Blocked Nose All the Time? ENT Doctors Reveal the Most Common Reasons

Blocked nose reasons explained. Learn why your nose stays blocked, common causes, and when to visit an ENT specialist for effective treatment.

A constantly blocked nose can be surprisingly frustrating. You breathe through your mouth, your sleep gets disturbed, and even daily tasks like talking or eating feel uncomfortable.

Many people assume it’s “just a cold,” but when the blockage doesn’t go away, it’s a sign you may need an ENT specialist to get to the real cause.

A chronically stuffy nose isn’t just annoying—it affects your sleep quality, energy levels, and overall breathing comfort.

What Is Persistent Nasal Congestion?

A temporary stuffy nose usually comes with a cold or minor infection. It clears up within days.

But persistent nasal congestion lasts weeks or even months. It keeps coming back or never fully clears.

Common symptoms people ignore include:

• Trouble breathing through one or both nostrils
• Pressure around the eyes or forehead
• A constant need to sniff
• Reduced sense of smell

If these become part of your routine, it’s time to take it seriously.

Most Common Reasons for a Constantly Blocked Nose

A. Allergic Rhinitis (Dust, Pollen, Pets)

Allergies cause inflammation in the nose, making the passages swollen.
If you sneeze often, have itchy eyes, or deal with a runny nose indoors or outdoors, allergies may be behind your congestion.

B. Sinusitis (Acute or Chronic)

Sinus infections create swelling around your sinuses, blocking airflow.
You may notice headaches, facial pressure, or thick mucus that drips down your throat.

C. Deviated Septum

A bent or uneven nasal wall can block one side of your nose.
Many people don’t realize they have it until adulthood—usually after years of “breathing issues.”

D. Nasal Polyps

These soft, non-cancerous growths obstruct airflow inside your nose.
They’re more common in people with asthma or long-term allergies.

E. Enlarged Turbinates

Turbinates help clean the air you breathe, but when they swell, they block airflow.
This often gets worse while sleeping, which is why some people wake up gasping for air.

F. Common Cold or Viral Infections

Sometimes a cold lingers longer than expected.
When it doesn’t resolve quickly, it might turn into sinusitis, causing ongoing congestion.

G. Environmental Triggers

Pollution, dust, strong perfumes, air conditioning, and even dry indoor air can irritate your nasal passages.
Lifestyle and surroundings play a big role in long-term nasal blockage.

H. Hormonal Changes

Pregnancy rhinitis is a real thing—many mothers-to-be experience nasal congestion.
Thyroid imbalances can also affect nasal tissues, causing them to swell.

These are some of the most common blocked nose reasons, but only an ENT doctor can pinpoint the exact cause.

When Should You See an ENT Specialist?

Seek help if you experience:

• Nose blockage lasting more than two weeks
• Frequent sinus infections
• Difficulty breathing while sleeping
• Persistent headaches or facial pain
• A decreased sense of smell

These signs indicate chronic sinus issues or structural problems.

How ENT Specialists Diagnose Nasal Blockage

ENT doctors use simple, painless tools to understand the root cause:

• Nasal endoscopy to look inside the nasal passages
• Allergy testing to check for triggers
• Sinus CT scans for detailed images
• Physical examination to assess structural issues

This thorough approach helps diagnose exactly what’s causing your blocked nose.

Treatment Options ENT Doctors Recommend

Medical Treatments

• Antihistamines for allergies
• Steroid or saline nasal sprays
• Decongestants for temporary relief
• Antibiotics for bacterial infections

Minimally Invasive Procedures

• Endoscopic sinus surgery
• Turbinate reduction
• Polyp removal

These procedures help restore airflow when medications aren’t enough.

Lifestyle & Home Remedies

• Steam inhalation
• Using a humidifier
• Avoiding allergens like dust or pet dander
• Nasal rinsing with saline
  These simple steps can help manage symptoms, especially during seasonal changes.

How Central Hospital Sharjah Can Help

At Central Hospital Sharjah, our ENT department offers:

• Experienced ENT specialists
• Advanced diagnostic tools like endoscopy and imaging
• Personalized treatment plans
• Minimally invasive procedures for long-term relief

We focus on accurate diagnosis and effective treatment to help you breathe comfortably again.

Conclusion

A constantly blocked nose isn’t something you should ignore.
Early diagnosis can prevent long-term sinus issues and improve your day-to-day comfort.

If you’re dealing with persistent congestion, book an appointment with our ENT specialists at Central Hospital Sharjah today.
Clear breathing is just one consultation away.