A blocked nose can be one of the most frustrating symptoms to deal with, especially when it affects your sleep, concentration, and breathing throughout the day. Whether it is caused by a cold, allergies, sinus irritation, or dry air, congestion can make even simple tasks feel harder. If you are searching for how to get rid of a blocked nose, the good news is that there are several effective options that can help relieve symptoms and support recovery.

What Causes A Blocked Nose?

A blocked nose happens when the lining of the nasal passages becomes inflamed, swollen, or filled with mucus. This reduces airflow through the nose and can lead to pressure, discomfort, and difficulty breathing normally. In many cases, the blockage is not caused by “too much mucus” alone, but by swelling inside the nose.

Common causes include viral infections such as colds, allergic rhinitis, sinus infections, and irritants like dust or smoke. Some people also experience a blocked nose due to changes in temperature, indoor heating, or hormonal changes.

Simple Home Remedies That Can Help a Blocked Nose

Many blocked noses improve with self-care, especially when the cause is a cold or mild irritation. Home remedies can reduce swelling, loosen mucus, and make breathing easier, particularly during the night.

–> Drink plenty of fluids to help thin mucus

–> Use a humidifier or place a bowl of water near a radiator

–> Try inhaling steam from a warm shower

–> Sleep with your head slightly raised

–> Avoid smoke, strong perfumes, and dusty environments

Small changes like staying hydrated and improving airflow can make congestion feel much more manageable within a day or two.

Saline Sprays And Nasal Rinses

Saline sprays are one of the simplest and safest ways to relieve a blocked nose. They help moisturise the nasal lining and loosen mucus without using medication. Saline solutions can be especially useful for children, pregnant people, or anyone who prefers to avoid medicated sprays.

Nasal rinses can also be helpful, particularly for thicker mucus or sinus congestion. When used correctly, they may reduce irritation and support natural clearing of the nasal passages.

At Home Ground Pharmacy, we offer treatment for nasal congestion under our minor ailments service, allowing patients to access treatment without the need for a GP appointment.  Call us today for advice on choosing the right treatment for your symptoms, and our team can recommend suitable options.

Decongestants and Pharmacy Treatments

Pharmacy treatments can offer faster relief when congestion is more severe or persistent. Decongestants work by reducing swelling inside the nose, which helps restore airflow and improve breathing. These can be used as nasal sprays or tablets, depending on your preference and medical suitability.

It is important to use medicated decongestant sprays correctly. They are usually recommended for short-term use only, as using them for too long can lead to rebound congestion, where symptoms return and feel worse.

Nasal Sprays

Decongestant nasal sprays can provide quick relief, often within minutes. They are useful when congestion is affecting sleep or making breathing uncomfortable. However, most should not be used for more than a few days in a row.

Tablets And Capsules

Oral decongestants may help when congestion comes with other cold symptoms, such as pressure or blocked ears. They may not be suitable for everyone, particularly people with certain health conditions such as high blood pressure, so it is best to check first.

Blocked Nose Caused By Allergies

If your blocked nose is caused by allergies, symptoms may last longer and come with sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. In these cases, antihistamines or steroid nasal sprays may be more effective than standard decongestants.

Managing allergy triggers also helps. Keeping windows closed during high pollen days, showering after being outdoors, and changing bedding regularly can reduce exposure and improve symptoms.

Contact us for advice if you suspect allergies are causing your blocked nose and you want help choosing the right treatment.

When To Seek Medical Advice for a Blocked Nose

Most blocked noses clear up on their own, but there are times when symptoms may need further assessment. Ongoing congestion could suggest sinus infection, nasal polyps, or another underlying issue.

–> Symptoms lasting longer than 10 days without improvement

–> Severe facial pain or swelling

–> High fever or worsening symptoms

–> Thick, green mucus with significant sinus pressure

–> Breathing problems or wheezing

It is also important to seek advice for young children, people with chronic health conditions, or anyone who feels unusually unwell.

Blocked Nose Treatment in Swindon

Learning how to get rid of a blocked nose starts with understanding the cause and choosing the right approach, whether that is hydration, saline sprays, or pharmacy treatments for quicker relief. Most cases improve within a few days, but the right steps can make a big difference to comfort and sleep.

Book now to get personalised advice from Home Ground Pharmacy in Swindon and find the most suitable treatment to relieve your blocked nose symptoms.

This blog was written on behalf of Home Ground Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.