6 Common Signs of a Nasal Obstruction

 Everyone deals with a stuffy nose once in a while, especially during allergy season or a cold. But when nasal congestion doesn’t go away (or keeps coming back), it could be more than just temporary irritation. You might be dealing with a nasal obstruction, a structural or functional blockage that limits airflow through your nasal passages.

Nasal obstructions are more common than you think, and they can seriously affect your breathing, sleep, and quality of life. Luckily, Raj Bhayani, MD, and the team at the New York Institute of Otolaryngology and Aesthetic Surgery can help. Dr. Bhayani offers some of the most integrative treatments available to help you finally clear your nasal passages to breathe. 

In the meantime, let’s take a closer look at six common signs to watch for and when to consider making an appointment with us. 

1. Constant nasal congestion (even without a cold)

If your nose always feels blocked, even when you're not sick or dealing with allergies, it could be a sign of an obstruction. This could be due to: 

• A deviated septum
• Nasal polyps or enlarged turbinates
• Chronic inflammation or swelling inside your nose

If you constantly rely on nasal sprays or breathe through your mouth, it’s time to dig deeper.

2. Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils 

If you struggle to breathe through your nose, especially on one side, this is also a major red flag. This symptom often goes hand-in-hand with a deviated septum or nasal swelling. You may notice: 

• One side feels more “open” than the other
• Breathing gets worse when lying down
• Exercising feels harder due to limited airflow 

If nasal breathing feels like a workout, a physical blockage may need attention.

3. Frequent sinus infections

Recurring sinus infections could mean your sinuses aren’t draining properly due to a nasal obstruction. You might experience: 

• Facial pressure or pain
• Postnasal drip
• Thick nasal discharge
• Headaches or fatigue

When your sinuses can’t clear out properly, bacteria and inflammation build up. This leads to infections that keep coming back.

4. Mouth breathing or snoring 

Do you struggle to breathe through your nose while you sleep and wake up with a dry mouth? This could also point to an obstruction. Nasal blockages can contribute to: 

• Mouth breathing, especially at night
• Snoring or noisy breathing
• Poor sleep quality or daytime fatigue 

In some cases, nasal obstruction can even play a role in sleep apnea, a serious condition that affects your breathing during sleep.

5. Reduced sense of smell or taste 

If food doesn’t taste like it used to or you can’t smell your morning coffee, it might be more than just aging or allergies. Obstruction can affect your smell and taste by: 

• Blocking airflow to your olfactory nerves
• Causing chronic inflammation in the nasal passages
• Preventing proper drainage and airflow

Restoring nasal function can often bring these senses back to life.

6. Nasal pressure or headaches

Last but not least, feeling pressure around your nose, cheeks, or eyes may not be just a typical headache. It could be sinus-related due to a blockage. Signs this may be nasal obstruction-related: 

• Pressure that gets worse when you bend forward
• A feeling of fullness in your face or forehead
• Headaches that don’t respond to typical pain relief 

This kind of discomfort often points to congestion in the sinus cavities, which can be relieved once the underlying issue is addressed.

In the end, if you’ve been assuming these symptoms are “just allergies” or a stubborn cold, it might be time to take a closer look. Dr. Bhayani can evaluate your nasal passages and determine whether your symptoms are caused by a structural issue, inflammation, or something else entirely.

If you’re ready to learn more, contact us to schedule your appointment with Dr. Bhayani in either Brooklyn or Queens, and start breathing freely again.