Nose Hurts on One Side: ENT Causes and Solutions

It’s a sensation many people have experienced at some point: waking up or going about your day only to realize your nose hurts on one side. Maybe it’s a dull ache, a sharp stabbing pain, or lingering tenderness that makes breathing, smiling, or even gently touching your nose uncomfortable. This kind of localized discomfort can be puzzling. What causes your nose to hurt on just one side? And more importantly, is it something minor that will resolve on its own, or a warning sign to see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist?

If your nose hurts on one side, you are definitely not alone. One-sided nasal pain, medically known as unilateral nasal pain, affects many people occasionally or recurrently. Understanding the common causes—especially those linked to ENT conditions—and knowing when to seek professional advice can save you unnecessary discomfort and prevent complications. In this article, we’ll take a thorough look at the most frequent ENT-related reasons for one-sided nasal pain, discuss related symptoms, diagnostic approaches, treatment options, prevention tips, and answer some frequently asked questions.

Why Does My Nose Hurt on One Side?

When only one side of your nose hurts, doctors call this “unilateral nasal pain.” This pain can present as an acute issue—starting suddenly—or as a chronic problem lasting weeks or even months. Common triggers often involve inflammation, infection, or structural abnormalities within the nasal passages and surrounding tissues.

Sometimes, a mild ache on one side may not be concerning, especially if it comes on during a cold or minor irritation. However, if the pain is severe, persists beyond a week, gradually worsens, or appears alongside other symptoms like swelling, fever, or unusual nasal discharge, it could indicate underlying ENT conditions that warrant a detailed evaluation.

Think of your nose like a finely tuned instrument; minor irritation can cause temporary discord, but sustained or intense pain suggests something deeper is out of tune.

Common ENT Causes of Nose Hurting on One Side

Pinpointing the exact reason your nose hurts on one side depends on your specific symptoms and medical history. Below are the most common ENT-related causes that specialists encounter:

1. Deviated Septum and Structural Issues

The septum is the thin wall separating your two nasal passages. Ideally, it runs straight down the middle, allowing equal airflow through both nostrils. However, in many people, the septum is not perfectly aligned—a condition called a "deviated septum." Studies suggest that approximately 80% of adults have some degree of septal deviation, most of which are mild and do not cause symptoms ^[1].

When the deviation is significant, it may irritate the nasal lining, reduce airflow on one side, and lead to congestion, recurring infections, and localized pain or a sensation of fullness. Sometimes, trauma from a previous injury or birth defects can cause structural changes, including a collapsed nostril or spurs on the septum, adding to discomfort.

Other structural problems such as nasal polyps—soft, benign growths of the nasal lining—or even tumors can create uneven pressure or blockages that cause pain on one side and increase the risk of infections.

Example:
Anna, a 34-year-old schoolteacher, struggled for years with nasal congestion and a persistent dull ache on her left side. After consultation with an ENT specialist, she was found to have a significant deviated septum. Following a minimally invasive outpatient septoplasty procedure, Anna reported dramatic improvement in breathing and relief from her nasal pain.

2. Sinusitis (Sinus Inflammation)

Sinusitis, or inflammation of the sinuses, is one of the most common causes of nasal pain. The sinuses are air-filled cavities around your nose and eyes, lined with mucous membranes prone to swelling from infection or allergies. Sinusitis can result from viruses (most common), bacteria, fungi in rare cases, or allergic reactions ^[2][4].

When inflammation affects only one sinus—such as the maxillary sinus beneath one cheekbone—the pain and pressure remain localized to one side of the nose and face. Symptoms usually include:

• Facial pain or swelling centered around one side of the nose or cheek
• Nasal congestion or thick nasal discharge from one nostril
• Headaches that worsen when leaning forward

Sinus pain can feel like deep pressure or aching, sometimes accompanied by a throbbing or sharp sensation, depending on the severity.

