Why does my nose get stuffy?

Common Cold: It could be either be due to a common cold which is viral infection or could be due to allergies. Cold resolves in 5-7 days usually but if it is persistent talk to your doctor regarding testing you for allergies.

Anatomy: Regardless of the reason (cold, allergies, etc), the reason your nose gets stuffy is that there is inflammation in the lining of the your nose, which then gets thicker than when there is no inflammation. The main component is from a structure called the inferior turbinates - these get enlarged, engorged with blood and thickened when there is inflammation ---> stuffy :).

Allergens/ vasodilat: Because allergens ( dust, mites, pollens, & others) and because vasodilatation from medicines, local warm temperature.

Congestion: The nose is extremely vascular and there are structures in your nose called "turbinates" that are mostly blood vessels. Anything that angers or upsets your nose causes these blood vessels to fill up becoming "congested." whether from an allergy, a cold or just being in a dirty environment your nose responds by increasing blood flow. That's why we take decongestants to shrink the blood vessels.

Nasal congestion: Nasal congestion can be due to many reasons, such as allergies, dust, or medications. A deviated septum or swollen turbinates are the most common causes of a chronic stuffy nose. Treatment may include allergy medication or surgery, such as septoplasty or turbinate reduction.