What Causes Nasal Congestion? Signs, Remedies & When to See a Doctor

Published on: 28rd January 2026
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Tinsae Menberu
A man using a nasal spray and tissue due to nasal congestion
It usually starts small. You wake up one morning and notice it’s harder to breathe through your nose. By afternoon, your voice sounds nasal, and by evening, you’re breathing through your mouth just to feel comfortable. People suffering from nose congestion know how quickly this condition can affect their ability to sleep, their level of concentration, as well as your general mood.
Nasal congestion is especially common in Abu Dhabi due to the amount of dust, humidity, and constant use of air conditioning in everyday life. Patients often ask us, “Why does my nose feel blocked all the time?” Let’s break it down clearly.

Understanding Nasal Congestion: What’s Actually Happening?

Environmental factors contribute greatly to nasal congestion in Abu Dhabi. Nose congestion is often caused by inflammation of the nasal lining rather than the presence of excess mucus. When you face a blocked nose, it becomes inflamed or swollen, the nasal passages become narrowed, and it can become difficult to breathe.
Also, because the sinuses and the nasal passages are closely related, inflammation can also result in sinus congestion, pressure in the face, or a sinus headache. Therefore, if you are living in Abu Dhabi, you may find that environmental factors, such as exposure to dust, low humidity due to air conditioning, or sudden changes in temperature.

Common Causes of Nasal Congestion

Many different things can cause nasal congestion,and so there are many ways to relieve nose congestion based on the underlying cause.
  • Viral infections: Viruses such as the common cold and flu produce inflammation in the lining of your blocked nose, leading to increased production of mucus, creating a plugged-up sensation that lasts 7-10 days.
  • Allergies: Allergic rhinitis, on the other hand,d creates continued inflammation. Dust mites, pollen, and other indoor allergens can create a situation of ongoing nasal congestion, resulting in sneezing and/or sinus congestion on a daily basis. In general, patients who live in Abu Dhabi are often exposed to dust and have year-round allergies.
  • Environmental factors: Dry air, strong perfumes, cigarette smoke, and pollution can all trigger Nasal congestion and stuffy nose. Constant use of air conditioning further dries the nasal passages, often making symptoms worse.
  • Structural Issues: A deviated septum or nasal polyps can cause persistent nasal congestion on one or both sides.
  • Medication Overuse: Overusing nasal sprays can actually cause rebound congestion, leaving you stuck in a cycle of a constantly blocked up nose.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms

Difficulty breathing through your nose, especially at night, may be evident to you. Many patients report feeling as though they have constant pressure surrounding their Eyes and Forehead. Some patients report having thick mucus dripping down the back of their throat or a reduced sense of smell.
A stuffy nose can be temporary, or it may last for weeks; it could indicate allergies or sinus issues. If you have a blocked up nose and have a fever, facial pain, or colored discharge from your nose, this could be an indication of an infection requiring medical treatment.

Home Remedies and Self-Care Tips

Close-up of a person using a nasal spray for congestion relief
For mild cases, simple home care can often ease symptoms and support recovery:
  • Steam Inhalation:Inhaling warm steam may help hydrate your nasal passages, loosen up the mucus, and reduce the amount of pressure in your sinuses, especially where dry air conditioning has increased the nose congestion.
  • Saline rinse:The blocked nose home treatment is also an excellent way to help treat the congestion and clear out any irritants in the nose.
  • Hydration:Additionally, drinking enough fluids will keep the mucus thin enough to be able to drain easily, allowing for relief of a heavy and blocked nose
  • Humidifiers:Many individuals have inquired about treatments for blocked nasal passages that they can use at home. A very effective treatment is to use a humidifier.
  • Sleep Positioning:Sleeping with one’s head raised helps improve airflow to the nasal passages and decreases congestion at night; therefore, it will enhance one’s ability to rest comfortably at night.
  • Warm Showers:For someone who wants a nasal congestion remedy or congested nose remedy or congested nose remedy taking warm showers, using saline for a stuffy nose and avoiding known allergens are a few initial options. Those methods also make a good initial treatment option if the symptoms are mild.

Medical Treatments Available

When home remedies aren’t effective in treating your nasal congestion, additional medical support may be needed. The type of congestion you are experiencing and its cause will inform the appropriate recommendation for treatment. For example, what may relieve the symptoms of nasal congestion treatment may not be effective in treating nose congestion caused by a virus.
In some cases, doctors may prescribe steroid nasal sprays to manage nasal inflammation effectively. When prescribed under medical supervision, a steroid nasal spray can be used to help relieve long-term nasal congestion.
For patients who are interested in prescription medications or additional evaluations for treating a blocked nose remedy, the possibility of a strong need for treatment may be offered. At First Response Medical Care, we offer customized treatment for patients with nose congestion based on their symptoms, the length of time with the symptoms, and their medical history.

When Should You See a Doctor?

A woman having her nose examined for nasal congestion
Medical attention should be sought immediately if nasal congestion is accompanied by red-flag symptoms such as high fever, severe facial pain or swelling, redness or swelling around the eyes (periorbital area), severe headache, recurrent vomiting, or if symptoms persist in children under two years of age. In the absence of these warning signs, congestion that lasts beyond 10 days without improvement should also be evaluated by a doctor.
If the same blocked up nose constantly reoccurs or is interfering with your ability to sleep or carry out everyday activities, a medical professional should evaluate the situation. Persistent symptoms can indicate that an allergy, sinus infection, or structural problem needs to be treated.
Patients who are children, elderly, have asthma, or whose immunity has been weakened should be evaluated sooner than the timeframes stated above and call on doctor early to help reduce the risk of complications.

Conclusion

Nasal congestion can happen to anyone and shouldn’t prevent you from living your life normally. Whatever the cause, there are several ways to manage it through appropriate medical treatment based on what’s triggering your nose congestion. If you’ve been relying on at-home remedies and your symptoms keep returning, it may be time to call on doctor support. The experienced professionals at First Response Medical Care Services can help identify the exact cause of your nasal blockage and guide you toward effective, evidence-based treatment options tailored to your condition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. How long does nasal congestion last?

Nasal congestion typically lasts 7–10 days. Allergic congestion may persist as long as exposure continues.

Q. When are antibiotics needed?

Antibiotics are only required for confirmed bacterial infections—not viral colds or allergies.

Q. Can air conditioning worsen nasal congestion?

Yes. Dry, cold air can irritate nasal passages and worsen symptoms, especially in Abu Dhabi.

Q. Is it safe to use nasal sprays daily?

Saline sprays are safe. Decongestant sprays should not be used for more than 3–5 days.

Q. How can I prevent recurring nasal congestion?

Stay away from your allergy triggers – things that cause your allergies to flare up or to hurt your symptoms. Take care of your allergy suffering, drink lots of water, and see your doctor if your symptoms keep recurring.

References

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