Anything that irritates the inside of the nose can cause a stuffy nose. Infections — such as colds, flu or sinusitis — and allergies often cause stuffy and runny noses. Irritants in the air, such as tobacco smoke, perfume, dust and car exhaust, also can cause these symptoms.
Some people have noses that are stuffy and run all the time without a known reason. This is called nonallergic rhinitis or vasomotor rhinitis.
A polyp, an object such as a small toy stuck in the nose, or a tumor might cause the nose to run from only one side. Sometimes migraine-like headaches can cause a runny nose.
Possible causes of nasal congestion include:
- Acute sinusitis
- Alcohol
- Allergies
- Chronic sinusitis
- Churg-Strauss syndrome
- Dry or cold air
- Common cold
- Decongestant nasal spray overuse
- Deviated septum
- Enlarged adenoids
- Food, especially spicy dishes
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Granulomatosis with polyangiitis
- Hormonal changes
- Influenza (flu)
- Medications, such as those used to treat high blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, depression, seizures and other conditions
- Nasal polyps
- Nonallergic rhinitis
- Object in the nose
- Pregnancy
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- Sleep apnea — a condition in which breathing stops and starts many times during sleep.
- Thyroid disorders.
- Tobacco smoke
Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
March 02, 2023
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