Blocked nose: sinusitis, adenoids and other causes — which doctor to see
Congestion from a cold clears within a week. If your nose has been blocked for weeks and drops have become a daily ritual, that is a separate problem worth taking to an ENT doctor: there are many causes, and almost all are fixable.
Common causes
- A lingering cold and sinusitis, including maxillary sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses behind the cheeks)
- Allergic rhinitis — pollen, dust, animal dander
- Dependence on decongestant drops
- A deviated nasal septum
- Nasal polyps
- Dry indoor air
- In children, enlarged adenoids: the nose is constantly blocked, the child breathes through the mouth and snores at night
When to seek urgent help
Do not wait for a scheduled visit if you have any of these signs:
- Congestion with severe facial pain and high fever
- Eyelid or eye area swelling during a sinus infection — see a doctor urgently
- Recurring nosebleeds
- In a child, one blocked nostril with a foul smell — possibly a foreign object
- Vision problems during sinusitis — call 103
Ambulance: 103 (103 from a mobile) · Unified rescue service: 911
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What to bring to the visit
- A timeline: how long it has lasted, whether it is seasonal
- A list of drops and sprays you use, and for how long
- Sinus CT or X-ray results, if you have them
- Information about your allergies
Frequently asked questions
Are sinusitis and maxillary sinusitis the same thing?
Sinusitis is the general name for inflammation of the paranasal sinuses; maxillary sinusitis is one type, affecting the sinuses behind the cheeks. Which sinus is inflamed and whether treatment is needed is decided by an ENT doctor after an examination, sometimes with a sinus CT.
Sinusitis or a lingering cold: when should I see an ENT?
See an ENT doctor if your nose has been blocked for more than 10 days, got worse after a cold had started to clear, or you have heaviness or pain in the cheeks and under the eyes and thick discharge. Only a doctor can tell whether it is sinusitis, after an examination. Severe facial pain with a high fever, swollen eyelids or vision problems are signs from the "When to seek urgent help" list.
Enlarged adenoids in a child: which doctor?
Adenoids are the tonsil at the back of the nose. When they are enlarged, a child may have a constantly blocked nose, breathe through the mouth and snore during sleep. This is a matter for an ENT doctor (you can start with a pediatrician), who will examine the back of the nose and explain the next steps.
What does grade 3 adenoids mean?
The grade shows how much of the back of the nose the adenoids block: the higher it is, the harder it is for the child to breathe through the nose. An ENT doctor determines the grade during an examination and explains whether treatment is needed and what kind. The grade is weighed together with the child's symptoms.
ENT doctor or allergist?
If the congestion is seasonal, with sneezing and itchy eyes, allergy is likely — see an allergist. Otherwise start with an ENT doctor.
How do I stop using decongestant drops?
This is a common and solvable problem: an ENT doctor will plan a gradual withdrawal and treat the swelling. The key is not to increase the dose any further.
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The information on this page is for reference only and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis in person. If your condition worsens, call 103.