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Jonathan Hughes | Hemel Hempstead

Expert Care for Nasal Infections From London ENT Specialists

A nasal infection occurs when the lining of the nose becomes inflamed and irritated, usually due to bacteria or viruses. It may cause swelling, discomfort, and discharge, and can sometimes spread to the sinuses. While mild infections often improve on their own, more persistent or severe cases may need specialist care, particularly if they are causing significant blockage, pain, or recurrent symptoms.

Causes of Nasal Infection

Most nasal infections begin after a viral illness such as the common cold, when the lining of the nose is weakened and more vulnerable to bacteria. Bacterial infections may then develop, leading to thicker discharge and greater discomfort. In some cases, nasal infections are linked to chronic sinusitis, where ongoing inflammation creates an environment for infections to recur. Risk factors include allergies, a deviated septum, nasal polyps, or environmental irritants such as smoke and pollution.

Symptoms of Nasal Infection

Typical symptoms include a blocked or congested nose, facial pain or pressure, a runny nose with yellow or green discharge, reduced sense of smell, and sometimes fever or general tiredness. In more severe cases, swelling around the eyes or worsening headaches may occur, which requires urgent medical attention.

Treatment Options

Mild nasal infections caused by viruses often clear without treatment, helped by rest, fluids, and saline rinses to keep the nasal passages clear. Pain relief and decongestants may also be used for short-term relief. If the infection is bacterial, antibiotics may be prescribed by a doctor. For recurrent or long-term infections linked to sinus problems or structural issues, an ENT specialist may recommend investigations such as nasal endoscopy or CT scanning. In some cases, surgery to improve drainage, remove polyps, or straighten the septum can help reduce the risk of further infections.

If you think you have a nasal infection, get in touch with your ENT specialist in London to book a consultation today!
020 3897 0667

How do I know if my nasal infection is viral or bacterial?
It can be difficult to tell the difference. Most are viral, and they usually start to settle within a couple of weeks with simple self-care rather than antibiotics. A bacterial cause becomes more likely if symptoms drag on beyond about ten days without improving, if the pain is severe or focused on one side, or if you start to recover and then get noticeably worse again.

Can allergies make me prone to nasal infections?
Yes. Conditions like hay fever and other allergic rhinitis cause the lining of the nose to swell and produce more mucus, which narrows the passages and makes it harder for the nose and sinuses to drain. That creates the ideal conditions for infections to take hold and keep coming back. Getting the allergy under control, whether with antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays, or avoiding your triggers, often cuts down how often you get infections in the first place.

When should I see a specialist?
It is worth seeking specialist assessment if you get infections repeatedly, if symptoms last more than three weeks, or if you have persistent blockage, discharge, or pain that is worse on one side. Some symptoms need urgent, same-day attention rather than a routine appointment: swelling or redness around the eye, changes in your vision, a severe headache, or confusion.

Are nasal infections contagious?
The colds and viral illnesses that usually kick them off are contagious, and they spread through coughs, sneezes, and close contact, so the usual handwashing and covering your mouth does help limit that. The bacterial infection that can develop afterwards is not really passed from person to person in the same way. And the underlying issues that make some people prone to infections, like chronic sinusitis or a deviated septum, are not contagious at all.

Can surgery help with nasal infections?
Surgery is not the answer for a one-off infection, but it can make a real difference when infections keep coming back because of an underlying structural or persistent problem. Depending on the cause, that might mean straightening a deviated septum, removing nasal polyps, or a procedure like balloon sinuplasty or endoscopic sinus surgery to improve drainage. The aim is to correct what is trapping infection in the first place, so you get fewer episodes. Medical treatment is always tried first, with surgery considered when that has not been enough.