are breathing or if they are in apparent discomfort.
As the nasal passages of children are smaller and not yet fully developed, it can be more difficult for mucus to drain effectively from their nose, hence the reason they can be susceptible to having a blocked nose.
For some children, nasal sprays or nasal irrigation can help, but for many this symptom eases as they grow up. Any concerns, or symptoms which are accompanied by a fever, should always be checked with a doctor.
It is quite common for pregnant women suddenly to find that they have a blocked nose for a long period of time. For many, this can be quite an unexpected symptom, not to mention somewhat irritating. It can be accompanied by sneezing and an itchy nose, so that it feels as if you are developing a cold, though it never really materialises.
The reason for these symptoms is thought to be linked with raised levels of the female hormone oestrogen which affects your mucous membranes, making them more susceptible to swelling. Although it may not seem like any comfort at the time, the symptom usually clears quickly after the birth of the child, once hormone levels have readjusted. In the meantime, home remedies for treating a blocked nose, such as hot and steamy showers, and saline nasal sprays, can help you feel more comfortable.
If you have been plagued by a blocked nose for quite some time, then it is only natural to want to seek an effective solution. Getting your symptom checked by the doctor is worthwhile as this can help you to identify the exact cause of the problem and therefore treat it correctly.
Certain conditions will best be treated by the doctor. For example, nasal polyps are often treated with nasal sprays containing steroids. In some severe cases, minor surgery may be required to remove the polyps. Nasal steroid sprays may also help in the treatment of a deviated septum, but again, surgery may be necessary if the septum is particularly off-centre.
As well as following any advice given by your doctor, there are many things you can try at home, including:
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Take our quick quiz to discover just how healthy your immune system is, as well as some useful information about your general health and wellbeing!
Check nowAs the A. Vogel Immune System expert, I recommend Sinuforce Nasal Spray with menthol, to help ease symptoms of a blocked nose.
Learn morePregnancy can make you more susceptible to a blocked nose. Hormonal changes can cause the delicate tissues of your nose to become inflamed, restricting the flow of air and causing you to experience a blocked nose.
What's causing my blocked nose at night?Discover the story of Alfred VogelNature is just about the best thing we’ve got!
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Firadete — 11.04.2018 21:17
Hi , im 24 years old and one side of my nose is always blocked and im saying for 2 years now but maybe more and sometimes i feel difficulties to breathe
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Jen Tan — 12.04.2018 07:31
Hello Firadete. I am sorry to hear of your problem. There are a number of possible reasons for the symptom you describe. The first that come to mind are either a nasal polyp or abnormality in the way your nasal bones have developed. The best thing you can do is to see an ENT specialist for a diagnosis and once we get one, we will be in a better position to suggest the best treatment.
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Megan — 07.04.2018 16:27
Hi, I’ve had a blocked nose for several months now and nothing seems to relieve it. hay fever tablets, vapour rub, steam, sinus tablets and nasal sprays don’t seem to work. It feels constantly blocked but worse when I have a cold.
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Jen Tan — 08.04.2018 18:12
Hello Megan. There are many reasons for a persistent blocked nose. Allergies, sinus problems as well as swelling of the nasal mucosa as you have described, are amongst the possible causes. As your attempts at treating the condition have not been successful, we will then be considering the possibility of a physical obstruction in your nasal passages such as a nasal polyp or septal deviation. The best advice I can give you at this point is to make an appointment to see your doctor - a referral to an ENT specialist may be helpful in order to secure an answer to your problems.
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dj — 02.04.2018 20:22
My 13 yr old had adnoids and tonsils out when young do to repeated issues. Two urs,ago he had a sinus op. Has been great untill January, can adnoids grow back and sinus issue happen again?
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Jen Tan — 03.04.2018 13:37
Hello DJ. Adenoids and tonsils are lymphatic tissue or glands. The procedure used to remove these glands can leave a residue of tissue which can regrow. However, it is not likely that they will retain their original size. Operations on the sinuses are usually performed to encourage drainage of these cavities rather than their removal. Sinuses can become blocked again with a recurrence of symnptoms.
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