Why Do I Always Have a Stuffy Nose? Common Causes and Treatments

Madeleine Herman
5 days ago
2 min read

By: Dr Madeleine Herman, MD, MPH

A stuffy nose can make it difficult to breathe, sleep, and enjoy daily life. For many people, congestion is not just an occasional problem—it’s a chronic issue. If you find yourself constantly asking, “Why is my nose always blocked?”, you’re not alone. At SCENT Houston – Sinus Center & ENT Specialists of Houston, our ENT specialists help patients uncover the root causes of nasal obstruction and provide effective, long-lasting treatments.

Common Causes of a Stuffy Nose

1. Allergies (Allergic Rhinitis)

Seasonal or year-round allergies are one of the top causes of nasal congestion. Pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander can all trigger swelling in the nasal passages, leading to a stuffy nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes.

2. Chronic Sinusitis

When the sinuses become inflamed and can’t drain properly, it can cause persistent congestion, facial pressure, and postnasal drip. Chronic sinusitis often requires specialized ENT care to bring relief.

3. Deviated Septum

The nasal septum is the thin wall that divides the two nasal passages. If it’s crooked (deviated), one side of the nose may feel constantly blocked. This structural issue often requires medical or surgical correction.

4. Enlarged Turbinates

Turbinates are small structures inside the nose that help filter and humidify the air you breathe. If they become swollen, they can block airflow and make your nose feel stuffy all the time.

5. Nasal Polyps

These soft, non-cancerous growths inside the nasal passages can obstruct breathing and contribute to chronic congestion. Polyps are often linked to allergies or sinus disease.

6. Environmental Irritants

Exposure to smoke, pollution, or strong odors can irritate the nasal lining, causing temporary or persistent nasal blockage.

7. Hormonal or Medication-Related Causes

Certain medications, pregnancy, or hormonal changes can also lead to long-term nasal congestion.

Treatments for a Stuffy Nose

The right treatment depends on the cause of your nasal blockage. At SCENT Houston, we provide a full range of solutions, including:

Allergy testing & treatment – to identify and manage triggers.
Prescription nasal sprays & medications – to reduce inflammation.
In-office procedures – like balloon sinuplasty to restore sinus drainage.
Surgery – to correct a deviated septum, shrink enlarged turbinates, or remove nasal polyps.

When to See an ENT Specialist

You should schedule an appointment if you have:

Chronic nasal congestion lasting more than 10 days without improvement.
Ongoing difficulty breathing through your nose, especially on one side.
Frequent sinus infections or headaches linked to congestion.
Poor sleep, fatigue, or snoring caused by blocked nasal passages.

Breathe Easier with SCENT Houston

A stuffy nose doesn’t have to be your “normal.” With expert diagnosis and treatment, you can finally breathe comfortably again.

👉 Call SCENT Houston – Sinus Center & ENT Specialists of Houston today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward lasting relief.