A blocked nose and the questions an ENT doctor may ask

A blocked nose is a description, not a diagnosis. The questions at the start of the visit are how an ENT surgeon decides whether this is lining, infection, or the shape of the inside of the nose.

Questions worth answering precisely

• Is it one side or both, and does the side change?
• Is it worse at night, in dust, or in air conditioning?
• Has your sense of smell changed?
• What sprays have you used, and for how many weeks, not how many days?
• Is there facial pain, or only the feeling of blockage?

Why the duration of a spray matters

A steroid spray that was used for four days has not had a trial. One used properly for a month has. That difference decides whether the next conversation is about the lining or about the septum and the sinuses. If you cannot remember, bring the bottle.

Surgery is not the reward for having suffered. It is one option when the examination shows a structural reason and medical care has not answered it.