3. Nasal Vestibulitis

Nasal vestibulitis is a localized bacterial infection of the nasal vestibule, the very entrance of your nostrils. It’s often caused by frequent nose picking, excessive nose blowing during a cold or allergies, or plucking nasal hairs. These behaviors irritate and break the skin's delicate barrier, allowing bacteria—usually Staphylococcus aureus—to invade ^[3].

Nasal vestibulitis commonly results in redness, tenderness, swelling, crusting, and painful sores right at the edge of one nostril. Because of the dense blood vessel network in this area, untreated infections can sometimes spread, so early treatment is important. If you experience increasing swelling, high fever, or vision changes, seek medical care immediately.

Example:
Mark, a college student with seasonal allergies, developed painful crusting inside his right nostril after persistent nose blowing over several days. After visiting his doctor, he was diagnosed with nasal vestibulitis. A simple course of topical antibiotic ointment resolved his symptoms within a week, avoiding the need for oral antibiotics.

4. Dental Infections Affecting the Nose

It may come as a surprise, but infections originating in your upper teeth—especially the molars—can cause referred pain around your nose. The roots of these teeth lie very close to the floor of the nasal cavity, so a dental abscess or infection can radiate discomfort to the nose and nearby facial structures.

If you experience one-sided nasal pain along with toothache, gum swelling, or sensitivity, a dental origin should be considered. Prompt evaluation by a dentist is important to prevent complications. Coordination between your ENT and dentist often leads to prompt resolution.

Symptoms Accompanying One-Sided Nose Pain

Observing what other symptoms come with your one-sided nasal pain can help identify the cause:

• Nasal discharge: Clear mucus generally suggests allergies or viral infection; yellow/green discharge can indicate bacterial infection.
• Swelling or redness: Around the nose, cheeks, or inside the nostril suggests inflammation or infection.
• Fever: Often accompanies infections like sinusitis or vestibulitis.
• Visible sores, pimples, or crusting: Typically seen in nasal vestibulitis or skin infections.
• Tooth pain or swollen gums: Points to possible dental infection.
• Bruising or history of recent trauma: Could signal injury causing localized pain.

Generally, a simple stuffy nose without fever or severe pain is associated with a mild cold. However, if you notice swelling increasing, tenderness becoming persistent, pus formation, or if symptoms last longer than a week, you should seek further evaluation.

How ENT Specialists Diagnose the Cause

When you visit an ENT specialist for one-sided nose pain, they will take a detailed history—asking about the pain’s onset, duration, severity, any previous sinus or nasal surgeries, allergies, dental issues, or trauma.

The physical exam typically involves:

• Nasal endoscopy: A thin, flexible camera is gently inserted into the nasal passages to visualize the internal lining, septum, polyps, and sinus openings directly.
• Imaging studies: Imaging studies, such as a sinus CT scan, may be performed if clinically indicated to better assess sinus anatomy and pathology.

If a dental cause is suspected, your ENT may refer you to a dentist or oral surgeon for specialized evaluation and treatment.

Dr. Emily Chen, an ENT specialist, explains, “Nasal pain can stem from subtle structural issues or infections that aren’t always obvious from the outside. A thorough exam and imaging help us tailor the right treatment plan quickly.”

Treatment Options for One-Sided Nasal Pain

Treatment varies depending on the diagnosis. Below are typical approaches ENT specialists recommend.

Home Remedies and Over-the-Counter Treatments

Many mild cases improve with supportive care such as:

• Saline nasal rinses or sprays: These help flush out mucus, allergens, and irritants, keeping nasal passages moist and reducing inflammation.
• Pain relievers: Over-the-counter options like acetaminophen or ibuprofen ease discomfort as healing occurs.
• Humidifiers: Adding moisture to indoor air prevents dryness that can aggravate nasal tissues.
• Nasal hygiene: Avoid aggressive nose picking and blowing to prevent further irritation or infection. Gently cleaning your nose is beneficial.

