A clogged nose often occurs while you’re unwell and might be caused by mucus or irritated blood vessels in your sinuses. Numerous natural solutions might help clear your nose in addition to prescription drugs.
Nasal congestion, often known as a stuffy nose, may be annoying and frequently interfere with day-to-day activities.
Many people believe that excessive mucus in the nasal passages is what causes a stuffy nose. However, irritated blood vessels in the sinuses are often the cause of a blocked nose. These blood vessels may become inflamed as a result of a cold, the flu, allergies, or sinus infections.
Whatever the cause of your stuffy nose, there are simple methods to fix it.
Use A Humidifier
A humidifier may help alleviate nasal congestion and lessen sinus discomfort quickly and easily.
The device changes water into moisture, which slowly permeates the air and raises the room’s humidity.
The inflamed tissues and enlarged blood vessels in your clogged nose and sinuses might be relieved by breathing in this humid air. Some individuals assert that hot, humidified air may also aid in the improved drainage of clogged mucus.
Reviews have shown that there isn’t any proof to back this claim right now.
Even if you have nasal congestion symptoms, installing humidifiers around your home or place of business may be beneficial.
Take a Bath
Have you ever had a clogged nose and discovered that taking a hot shower helped you breathe so much more easily? There could be a valid explanation for it.
You may thin out the mucus in your clogged nose and lessen irritation by taking a shower. Your breathing may become more regular, at least temporarily, after taking a hot shower.
Inhaling vapor from hot water in a sink will have the same effect. This is how:
- Your bathroom sink’s hot water should now be running.
- When the temperature is appropriate, cover your head with a towel and lean over the sink.
- Breathe deeply as you let the steam rise.
- Avoid getting your face burned by the hot water or steam.
Keep Hydrated
If you think you may have the flu or a cold, it’s crucial to drink lots of fluids.
The mucus in your nasal passages may be made thinner by maintaining optimal hydration levels, which will force the mucus out of your clogged nose and relieve sinus pressure. Less pressure equals less irritability and inflammation.
Warm drinks, such as tea, may be helpful to soothe your sore throat in addition to your other symptoms.
Apply Saline Spray
Use saline, a saltwater solution, to increase hydration. The moisture in your nostrils may be increased by using a nasal saline spray.
In certain saline sprays, decongestant drugs are also included. Before taking saline sprays containing decongestants, see your doctor.
Clear Your Sinuses
You can use a Neti pot to unclog your blocked nostrils, albeit it’s not very elegant. The purpose of a neti pot is to clear mucus and liquids from your nasal passages.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises against drinking tap water and instead suggests using distilled or sterilized water.
How to use a neti pot is as follows:
- Put your head over a sink while standing.
- Put the neti pot’s spout inside of one nostril.
- When water enters your nasal canal, tilt the neti pot.
- After entering one nostril, the water will exit the other clogged nose and drain into the sink.
- After a minute or so, flip sides and repeat.
Apply A Hot Compress
By widening the nasal airways from the outside, a warm compress may assist with certain nasal congestion symptoms.
Soak a towel in warm water first to produce a warm compress. The towel should then be folded and placed over your nose and forehead after being squeezed dry.
Any discomfort may be relieved and the inflammation in the nostrils can be reduced by the warmth. As frequently as required, repeat this.
Take Medicines
Other over-the-counter (OTC) drugs may help clear your nasal passages and provide relief if you have a clogged nose.
When selecting a decongestant, antihistamine, or allergy medicine, be careful to talk to a pharmacist. The pharmacist may also respond to any inquiries you may have about a specific drug.
If your clogged nose doesn’t go better after taking medicine for more than three days or if you also have a fever, call your doctor.
Decongestants
A decongestant drug helps lessen discomfort and minimize swelling brought on by inflamed nasal passages. There are several decongestants that may be purchased over-the-counter.
They are available as nasal spray and pills. The nasal decongestant sprays Oxymetazoline (Afrin) and Phenylephrine (Sinex) are both widely available. Pseudoephedrine is a common ingredient in decongestant medications (Sudafed, Sudogest).
When taking decongestants, use caution. Without a doctor’s supervision, you shouldn’t use a decongestant for more than three days. A nasal decongestant may actually worsen your congestion and stuffiness after three days.
Additionally, normal decongestants shouldn’t be used by those with hypertension. There are secure alternatives, however it may be preferable to see your doctor to determine which drug is best for you.
Medications For Allergies Or Antihistamines
If an allergic response is the cause of your nasal congestion, you may need to take an antihistamine or allergy medicine. Both kinds of drugs may lessen nasal edema, which aids in clearing out sinus congestion.
Combining antihistamine and decongestant medications helps reduce nasal swelling and pressure brought on by allergic responses.
Pay close attention to the directions on these drugs. If you don’t, your condition can become worse. You should be aware that antihistamines may cause you to feel sleepy. Avoid taking an antihistamine when you need to be busy or productive if you are unsure of how it may affect you.
Takeaway
Blood vessels in your sinuses become inflamed when you have nasal congestion, often known as a clogged nose.
There are many home treatments you may try if you have nasal congestion symptoms. These include warm compresses, hot showers, and a range of over-the-counter medicines.