Blocked nose while visiting Sweden
Medically reviewed by Dr Toha Soodhun, specialist in family medicine · 15 November 2026
A blocked nose is most often caused by a cold, and sometimes by allergy, sensitive nasal lining, pregnancy or overuse of decongestant spray. It usually settles on its own. Saline drops and sprays are a good first step; a decongestant spray can be used for at most ten days. A blocked nose on one side that lasts a long time should be looked at by a doctor.
Self-care
- Rinse the nose with saline, or use saline drops or spray, for example before sleep.
- A decongestant nasal spray eases a cold-related blocked nose — use it for at most ten days in a row.
- For allergy, a cortisone nasal spray and antihistamine tablets are sold without prescription.
- Sleep with your head raised on an extra pillow.
- Dry nasal lining can be eased with a little cooking oil on a cotton bud just inside the nostril.
What a video doctor can do
- Work out whether a cold, allergy, sinusitis or spray overuse is behind it
- Prescribe treatment for allergy or sinusitis when appropriate
- Help you stop a decongestant spray you have become dependent on
See a doctor in person if…
- One nostril has been blocked for a long time
- Bloody discharge, or discharge from only one nostril
Our clinics in Gothenburg, Stockholm and Malmö can usually see you the same day (3,200 SEK, or +700 SEK after a video consultation). If you cannot come in, we can visit you at your hotel or home in central Gothenburg, Stockholm or Malmö — see prices.
Seek emergency care or call 112 if…
- Swelling and redness around an eye, double vision or severe headache together with fever
Questions
Why only ten days with decongestant spray?
Used longer, the nasal lining gets used to it and swells as soon as you stop, so you end up more blocked.
Is green mucus a sign I need antibiotics?
No. Thick, yellow or green mucus is common in an ordinary cold and does not by itself mean a bacterial infection.
See a licensed Swedish doctor by video
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Get Medical HelpLife-threatening? Call 112.