The symptom of nasal congestion or obstructed nasal breathing (synonyms: chronic obstructed nasal breathing; nasal congestion; nasal obstruction; ICD-10 J34.- and R06.8: obstructed nasal breathing) is very common and may indicate various diseases.
Most causes of nasal congestion are benign in origin. It often occurs in the context of a cold, but can also occur in allergic diseases as well as neoplasms of the nose or sinuses (e.g., nasal polyps; adenoid hyperplasia). Regular use of decongestant nasal drops/nasal spray can also lead to a chronically blocked nose.
Obstructed nasal breathing can be a symptom of many diseases (see under “Differential diagnoses”).
Course and prognosis: Therapy depends on the underlying disease. If the symptoms exist in the context of a cold, they usually subside spontaneously (on their own). A long-lasting nasal congestion is perceived by the affected person as very unpleasant, since it is no longer possible to breathe properly. As a result, there may be olfactory disturbances, dry mouth at night, and difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep.
