Q Why do I always suffer from a blocked nose? In 2000, I had a minor operation to clear the passageways. But now I have the same symptoms, and I worry that even though the specialist said it would not happen again, it has. I also sometimes have shortness of breath. I went to see the doctor and the doctor didn't find any problem. But I often have to lie down to relax because of my shortness of breath. I am really worried.

A The congestion of your nose may be due to long-term allergy or vasomotor rhinitis. These in turn have probably caused poor drainage of your sinuses.

Your doctor may have tried to improve your nasal breathing by shrinking your inferior turbinates (flesh in the nose), but as long as the root causes (allergy, vasomotor rhinitis, sinusitis) are not treated, the blockage will recur.

There is probably significant mucus stuck in your nasal passages, and sinuses which you are unable to clear completely. Hence over a long period of time, this vicious circle of swelling of the nose, causing poor drainage and more mucus production and vice versa, continues.

Medication will work up to a certain point. Sometimes the blocked nose is compounded by structural problems like a deviated nasal septum further narrowing the nasal passages.

Your shortness of breath may be related to your nose, but you may need to check with your doctor to exclude a lung condition.

As for your nose, you may need to consult your ENT doctor again with a view of getting a CT sinus assessment done. He can only advise you on the next course of action after a full clinical and radiological assessment.