Patient question
I have had a blocked nose and sore throat for the last 5 days. My nose is congested, especially at night, and I have mild pain while swallowing. I also feel pressure around my forehead and cheeks with occasional headaches
Likely cause
Your symptoms are most consistent with an upper respiratory tract infection (common cold), which is usually caused by a virus. The blocked nose, sore throat, facial pressure, and mild headache can occur because the lining of the nose and sinuses becomes inflamed and swollen. Since your symptoms have been present for only 5 days, a viral infection is still more likely than a bacterial sinus infection. Mild facial pressure is common with congestion and often improves as the swelling settles. Allergies are another possibility if you have frequent sneezing, itchy eyes, or clear watery nasal discharge.
What to watch for
Keep an eye on your temperature and whether your symptoms are improving or worsening. Seek medical attention if you develop a fever above 38.5°C, severe facial pain or swelling, thick foul-smelling nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, severe sore throat with inability to swallow saliva, swelling in the neck, persistent vomiting, confusion, or a severe headache with neck stiffness. Also watch for symptoms that initially improve but then become significantly worse after a few days, as this can sometimes suggest a secondary bacterial infection.
What you can do
Get plenty of rest and drink enough fluids to stay hydrated. Gargling with warm salt water 3-4 times a day may help relieve the sore throat. Saline nasal drops or saline nasal spray, along with steam inhalation if it feels comfortable, can reduce nasal congestion. Avoid smoking and dusty environments, and try sleeping with your head slightly elevated to reduce nighttime blockage. Eat soft, warm foods if swallowing is painful. Most viral infections improve within 7-10 days, so antibiotics are usually not needed unless your doctor finds evidence of a bacterial infection.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if your symptoms last longer than 10 days without improvement, become significantly worse after initially improving, or if you develop high fever, severe facial pain, swelling around the eyes, difficulty breathing, severe difficulty swallowing, persistent ear pain, or blood in the nasal discharge. You should also seek medical advice earlier if you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system, uncontrolled diabetes, or other chronic medical conditions, as these may require closer evaluation.
This is general information from a verified doctor and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for an in-person consultation. In an emergency, seek immediate medical care.
