Blocked Nose for Weeks: Sinusitis, Allergy or Something Else

Allergic rhinitis brings sneezing bouts, itching, clear discharge and eye symptoms, often seasonal or trigger-linked. Sinusitis brings facial pressure, thick discharge, reduced smell and pain that worsens on bending forward.

Allergy is managed with trigger avoidance, intranasal steroid sprays and antihistamines. Bacterial sinusitis needs a defined antibiotic course with saline irrigation and decongestion. Nasal endoscopy and CT are used where symptoms persist beyond twelve weeks.

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is considered for persistent disease that has failed maximal medical therapy, polyps, or an anatomical block such as a deviated septum.