Why Does One Side of My Nose Always Feel Blocked?

Have you ever noticed that one nostril always seems more congested than the other? Maybe you can breathe well through one side, while the other feels constantly stuffed, even when you don't have a cold.

While temporary nasal congestion is common, ongoing blockage on one side of the nose may be a sign of an underlying structural issue rather than allergies or a sinus infection. An evaluation by an ENT specialist can help determine the cause and the best treatment to help you breathe more comfortably.

Is It Normal for One Nostril to Feel More Open?

Believe it or not, it's normal for airflow to alternate between nostrils throughout the day. This is called the nasal cycle, and most people don't even notice it.

However, if one side feels blocked all the time or the congestion doesn't improve, there may be another issue affecting your nasal airway.

Common Causes of One-Sided Nasal Congestion

Several conditions can lead to persistent blockage in one nostril.

Deviated Septum

A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall separating the nostrils is off-center, making one nasal passage smaller than the other. Some people are born with a deviated septum, while others develop one after an injury.

Symptoms may include:

• Difficulty breathing through one side of the nose
• Frequent congestion
• Snoring
• Recurrent sinus infections
• Nosebleeds

Enlarged Turbinates

Turbinates are structures inside the nose that help warm and filter the air you breathe. Allergies or chronic inflammation can cause them to become enlarged, reducing airflow.

Nasal Polyps

Soft, noncancerous growths inside the nasal passages can partially block airflow, especially in people with chronic sinus inflammation or allergies.

Chronic Allergies

Seasonal or year-round allergies can cause swelling inside the nose, making one side feel more congested than the other.

When Should You See an ENT?

Occasional congestion isn't usually a cause for concern. However, you should schedule an evaluation if you have:

• Nasal blockage lasting several weeks
• Difficulty breathing through one nostril
• Frequent sinus infections
• Loud snoring
• Facial pressure or pain
• Symptoms that don't improve with allergy medications

An ENT specialist can examine your nasal passages and identify whether a structural issue is affecting your breathing.

Treatment Options for Nasal Obstruction

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of your symptoms.

For inflammation caused by allergies, treatment may include medications or allergy management.

If a structural problem is limiting airflow, your ENT may recommend additional treatment options.

VivAer®

For some patients, VivAer® offers a minimally invasive, incision-free treatment that uses gentle radiofrequency energy to remodel tissue inside the nose and improve airflow. The procedure is performed in the office and requires little downtime.

Septoplasty

If a significantly deviated septum is causing your symptoms, septoplasty may be recommended to straighten the nasal septum and improve breathing. This surgical procedure is often considered when conservative treatments have not provided enough relief.

Your ENT will recommend the treatment that's most appropriate based on your anatomy and symptoms.

Breathe Easier with Expert ENT Care

You don't have to live with constant nasal congestion. Whether your symptoms are caused by a deviated septum, chronic inflammation, or another structural issue, getting the right diagnosis is the first step toward lasting relief.

At Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C., we provide comprehensive evaluation and nasal obstruction treatment for patients experiencing chronic breathing problems. If you're looking for expert care for a deviated septum in Atlanta or want to learn whether VivAer® or another treatment is right for you, call 404-891-6576 to schedule an appointment. Visit us at 5555 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Suite 125, Sandy Springs, Atlanta, GA 30342, or request an appointment online at www.atlantaent.com. Let our experienced team help you breathe easier and improve your quality of life.

Author

Ramie A. Tritt, MD Ramie A. Tritt, MD, FRCSC, specializes in nasal and sinus surgery as well as snoring and sleep apnea surgery at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C.’s Sandy Springs location in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Tritt graduated from medical school with honors from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He completed his otolaryngology residency at McGill University and his fellowship in otology and head and neck surgery at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology and a fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Tritt is a member of the Medical Association of Georgia and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Tritt has been an instructor at national ENT meetings, a Medical Advisory Board member for computer image-guided sinus surgery, and been recognized by Atlanta Magazine as a “Doctor Who Doctors Go To”.