Blocked Nose After a Cold – Why It Happens and When to See an ENT Specialist

It’s common for a cold to leave you with a blocked nose — but for some people, the congestion lingers long after the infection has cleared. A persistently blocked nose can affect sleep, concentration, breathing and even your sense of smell.

At Hampshire ENT Clinics, The Harbour Suite at Queen Alexandra Hospital, and Medicana Winchester, we frequently see patients from Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester and Salisbury with nasal blockage that started with a simple cold but never fully resolved.

👃 Why Do Colds Cause Nasal Blockage?

The common cold is caused by a virus that inflames the lining of the nose and sinuses. This leads to:

• Swelling of the nasal lining

• Increased mucus production

• Narrowing of the nasal passages

In most people, this settles within 7–10 days. However, inflammation can persist, especially if there are underlying nasal or sinus issues.

🤧 Common Reasons a Blocked Nose Persists After a Cold

1. Prolonged Inflammation

Even once the virus has gone, the nasal lining may remain swollen for weeks.

2. Post-Viral Rhinitis

Some people develop ongoing nasal congestion or drip after a viral infection, without infection being present.

3. Sinusitis

A cold can block sinus drainage pathways, leading to pressure, facial pain and prolonged congestion.

4. Enlarged Turbinates

The turbinates are normal structures inside the nose that swell during infection and may remain enlarged.

5. Underlying Nasal Problems

Conditions that make post-cold blockage more likely include:

• Deviated nasal septum

• Allergic rhinitis

• Nasal polyps

• Chronic rhinosinusitis

6. Overuse of Decongestant Sprays

Sprays such as Otrivine or Sudocrem nasal sprays can cause rebound congestion if used for more than 5–7 days.

🩺 When Should You See an ENT Specialist?

You should seek ENT assessment if:

• Nasal blockage lasts longer than 3–4 weeks

• One side of the nose is persistently blocked

• You have facial pain, pressure or reduced smell

• Symptoms keep returning after every cold

• You rely on nasal decongestant sprays to breathe

• Congestion affects sleep or exercise

At Hampshire ENT Clinics, The Harbour Suite at QA Hospital and Medicana Winchester, assessment may include nasal endoscopy and imaging if needed.

💊 Treatment Options for Post-Cold Nasal Blockage

1. Medical Treatment

• Steroid nasal sprays to reduce inflammation

• Saline rinses to clear mucus and irritants

• Antihistamines if allergy contributes

• Short courses of medication where appropriate

2. Procedural Treatments

If congestion persists despite medication, options may include:

• Turbinoplasty for persistently enlarged turbinates

• Clarifix® cryotherapy for chronic post-viral rhinitis

• Sinus surgery if chronic sinus disease is present

Treatment is always tailored to the underlying cause.

🌟 Expert Nasal Care Across Hampshire

You do not need to travel far for specialist nasal care. We provide consultant-led assessment and treatment at:

• Hampshire ENT Clinics

• The Harbour Suite at Queen Alexandra Hospital (Portsmouth)

• Medicana Winchester

• New Hall Hospital Salisbury

Convenient for patients from Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester, Salisbury, Fareham, Romsey and Andover.

👉 If your nose has remained blocked since a cold, contact Hampshire ENT Clinics or Medicana Winchester for expert assessment and tailored treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Blocked Nose After a Cold

Is it normal for a blocked nose to last after a cold?
Yes, it can be. While most colds resolve within 7–10 days, nasal inflammation can persist for several weeks, particularly if there are underlying nasal or sinus problems.

How long should post-cold nasal blockage last?
Mild congestion may last up to 2–3 weeks. If blockage persists beyond 3–4 weeks, or keeps recurring after every cold, ENT assessment is recommended.

Why does my nose stay blocked when the infection has gone?
After a viral infection, the nasal lining may remain inflamed and swollen even though the virus has cleared. This is known as post-viral inflammation or post-viral rhinitis.

Can a cold trigger sinusitis?
Yes. A cold can block sinus drainage pathways, allowing mucus to build up and leading to sinus inflammation or sinusitis, which can prolong congestion and facial pressure.

Why is one side of my nose blocked more than the other?
Persistent one-sided blockage may suggest a structural issue such as a deviated septum, turbinate enlargement, or nasal polyps and should be assessed by an ENT specialist.

Can overusing decongestant sprays make things worse?
Yes. Sprays such as Otrivine or Sudocrem nasal spray can cause rebound congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa) if used for more than 5–7 days, leading to ongoing blockage.

Are steroid nasal sprays safe to use long term?
Yes. When used correctly, steroid nasal sprays are safe and effective for reducing inflammation and are often the mainstay of treatment for persistent nasal blockage.

When should I see an ENT specialist?
You should seek ENT assessment if:

• Blockage lasts longer than 3–4 weeks

• Symptoms keep returning after every cold

• One side of the nose is persistently blocked

• You have facial pain, pressure, or reduced sense of smell

• Nasal congestion affects sleep or exercise

• You rely on decongestant sprays to breathe

What tests might be needed?
Assessment may include nasal examination, nasal endoscopy, and imaging such as a CT scan if sinus disease or structural problems are suspected.

What treatments are available if sprays don’t work?
If symptoms persist despite medication, treatment options may include:

• Turbinoplasty for enlarged turbinates

• ClariFix® cryotherapy for chronic post-viral rhinitis

• Endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic sinus disease

Treatment is always tailored to the underlying cause.

Do I need surgery for a blocked nose after a cold?
Most patients do not. Surgery is only considered if there is a clear structural or chronic inflammatory problem that has not responded to appropriate medical treatment.

Where can I be assessed?
Consultant-led assessment and treatment are available at Hampshire ENT Clinics, The Harbour Suite at Queen Alexandra Hospital (Portsmouth), Medicana Winchester, and New Hall Hospital Salisbury, caring for patients across Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester, Salisbury, and the wider Hampshire region.