The sensation of having one nostril blocked is often more uncomfortable than having both nostrils congested.
Sometimes it’s a cycle of nasal congestion – a back-and-forth alternation in blockage from one side to the other – where one nostril becomes congested due to engorgement in the nasal turbinates while the other remains clear (one side of your nose gets a “break”) – this is completely normal. However, blockage in one nostril can also be due to other underlying pathological causes.
Understanding Unilateral Nasal Congestion
1. What is unilateral nasal congestion?
Here are some potential causes for experiencing nasal congestion in one nostril:
1.1. Sleeping on one side
Just as lying on your side can cause numbness in one arm, the same can occur with your nose experiencing an “imbalance.” Unilateral nasal congestion may happen when you lie on one side, causing that nostril to be pressed down.
If the congestion in one nostril eases immediately upon waking, it is likely attributed to your side-sleeping habit.
Note that if both nostrils are congested due to allergies or a common cold, it’s best to sleep on your back with your head elevated slightly for comfort.
There are many reasons for experiencing congestion in one nostril. (Image: Internet).
1.2. Deviated nasal septum
If you have persistent congestion in one nostril, it might be due to a deviated nasal septum. When the septum is shifted to one side, the airflow on that nostril will be narrower than the other, causing congestion.
Alongside unilateral nasal congestion, individuals with a deviated septum may experience other symptoms such as headaches on one side (depending on which way the septum deviates), snoring, increased nosebleeds, nasal dryness or runny nose, and noisy breathing.
1.3. Nasal polyps
Nasal polyps are benign growths located in the nasal cavity due to localized degeneration of the nasal or sinus mucosa. Large nasal polyps can obstruct normal respiratory function, leading to unilateral nasal congestion, reduced sense of smell, and persistent headaches or snoring.
1.4. Rhinitis and sinusitis
Chronic or frequent rhinitis and sinusitis due to infection of the mucosal lining of the nose result in swelling and inflammation that obstruct drainage and ventilation, leading to unilateral nasal congestion. Common causes of sinusitis can include bacteria, viruses, or allergies.
Chronic sinusitis is characterized by pain in the maxillary, frontal, anterior, and posterior sinuses. Other accompanying symptoms may include mild to high fever, continuous sneezing (potentially with blood if sneezing forcefully), loss of appetite, loss of taste, blurry vision, facial heaviness, and more.
Unilateral nasal congestion can occur at any age. (Image: Internet).
1.5. Environmental factors
Allergens, irritants, and cold weather can also cause one nostril to swell more than the other, leading to congestion. Even if you’re not exposed to any allergens, irritants such as smoke, dust, unpleasant odors, and chemicals can irritate the nasal passages, causing inflammation and resulting in nasal congestion.
1.6. Foreign objects in the nose
Sometimes, a foreign object stuck in the nose can lead to unilateral nasal blockage. This is often common in young children. You might try to blow your nose to expel the object; however, if there are secretions or pus coming out, it is time to see a doctor.
2. When to see a doctor for unilateral nasal congestion?
In general, you can try some home remedies to alleviate unilateral nasal congestion such as using a humidifier, taking warm showers, using saline nasal sprays, or keeping your head elevated while sleeping.
Consult with a doctor if nasal blockage occurs frequently and is more severe. (Image: Internet).
If you experience unilateral nasal congestion infrequently, there’s no need to worry as nasal cycles, allergies, or colds can happen to anyone. However, if this condition occurs often, you should observe for any accompanying unusual symptoms, including:
- Shortness of breath
- Noise (like wheezing) during inhalation or exhalation
- Increased snoring
- Nosebleeds
- Facial heaviness or pain (sinus pain)
- Reduced sense of smell.
If you experience any of these symptoms along with nasal congestion, it’s advisable to consult a doctor to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Note that you should not self-prescribe nasal sprays or oral medications that require a prescription.
