Nasal congestion

Try a Beconase nasal spray - you can buy it in chemists.

Hi Kevin,

A years it's a long time, it must be very annoying! I don't think the swelling of the node has anything to do with your blocked nose.

My first question, how badly is it? Fully blocked? When? All the time? or Seasonal?

In any case I suggest you see an allergist / ENT, for me they worked together in the same clinic, ask for a skin prick allergy test. It will give you an idea what could cause it. Don't hold your breath that it will solve the problem, you might find that you are allergic to lets say dust mites, however there could be a lot of other things which you could be allergic to and they not do testings for it. Having said that it's still a good idea to get that test done, it's quick and easy.

You also should see a specialist, get a CT scan, there might be a polyp or deviated septum.

You should also consult with at least two but preferably more specialist,  - I'm saying that from my own experience, I just seen one, he suggested turbinectomy, went along with it and didn't help, not one bit!

So if surgery is mentioned, I would think 2x, before going on the operating table!

The first thing you could try is just saline rinse / wash, cheap, no side effects, see if it makes any difference.

If no change you could try the costeroid sprays, but they not really good for long term - though the DRs they are, but that's not exactly true. But give it a go and see if it helps.

You can try experiencing with different diet, eliminating milk products, for some people it  works.

For me it was an agoining 2 years till I figured out what was wrong with me. I had horrible blocked nose 24/7. I tried pretty much everything, and at the end the only thing which helped if packing up and moving away to a different climate. From the hot humid tropic, to a much dryer, cooler place. Still having some issues with blocked nose. When I'm in bed and turn on my side, the lower side always gets blocked. If we have rainy days, I still feel some congestion. But nowhere near as bad as before.

Our nose have this natural rhythm - each side takes turn to swell up a little for a while and then it switches side. This is called nasal cycle. In normal times, we will unlikely notice this rhythm as while it swells, it doesn’t obstruct airflow. 

Now that you noticed it, it does mean your nose inside is seeing some amount of swelling and coupled with this rhythm, you experience it as alternating blockage. The swelling can be due to infection in your sinuses or nose. It can also be due to allergies. 

Some suggested using sprays. Just try to avoid using too much decongestants thou. Not good for long run.

You may wanna try using saline wash. This may help clear some infections or flush some allergens out and help reduce the swelling. 

Hope this helps.