Nose Constantly Blocked? It Could Be a Deviated Septum.

If your nose feels stuffed most days, especially more on one side, a structural airflow problem may be part of what is keeping symptoms active.

Blocked nose symptoms often have more than one contributor

Colds and allergies can cause temporary swelling, but persistent one-sided blockage can point to a structural issue in addition to inflammation. A deviated septum is common, and symptom severity depends on how much airflow is reduced.

What is a deviated septum?

The septum is the cartilage and bone wall between your nostrils. When it shifts off-center, one nasal passage can become narrower and airflow can feel limited. Some people are born with this, while others develop it after nasal injury.

Many septal deviations are mild and never need treatment. Care is based on symptoms, not just anatomy.

Symptoms you might notice

Persistent blockage, often worse on one side.
Frequent congestion during allergy flares or after colds.
Postnasal drainage and pressure that keep coming back.
Recurring sinus infection patterns when drainage stays limited.
Snoring, mouth breathing, or restless sleep.
Fatigue from poor overnight breathing quality.
Reduced airflow during exercise or day-to-day activity.

Some patients also report concerns about possible sleep apnea. If sleep symptoms are part of your history, we include that in the evaluation and next-step plan.

Do I need surgery?

Not always. During a straightforward in-office exam, we evaluate septal alignment with a lighted instrument and review your symptoms, allergy history, sleep concerns, and overall quality of life before making any recommendation.

In many cases, surgery is not necessary. If symptoms are mild or mostly situational, a non-surgical plan may be enough. For some patients, practical changes like better allergy control or sleep-position adjustments can reduce nighttime breathing symptoms.

If nasal blockage remains persistent despite conservative care, we will discuss whether a procedure is appropriate for your specific situation.

Ready to breathe more clearly?

If your nose feels blocked most days, our team can identify the cause and walk you through practical treatment options.