I Have Constant Nasal Congestion on One Side β Is It Cancer?
Having one side of your nose always blocked is frustrating. Here is what could be causing it.
Nasal congestion that is always on one side has several possible causes. Most are not cancer.
- Common causes include:
- Deviated septum β the wall dividing your nose is crooked, narrowing one side. This is very common and you may have had it your whole life
- Nasal polyp β a soft, benign growth inside the nasal passage that can block airflow
- Allergies β can cause more swelling on one side
- Chronic sinusitis β long-term sinus inflammation can block one side
- Enlarged turbinate β the normal structures inside the nose are larger on one side
- Rhinitis medicamentosa β overuse of nasal spray decongestants causes rebound congestion
Less commonly, a tumor in the nasal cavity or sinus can cause one-sided blockage, especially if it comes with bleeding or pain.
What to Look For
- Usually not serious:
- Congestion you have had for years, sometimes alternating sides
- Improves with allergy medication or nasal spray
- No other symptoms
- Alternates between sides (the "nasal cycle" is normal)
- Worth having checked:
- Constant, complete blockage on one side only
- Nosebleeds from the blocked side
- Pain or pressure in the face on that side
- Numbness in the cheek or upper teeth
- Changes in sense of smell
- Double vision or bulging of the eye
- A visible mass inside the nostril
When to See a Doctor
- See an ENT doctor if:
- One side of your nose is always blocked and does not respond to allergy medication
- You have nosebleeds from that side
- You have facial pain or pressure
- You have changes in your vision or sense of smell
- You notice a visible growth in your nostril