Key Takeaways:

• Nasal congestion on one side is a common condition that can be caused by your nasal cycle, deviated septum, or polyps.
• Some nostril flare-ups can be controlled by changing sleep positions or managing irritants.
• Some people will need an ENT doctor to address chronic issues, like polyps or a deviated septum.

It can be a strange sensation if one side of your nose is always stuffy, and the other side is clear as day, but it’s a normal phenomenon that can be due to any number of causes. See why a nostril blockage occurs and what you can do about it.

How Your Nostrils Manage Airflow

Most people don’t notice that their nostrils are playing tag with one another all day every day. Even when you’re breathing clearly, one nostril is congesting every few hours until it reverses course, and the other starts to get congested.

This nasal cycle is normal and allows the blood vessels in each nasal passage to alternate constriction and dilation, causing the tissues to swell and shrink. This allows one side to work harder at filtering harmful particles in the air, whether it’s a cold virus or pet dander. If blood vessels swell in one nostril, they’ll typically shrink in the other to allow it to rest. Again, you won’t really notice this happening 4 or 5 times a day because it’s often barely perceptible. Sometimes, though, the swelling is too severe to ignore.

Blocked Airways

There are a few additional reasons why you might have a blocked nostril:

• Lack of airflow: When people sleep on their side, gravity causes the fluids in your nose to pool on one side. That one-sided swelling can cause decreased air flow and a feeling of congestion. The congestion is relieved with position changes.
• Deviated septum: A deviated septum occurs when the nasal cartilage moves to one side or the other. Any asymmetry can result in congestion, usually more on one side. Deviated septum can cause symptoms that include anything from nosebleeds to facial pain to trouble breathing.
• Irritants: Whether it’s an infection or cigarette smoke, it is possible for these types of common irritants to impact one side and not the other.
• Polyps: Polyps are benign growths that can grow on either side of the nose. They’re caused by inflammation, whether it's from chronic sinusitis or allergies.

The cause of nasal congestion is not always obvious, especially if you find it clearing up at seemingly random times. However, if you're finding it increasingly hard to breathe, it may be worth jotting down what's happening, including the environmental factors, at the time when it congests and clears.

Clear It Up at Higgins Sinus

If your nose is occasionally blocked, it may not be a cause for concern. However, if it's common for you to have nasal congestion on one side, an ENT specialist can help. Not only will you get an official diagnosis, but you may eventually take a deep breath through both your nostrils on a regular basis. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Higgins at Higgins Sinus for answers today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for one nostril to be more congested than the other?

Yes. The nasal cycle naturally causes airflow to shift between the two nostrils throughout the day. Temporary congestion that switches sides is usually normal.

Why is the same nostril always blocked?

Persistent blockage on the same side may be related to a deviated septum, nasal polyps, chronic inflammation, or another form of nasal obstruction. A sinus specialist can determine the cause.

Why does one nostril get blocked when I sleep?

Sleeping on your side can make the nostril closest to the pillow feel more congested. This may improve when you change positions or get up.

Should I see an ENT for a blocked nostril?

If one-sided congestion is persistent, interferes with breathing or sleep, or occurs with other recurring nasal or sinus symptoms, an ENT evaluation can help identify the underlying cause.