Experiencing a blocked nostril, especially on one side, is a common sensation. While often a temporary inconvenience, this unilateral blockage can be frustrating and disrupt normal breathing. Understanding its various reasons can clarify why one nostril feels more congested than the other.
Common Causes of Unilateral Nasal Blockage
One frequent reason for a blocked nostril is general nasal congestion, often linked to colds, the flu, or allergies. These conditions trigger inflammation and swelling of the nasal lining, which can narrow the air passages. The human nose naturally cycles between nostrils, with one side typically more congested than the other at any given time due to changes in blood flow to the turbinates, a phenomenon known as the nasal cycle. This natural process can become more noticeable when inflammation is present, making one side feel distinctly blocked.
A physical structural issue, such as a deviated septum, can also lead to persistent unilateral blockage. The septum is the wall of cartilage and bone that divides the nose into two separate nostrils. If this wall is significantly off-center, it can physically obstruct the airflow through one nasal passage, making it difficult to breathe through that side. This anatomical variation can range from minor to severe, directly influencing the degree of obstruction experienced.
Non-cancerous growths called nasal polyps sometimes form within the nasal passages or sinuses, contributing to blockage. These soft, painless growths can develop due to chronic inflammation, often associated with allergies, asthma, or recurrent infections. As polyps grow larger, they can occupy space within a nostril, physically impeding airflow and leading to a sensation of unilateral obstruction.
Turbinate hypertrophy, which is the enlargement of the turbinates, represents another common cause of one-sided blockage. Turbinates are bony structures inside the nose covered by a soft tissue layer, and they help warm and humidify inhaled air. When these tissues become swollen due to allergies, irritants, or chronic inflammation, they can significantly reduce the space available for air to pass through, causing a persistent feeling of congestion on the affected side.
Inflammation or infection of the sinuses, known as sinusitis, can also manifest as a blocked nostril. When the sinus cavities become inflamed, mucus production increases, and drainage pathways can become blocked. This pressure and swelling can extend to the adjacent nasal passage, leading to a feeling of fullness or obstruction in one nostril, often accompanied by facial pain or pressure. A foreign body lodged in a nostril can also cause sudden unilateral blockage, sometimes with foul-smelling discharge.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While a blocked nostril is often benign, certain signs warrant medical consultation. If the blockage persists beyond a typical cold or allergy season, medical evaluation is warranted. Chronic unilateral congestion that does not resolve within several weeks might indicate an underlying structural issue or chronic inflammatory condition.
Medical attention is advised if the blocked nostril is accompanied by concerning symptoms. These include severe pain, a high fever, unusual green or yellow discharge, a foul odor, or frequent nosebleeds. Facial swelling around the eyes or nose, or changes in vision, also require prompt medical assessment.
If the nasal blockage significantly impacts daily life, such as interfering with sleep, causing difficulty breathing during physical activity, or affecting your sense of smell, professional advice is beneficial. Similarly, if the blockage is consistently on one side without a clear, recent cause like a cold, or if it developed after a nasal injury or trauma, consult a doctor.