Shares 0
Rule out structural nasal problems if one-sided congestion persists
4
What to Do
See an ENT specialist (otolaryngologist) if nasal congestion is persistently worse on one side, or if you have facial pain/pressure suggesting chronic sinusitis.
Why It Works
Deviated septum (present to some degree in up to 80% of people), nasal polyps, or enlarged turbinates can mimic or worsen allergy symptoms. An ENT can perform nasal endoscopy — a quick in-office procedure with a thin flexible camera — to evaluate your nasal anatomy and identify treatable structural issues.
Tips
- Nasal polyps are associated with eosinophilic inflammation and may need targeted treatment
- Structural corrections can dramatically improve how well nasal sprays work (medications need to reach the tissue)
- One-sided symptoms that never switch sides are a red flag for structural issues, not just allergies
- Surgery is considered only after medical therapy has been optimized
📅 Created: 2/7/2026, 9:38:13 PM 📌 research 🔧 None (ENT referral)
Other solutions for When should you see a doctor or allergist for allergies?
- Request a comprehensive allergy evaluation including cross-reactivity
- Ask for a short oral steroid course only for severe flares
- Be cautious with montelukast (Singulair) — know the black box warning
- Ask about biologic medications for severe refractory allergies
- Ask about prescription combination nasal sprays (Dymista, Ryaltris)