Common symptoms
- Blocked nose on one or both sides
- Breathing through the mouth, especially at night
- Noisy breathing or snoring
- Frequent nosebleeds or sinus problems
- Disturbed sleep
Common causes
- Deviated nasal septum
- Swelling of the turbinates (structures inside the nose)
- Allergies or ongoing inflammation
- Nasal polyps, or enlarged adenoids in children
- Previous injury to the nose
When to see an ENT specialist
- Your nose feels blocked most of the time
- It affects your sleep, exercise or quality of life
- You have repeated sinus infections or nosebleeds
- One side stays blocked, especially with bloody discharge
Seek urgent medical care if
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling, severe pain or a change in nose shape after an injury
How it is usually assessed
An ENT specialist will usually examine the inside of the nose, often with a thin camera (nasal endoscopy), to understand the cause. Imaging is sometimes suggested.
General management
Management depends on the cause. Inflammation may be treated with medicines such as nasal sprays. When a structural problem is causing significant symptoms, surgery (for example to straighten the septum or reduce the turbinates) may be discussed.
This page provides general information only. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan, and it does not describe the specific services of any doctor. Please consult a doctor about your own situation.