Why Is My Nose Blocked on One Side?

Underlying conditions can make congestion more noticeable on one side

Medically reviewed by John Carew, MD

Having one clogged nostril can be uncomfortable and frustrating, leaving you wondering why your nose is always blocked on one side. There are many possible reasons why one side of your nose is stuffy, including a deviated septum, nasal polyps, and a natural cycle of airflow through the nose throughout the day. When you identify why just one nostril is often clogged, you can address its causes and get relief.

Continue reading to learn more about why one nostril is clogged, including how to know if you have a deviated septum and if nasal polyps are dangerous.

The Nasal Cycle

You’ve probably never thought about your nose having a cycle, but it does. Each side of your nose develops into three nasal turbinates, structures that help filter air within the nose. Every 2.5 hours, the turbinates on one side get narrower while those on the other expand to allow for greater airflow. If you have congestion because of a cold or allergies, you might notice that one side of your nose feels more blocked.

Symptoms of One-Sided Nostrils Clogs

If your nose is always blocked on one side, you’ll experience the symptoms of a stuffy nose and nasal congestion. The symptoms can include:

• Stuffy nose

• Runny nose

• Changes to your sense of smell

• Sneezing

• Itchiness

Depending on the cause of your one-sided stuffiness, you might also experience other symptoms, including:

• Snoring, sleep apnea, and trouble sleeping

• Nosebleeds

• Sinus infections

• Changes to your voice, including a nasal-sounding voice

You’ll likely notice that these symptoms are more noticeable on one side of your nose—although the affected side might change throughout the night and day.

Causes of One-Sided Nose Blockage

Just like nasal congestion on both sides, a one-sided nose blockage can have many causes. Anytime you’re experiencing allergies, a cold, or other conditions that contribute to nasal congestion, these underlying factors can make nasal congestion worse on one side. Here’s what can contribute to a stuffy nose on one side:

Deviated Septum

A deviated septum happens when the cartilage or bone between the nasal passages is crooked. This can cause one passage to be smaller than the other and more easily blocked. A deviation can be minor, meaning you only notice the stuffiness when dealing with a cold or allergies. Or, it can be more significant, meaning that your symptoms are usually obvious.

Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps are growths within the nasal passages. If they only happen on one side of your nostrils—or if they’re bigger on one side than the other—you might notice that only one nostril is blocked.

Are Nasal Polyps Dangerous?

Nasal polyps usually are benign (not cancerous) but can also be cancerous. Nasal polyps that occur on only one side are more likely to be tumors, rather than polyps associated with infection. Although most tumors are not cancer, it’s best to see your healthcare provider and go through proper testing to confirm that the polyps are not posing a risk to your health.

Enlarged Adenoids

Adenoids are patches of tissue in the back of your throat that are part of your immune system. When they become swollen, they can contribute to nasal congestion. If your adenoids are only inflamed on one side, they can contribute to one-sided stuffiness. This is more common in children than adults.

Choanal Atresia

Choanal atresia is a congenital (present at birth) condition by which tissue growth blocks the nasal passages. Unilateral choanal atresia is when this happens on only one side. Although the child can breathe through the other side, choanal atresia is usually detected during childhood, so if you're experiencing one-sided stuffiness as an adult, it's less likely to be a cause. Choanal atresia is often associated with other serious medical conditions like CHARGE syndrome, a genetic set of symptoms involving extensive medical and physical difficulties.

One-Sided Nostril Clogs at Different Times of Day

Many people notice that they have one clogged nostril at certain times of the day, including at night. There are many reasons for this, including:

• Lying down can cause mucus to pool in your nasal passages, increasing congestion.

• Allergens like dust mites near your mattress can trigger allergies.

• Increased blood flow to the head while lying down can lead to inflammation that causes stuffiness.

• Nasal polyps and a deviated septum can restrict your airflow more when you’re lying down, leading to more stuffiness.

How to Unblock Nostril Clogs on One Side

The first step to treating congestion on one side is to identify what might be triggering it. If your nose is clogged on one side and you’re experiencing hay fever, rhinitis, or a cold, you can treat the congestion the same way you would treat congestion on both sides. Treatment for stuffy noses can include:

• Nasal decongestants like Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) (always check with your healthcare provider if you choose to take Sudafed)

• Steroid nasal sprays like Flonase (fluticasone)

• Oral antihistamines like Claritin (loratadine) or Benadryl (diphenhydramine)

You can also try home remedies, including:

• Staying hydrated

• Using a neti pot on the clogged side

• Using saline spray to keep your nasal passages moist

• Sleeping with your head elevated

• Avoiding triggers like pollen or dust

Treatment for a Deviated Septum

If your nose is clogged on one side because of a deviated septum, you may need corrective surgery to realign the cartilage in your nose. This procedure is known as a septoplasty. This is an outpatient surgery that generally only takes 60–90 minutes.

Nasal Polyp Treatment

Nasal polyp treatment includes medication or surgery. Your healthcare providers will help you determine your best option, such as the following:

• Steroid nasal sprays can keep polyps from returning or shrink them without needing surgery.

• Allergy shots and antihistamines can also help your nose from becoming blocked, even if you have polyps.

• Surgery can remove polyps when they’re affecting your health or when healthcare providers are concerned that the polyps might be cancerous.

Seeing a Healthcare Provider for Chronic Nostril Clogs

If you consistently have a clogged nose on one side, it’s best to talk with your healthcare provider. They can diagnose and treat underlying causes like a deviated septum or nasal polyps. They can also help you identify home remedies that might work for you, like sleeping with your head elevated or using an antihistamine to get ahead of allergy-related stuffiness.

You should also see your healthcare provider if you (or your child) experience a sudden stuffy nose on one side without other symptoms. This can indicate that something is stuck in your nose.

You can start by talking with your primary care provider. If they see an issue, they might refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist, also known as an otolaryngologist.

Summary

Allergies, colds, environmental pollutants, and many other triggers can contribute to a stuffy nose. Many people with other health conditions like a deviated septum or nasal polyps may notice that their nose is only stuffy on one side. This can be because one nasal passage is narrower, obstructed, or more easily clogged than the other. Treating the underlying condition can help improve your airflow and comfort levels.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.