Differential Diagnosis for a Stuffy Nose
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Allergic rhinitis: This is the most common cause of a stuffy nose, often triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander, leading to chronic inflammation and nasal congestion.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Vasomotor rhinitis: A non-allergic condition characterized by excessive nasal blood flow, leading to persistent nasal congestion, often triggered by environmental factors such as temperature or humidity changes.
- Chronic sinusitis: A condition where the sinuses become inflamed or infected, causing nasal congestion, facial pain, and discharge.
- Deviated septum: A physical obstruction in the nasal passage that can cause uneven airflow, leading to nasal congestion on one side.
- Nasal polyps: Growths in the nasal passage that can cause obstruction and congestion.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A rare type of cancer that can cause nasal congestion, bleeding, and other symptoms.
- Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA): A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause nasal congestion, sinusitis, and other systemic symptoms.
- Sarcoidosis: A condition that can cause granulomas to form in the nose and sinuses, leading to congestion and other symptoms.
- Rare diagnoses
- Primary ciliary dyskinesia: A rare genetic disorder that affects the movement of cilia in the nose and sinuses, leading to chronic congestion and infections.
- Cystic fibrosis: A genetic disorder that can cause thick, sticky mucus to build up in the nose and sinuses, leading to congestion and infections.
- Atrophic rhinitis: A rare condition characterized by atrophy of the nasal mucosa, leading to a wide nasal cavity and symptoms such as congestion and crusting.