Condition guide
Blocked Nose
Can not breathe through your nose and feeling congested? Find the right decongestant or nasal spray to clear your blocked nose quickly.
Find the right medicinePregnancy & breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy, consult your GP or pharmacist before taking any medication. Some pain relievers and decongestants are not safe during pregnancy or late pregnancy.
Treatment and relief options
- Saline nasal sprays or rinses (safe for all ages)
- Decongestant sprays (max 3 days to avoid rebound)
- Oral decongestants: pseudoephedrine is Pharmacist-Only in Australia; avoid if hypertension, heart disease, thyroid disease, glaucoma, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or on MAOIs; phenylephrine has limited efficacy; do not combine multiple decongestant products
- Steam inhalation for natural relief
- Stay hydrated to thin mucus
See a doctor or pharmacist if…
- Severe facial pain or swelling
- Green/yellow discharge with fever for >7 days
- Nosebleeds that won't stop
- Loss of smell lasting weeks
- One-sided blockage persisting
Frequently asked questions
Maximum 3 days. Longer use causes rebound congestion.
Related conditions
Related guides
Cough, cold & flu13 min read
Cold vs Flu in Australia: Symptoms & Treatment (2026)
Flu hits hard and fast; a cold creeps in slowly. Learn the key symptom differences, how long each lasts, and the best OTC options in Australian pharmacies.
Cough, cold & flu17 min read
Best Over-the-Counter Cold Medicine in Australia (2026)
The best over-the-counter cold medicine in Australia depends on your symptoms. We compare Codral, Demazin, Sudafed and which tablets contain pseudoephedrine.
Allergy & hayfever13 min read
Hayfever or Cold? How to Tell the Difference in Australia
Sneezing non-stop but not sure why? We compare hayfever and cold symptoms side by side, with a quick checklist and the best OTC options available in Australia.
Medical disclaimer
This information is general in nature and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about what’s right for you.