Understanding Nasal Congestion: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

What you need to know to find lasting relief.

If you often feel like you just can’t breathe through your nose, you’re not alone. Nasal congestion—also called a stuffy nose or nasal blockage—is one of the most common reasons patients visit our ENT office in Newport News, VA.

Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, chronic nasal congestion can disrupt sleep, exercise, and your overall quality of life. The good news is that today’s treatments can effectively address both structural (anatomic) and functional (physiologic) causes of nasal obstruction.

Let’s break down what you need to know to find lasting relief. 

Two Main Causes of Nasal Congestion

Nasal congestion is typically grouped into anatomic and physiologic causes. Understanding which is affecting you is the first step toward the right treatment. 

1. Anatomic Causes (Structural Blockages) 

Anatomic causes are physical changes inside your nose that don’t improve on their own. They are always present and often require a surgical procedure to correct.

The most common structural issue is a deviated nasal septum, which means the thin wall of cartilage and bone between your nostrils is crooked, bent, or even twisted. A deviated septum can:

• Make breathing difficult on one or both sides of the nose
• Lead to frequent sinus infections and facial pressure
• Cause nosebleeds
• Contribute to snoring or mouth breathing, especially during sleep or exercise

Other structural causes of chronic congestion include:

• Enlarged turbinates: Small bony structures along the sides of your nasal passages that can be too large and block airflow.
• Narrow sinus openings: Anatomical variations that make it easier for your sinuses to become blocked. 

Diagnosis:

Dr. Timothy Queen can usually identify anatomic problems by examining your nose with a small nasal speculum, a bright headlight, or an in-office nasal endoscope (a tiny camera that gives a clear view inside). If your symptoms include recurrent sinus infections or persistent facial pressure, he may also recommend a CT scan of your sinuses to see deeper areas not visible on a physical exam.

Treatment:

Surgical procedures such as septoplasty (to straighten the septum) or turbinate reduction can restore normal airflow and significantly improve symptoms. These surgeries are commonly performed and have excellent success rates. 

2. Physiologic Causes (Inflammation and Swelling) 

Physiologic causes of nasal congestion are related to changes in the lining of your nose. These causes can fluctuate—some days are worse than others, and symptoms may vary depending on your environment, allergies, or even hormonal changes.

The most frequent physiologic cause is allergic rhinitis—an overreaction of the immune system to allergens like:

• Pollen
• Dust mites
• Pet dander
• Mold spores

When you have allergic rhinitis, your nasal tissues swell and produce excess mucus, making it feel like your nose is always clogged.

Other non-allergic triggers include:

• Strong odors (perfumes, cleaning chemicals)
• Tobacco smoke
• Weather or temperature changes
• Hormonal shifts (such as during pregnancy)
• Emotional stress

These triggers are sometimes grouped under non-allergic rhinitis, which can mimic allergy symptoms without a true allergic reaction. 

Treatment:

Depending on your triggers, treatments may include:

• Nasal steroid sprays to reduce inflammation
• Antihistamines to relieve sneezing and runny nose
• Nasal saline irrigations to clear irritants and thin mucus
• Allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots or drops) to build long-term tolerance to allergens

Many patients find that consistent use of prescription nasal sprays dramatically improves congestion without surgery.

How to Diagnose the Cause of Your Congestion

During your visit, Dr. Timothy Queen will:

• Review your medical history and symptom patterns
• Perform a detailed nasal exam with or without an endoscope
• Discuss possible imaging if deeper sinus issues are suspected
• Identify any contributing factors such as allergies, environmental exposures, or medication side effects

This thorough evaluation ensures you get the most effective treatment plan for your specific needs. 

When to See an ENT Specialist

You should consider seeing an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) physician if you have:

• Constant nasal obstruction lasting more than 3 months
• Frequent sinus infections or facial pressure
• Difficulty breathing through your nose while sleeping or exercising
• Nosebleeds associated with blockage
• Symptoms that don’t improve with over-the-counter treatments

An accurate diagnosis is the first step to finally breathing easier. 

Schedule Your Evaluation

If you’re tired of dealing with chronic nasal congestion, Dr. Timothy Queen, Erica Cherry, FNP-BC and their entire experienced ENT team are here to help. From advanced diagnostic tools to personalized medical and surgical treatments, they work with you to find lasting relief.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation at our Newport News, Virginia office and take the first step toward clear, comfortable breathing.