Living with chronic nasal congestion means daily stuffiness, pressure, poor sleep, and trouble breathing that can wear you down. Dr. Ryan E. Stern, MD, our board-certified ENT specialist, offers minimally invasive, in-office solutions to help you breathe easier again.
Always Feel Stuffed Up, No Matter What You Try?
Chronic nasal congestion is ongoing nasal blockage or stuffiness that lasts for weeks or months, not just a short cold. You may feel constantly plugged up, struggle to breathe through your nose, or rely on mouth breathing, especially at night. Unlike temporary congestion, this usually signals an underlying issue such as nasal swelling, structural blockage, chronic inflammation, or sinus-related conditions that won’t resolve on their own without proper evaluation.
Signs & Symptoms of Chronic Nasal Congestion
When nasal congestion doesn’t go away, it shows up in more ways than just a stuffy nose.
Common signs and symptoms may include:
- Persistent nasal stuffiness or blockage
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Mouth breathing, especially at night
- Poor sleep or frequent nighttime waking
- Facial pressure or a feeling of fullness
- Ongoing nasal drainage or post-nasal drip
- Reduced or lost sense of smell
- Trouble exercising or staying active due to breathing issues
What Causes Chronic Nasal Congestion?
Chronic nasal congestion often develops when the structures inside your nose become inflamed, swollen, or physically blocked over time. The nasal passages are narrow by design, so even mild swelling, irritation, or structural changes can restrict airflow and make breathing feel constantly difficult.
Common underlying causes include:
- Chronic inflammation of the nasal lining
- Enlarged or swollen turbinates
- A deviated nasal septum
- Long-standing allergic reactions
- Chronic sinus inflammation or sinusitis
- Nasal polyps or tissue growths
- Environmental irritants such as smoke or pollution
Chronic Nasal Congestion Treatment
Your visit starts with an unhurried, one-on-one consultation. Dr. Stern takes the time to understand your symptoms, sleep issues, and how congestion affects your daily life. You’ll receive a thorough nasal and sinus evaluation, often including nasal endoscopy, so the root cause is clearly identified rather than guessed.
Your treatment is then tailored to the specific cause of the blockage. You may start with targeted medical therapy, such as nasal sprays or allergy management. If symptoms persist, Dr. Stern may recommend minimally invasive, in-office treatments such as radiofrequency ablation for chronic rhinitis, turbinate reduction, VivAer® nasal airway remodeling, septoplasty, or balloon sinuplasty, each performed to restore airflow with less downtime and a faster recovery.
Why Choose Dr. Stern?
Dr. Ryan E. Stern is a board-certified ENT specialist with more than 25 years of experience focused on nasal and sinus care. He has proudly served the Pacific Northwest community for nearly 30 years, helping patients breathe better with thoughtful, patient-first care. Dr. Stern specializes in minimally invasive solutions to restore airflow. If chronic nasal congestion is affecting your life, schedule a consultation with Dr. Stern in Auburn or Federal Way, WA.
