Is this a kitten cold?

I recently adopted a 6-month old kitten from my local shelter and am wondering if he may have a mild kitten cold, and, if so, what I should do for it. He is not sneezing, has no discharge (from the nose or eyes), is playing, eating, and drinking normally, and is otherwise normal. The only symptom that has me thinking he may have a cold is that when he grooms himself it sounds like he has trouble breathing from just his nose. Basically, it just sounds like his nose is clogged or backed-up. 

Is it normal for a kitten to just exhibit one symptom when he has a cold? Is it likely this is a cold? Would it be worth taking him to the vet immediately, or waiting a few days to see if it clears up on its own? (And I guess a related question is do kitten colds ever clear up on their own?) I would like to avoid an unnecessary vet trip if possible, but obviously would want to take care of it right away if it is something I should be concerned about. 

It is very common for a kitten to get a cold, or respiratory disease. Your issue sounds like a lower respiratory disease. A trip to the vet would be best. My vet would give me a medicine called clavamox, and it isn't too expensive.

The reason it is good to go to the vet is because if it turns into an UPPER respiratory disease, it is much more serious. If it gets any worse than it already is, take your kitten to the vet or contact your animal shelter. They may give you some since medicine you just adopted him, and they usually have some on hand for fosters.

To make him more comfortable, try putting a humidifier up. If you notice him eating less, it is because he cannot smell his food. Give him warmed up wet food to help this.

I have fostered many young kittens with a respiratory disease, and all these things have helped them. Hope I helped!