When your nose is stuffy but no mucus is present, it is usually due to inflammation of the nasal passages (sinusitis). Sinusitis can be caused by a number of things, including allergies, a viral or bacterial infection, or environmental irritants. Other possible causes of a stuffy nose with no mucus include a deviated septum, polyps, or an enlarged adenoid.
Allergy-Related Causes of a Stuffy Nose with No Mucus
Allergies are one of the most common causes of a stuffy nose with no mucus. Allergies can cause inflammation of the nasal passages, resulting in a stuffy nose but no mucus. Common triggers for allergies include dust mites, pet dander, and pollen. Symptoms of allergies may include sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and a runny nose.
Infection-Related Causes of a Stuffy Nose with No Mucus
Infections, both viral and bacterial, can cause a stuffy nose with no mucus. Common viral infections include the common cold and the flu. Bacterial infections such as sinusitis can also cause a stuffy nose with no mucus. Symptoms of a viral infection may include a sore throat, fever, and body aches. Symptoms of a bacterial infection may include a fever, facial tenderness, and a thick, greenish-yellow nasal discharge.
Other Causes of a Stuffy Nose with No Mucus
Other possible causes of a stuffy nose with no mucus include a deviated septum, polyps, or an enlarged adenoid. A deviated septum occurs when the cartilage that separates the two nasal passages is out of alignment. This can cause a stuffy nose with no mucus. Polyps are small, noncancerous growths that can form in the nasal passages. An enlarged adenoid is an enlarged lymph node at the back of the throat that can cause a stuffy nose with no mucus.
Treatment of a Stuffy Nose with No Mucus
The treatment for a stuffy nose with no mucus will depend on the underlying cause. For allergies, an antihistamine may help reduce the inflammation and congestion. For a viral or bacterial infection, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics or antiviral medications. To treat a deviated septum, polyps, or an enlarged adenoid, surgery may be necessary.
