In this article
- One-sided and two-sided blockage suggest different causes
- Overusing decongestant sprays can worsen blockage
- Adenoids are a common cause in children
Assessment and treatment
- Nasal examination and endoscopy when needed
- Cause-based saline, allergy care or medication
- Surgery for selected structural disease
At a glance
Definition: Allergy, a deviated septum, turbinate swelling, polyps, infection or rarely a growth can block the nose.
Key takeaways
- One-sided and two-sided blockage suggest different causes
- Overusing decongestant sprays can worsen blockage
- Adenoids are a common cause in children
Clinical steps
- Nasal examination and endoscopy when needed
- Cause-based saline, allergy care or medication
- Surgery for selected structural disease
Red flags: Prompt review is needed for one-sided blockage with bleeding, facial swelling, visual symptoms or severe headache.
Quick FAQ: When should I see an ENT specialist?
Prompt review is needed for one-sided blockage with bleeding, facial swelling, visual symptoms or severe headache.
How I assess this in clinic
I first clarify duration, severity, whether symptoms are one-sided or bilateral, and their effect on daily life. I then perform a focused ENT examination and compare the findings with one-sided and two-sided blockage suggest different causes.
Endoscopy or audiometry is not required for everyone. I advise endoscopy when the nose, sinus, throat or voice box needs direct assessment, and audiometry/tympanometry when hearing or middle-ear function is in question.
A common misconception is that every ENT problem needs an antibiotic or an operation. Treatment should instead follow the diagnosis, functional impact, examination findings and evidence-based indications.
Do not wait when: Prompt review is needed for one-sided blockage with bleeding, facial swelling, visual symptoms or severe headache.
For patient education; not a substitute for individual diagnosis or treatment.