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Stuffy nose and poor smell for months

Also called: Chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, chronic congestion

A stuffy nose and poor sense of smell lasting months is often chronic sinusitis, sometimes with nasal polyps (soft growths in the nose). Allergies and a deviated septum can also cause long-term congestion. Saline rinses and steroid nose sprays help most people. A blocked nose on one side with bleeding should be checked.

Common causesChronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, allergies, deviated septum
Usually serious?Usually not
Get checked ifIt lasts more than 12 weeks, or one-sided with bleeding
If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Thinking about suicide? Call or text 988.

Overview

Chronic sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses for 12 weeks or more, causing congestion, thick drainage, facial pressure, and reduced smell.

Nasal polyps are noncancerous growths that block the nose and smell. They're linked to asthma and aspirin sensitivity. Overusing decongestant sprays can cause rebound congestion.

When to get medical care

Call 911Not an emergency.
Get care todaySwelling or redness around the eye, double vision, severe headache, or high fever with sinus symptoms.
See a doctor soonCongestion or poor smell lasting more than 12 weeks. Blockage or bleeding on one side. Congestion with asthma. Using decongestant spray more than 3 days.

Causes

Causes include chronic sinusitis with or without nasal polyps, allergies, non-allergic rhinitis, deviated septum, rebound congestion from sprays, and, rarely, tumors.

OwieClear has pages on 2 conditions that can cause stuffy nose and poor smell for months. Each shows how soon to get care.

Common causes

  • Nasal polypsSee a doctor if it doesn't get better

    Soft, painless growths inside the nose and sinuses that cause a long-lasting stuffy nose, poor sense of smell, and postnasal drip.

  • Samter's triad (aspirin-sensitive asthma with nasal polyps)See a doctor if it doesn't get better

    A combination of asthma, chronic sinus disease with nasal polyps, and reactions to aspirin and NSAIDs like ibuprofen, which can cause wheezing, congestion, and…

What you can do at home

  • Rinse with saline once or twice a day.
  • Use steroid nose spray daily as directed.
  • Avoid smoke and irritants.
  • Don't use decongestant sprays more than 3 days.

Medicines

Steroid nose sprays and saline rinses are the main treatments. Some people need steroid pills, antibiotics, biologic injections for polyps, or sinus surgery.

At the doctor

The provider will look inside your nose.

Questions you may be asked

  • How long symptoms have lasted
  • Smell loss
  • Asthma or aspirin sensitivity
  • Allergies
  • Nasal spray use

The exam

A nose exam, often with a thin scope.

Tests

  • CT scan of the sinuses
  • Allergy testing

Prevention

You can reduce congestion.

  • Treat allergies
  • Avoid smoke
  • Use saline rinses

Check your symptoms

Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.

Start the symptom checker

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.