Medical Treatments

Based on cause, your doctor may prescribe:

• Antibiotics: For bacterial infections such as nasal vestibulitis or bacterial sinusitis, antibiotics can eliminate the infection effectively.
• Nasal corticosteroid sprays: These reduce inflammation caused by allergies or polyps, improving airflow and decreasing pain.
• Antihistamines or other allergy medications: Helpful when allergies contribute to nasal inflammation and swelling.

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new medication to ensure it’s appropriate for your condition.

Surgical Interventions

When conservative treatments don’t resolve structural problems like a severely deviated septum or persistent nasal polyps, surgery may be the best long-term solution. Procedures such as:

• Septoplasty: Straightening the septum to improve airflow and reduce associated pain and infections.
• Endoscopic sinus surgery: Removing polyps or clearing blocked sinuses to restore normal drainage.

These surgeries are generally outpatient and well-tolerated, with recovery times typically under two weeks.

Example:
John, a 42-year-old graphic designer, suffered from recurrent left-sided sinus infections causing facial pain and nasal pressure. After unsuccessful medical treatments, he underwent endoscopic sinus surgery. Within a week, John returned to work and reported dramatic improvement in both his nasal pain and sinus health.

Lifestyle Tips to Prevent Nose Pain on One Side

Taking simple precautions can reduce the risk of nasal pain and related problems:

• Avoid excessive nose blowing or nose picking which can damage the nasal lining and invite infection.
• Practice good hand hygiene to limit bacteria and viruses that cause infections like nasal vestibulitis.
• Manage allergies proactively by taking preventive medications and avoiding known triggers, reducing inflammatory flare-ups.
• Seek early evaluation with an ENT specialist if you notice persistent or worsening one-sided symptoms.

Incorporating these habits can maintain nasal health and comfort year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can a common cold cause nose pain only on one side?
Yes. It’s common for one nostril to become more congested or inflamed, causing localized discomfort. However, if pain lingers or worsens after a cold, further evaluation is advised.

Q2: When should I see an ENT for one-sided nose pain?
If the pain lasts more than a week, is severe, recurs frequently, or is accompanied by swelling, fever, or unusual discharge, you should see an ENT specialist for assessment.

Q3: Is nose pain on one side always related to a sinus infection?
No. Nose pain can also stem from deviated septum, nasal vestibulitis, trauma, or dental infections.

Q4: Are nasal polyps dangerous?
Nasal polyps are not cancerous but can obstruct airflow and sinus drainage, increasing infection risk. They are best managed by an ENT.

Q5: How long is normal for nasal pain to last?
Mild discomfort related to a cold should clear within a few days. Pain that is ongoing, severe, or progressively worsening needs professional evaluation.

Conclusion

When your nose hurts on one side, it’s typically not a cause for immediate panic but should never be ignored if it persists or worsens. This symptom can result from a variety of conditions—from simple irritations or allergies to infections and structural abnormalities—that ENT specialists are well-equipped to diagnose and treat.

By understanding potential causes, recognizing related symptoms, and consulting a healthcare professional early, you can restore comfort and prevent complications. Your nose plays a vital role in breathing and overall health—taking good care of it supports your well-being and quality of life.

If you experience persistent or severe pain on one side of your nose, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with a qualified ENT specialist. If you experience severe symptoms such as high fever, vision changes, or rapidly worsening swelling, seek urgent medical attention.

If you experience persistent or worsening one-sided nasal pain, consider consulting an ENT specialist for evaluation and personalized treatment options.

References

1. American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. “What You Should Know About Sinus Disease and Disorders.” ENT Health, 2025.
2. Cleveland Clinic. “Sinusitis.” 2023.
3. Cleveland Clinic. “Nasal Vestibulitis.” 2023.
4. Mayo Clinic. “Chronic Sinusitis: Symptoms and Causes.” 2023.

Ready to find relief? Visit Sleep & Sinus Centers to book your appointment with an experienced ENT specialist today.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.