Is a stuffy nose troubling you too much? There are a number of reasons that might cause sinus congestion. The swelling of the tissues that line the nose is the main reason for nasal congestion. The production of too much mucus is among the contributing factors of a stuffy nose which makes it impossible for you to breathe easily. People suffering from sinusitis, flu or cold are most likely to have a stuffy nose. So how to get rid of a stuffed nose? If the congestion is caused by bacterial and viral infections, it can be cleared through drug therapy. However, there are also some tried-and-tested remedies you can try to get rid of a stuffed nose easily at home.
How to Get Rid of a Stuffy Nose
Try Blowing Your Nose
How to get rid of a stuff nose easily? Blowing your nose gently perhaps is the simplest way. Blowing your nose rather than sniffling the mucus back is the right way to deal with the nasal congestion during a cold. However, it is important to blow the nose in the right manner because if you blow hard, the germ-carrying phlegm will be carried into the ear passages with the pressure, causing earache. The proper of blowing a nose is to gently blow one nostril while pressing a finger on the other one.
Inhale Steam
Inhaling steam is one of the best means to get rid of a stuffy nose. The swollen blood vessels and irritated tissues in the sinuses can be soothed by breathing moist air. Get a pot of hot boiling water and hold your head over it, breathing in through your nose without letting the steam scald your nose. To capture more steam, you can drape a towel over the head. You can also damp a towel into hot water, wring out the towel then put it on your face to inhale steam.
Use a Humidifier
A humidifier can be used for converting water into moisture and thus increasing the humidity of a room considerably. The humid air will help in relieving irritation and inflammation caused by the congestion. Humidifiers also help you in breathing normally by thinning the mucus in your sinuses, emptying the fluids easily.
Take a Shower
Taking a hot steamy shower is also among the best ways of easing a stuffy nose. The steam of the shower does a similar job as the humidifier and thins the mucus present in the sinuses and the nose while also reducing inflammation too. This will make it a lot easier for you to breathe normally for a limited period of time.
Use Saline Nasal Sprays
Irrigating the nose using saline nasal sprays is a good way to unstuff your nose too as it removes the bacteria and virus particles from the nose and at the same time breaks up the nasal congestion. Mix 1 tsp of baking soda and 3 tsp of iodide-free salt. Add 1 tsp of this mixture into 8 ounces of water and gently squirt it into your nose using a bulb-syringe.
Use Mentholated Salve
Mentholated slave is another excellent home remedy if you are looking for ways to get rid of a stuffy nose. The mild numbing agents found in camphor, menthol and eucalyptus can help relieve the pain that is accompanied with a stuffy nose, heal the irritated skin at nose’s base and open up the breathing passages. You will get instant relief by only dabbing a small amount of mentholated salve under your nose.
Massage Your Sinuses
Massaging your sinuses is a great way of getting rid of a stuffy nose. You just have to apply pressure on your face to make it work. Place both the index fingers on either side of the eye cavity and right below your eyes and gently massage the sinuses around the nose for 30 seconds in small outward circles. End the massage by massaging your check bones using your thumbs. Do this for 20-30 seconds. Repeat this massage again, or until your stuffed nose is adequately relieved.
Drink Hot Tea
Drinking hot tea is another excellent home remedy to get rid of a stuffy nose. Hot tea can help in soothing the throat and keeping you hydrated if you are suffering from sore throat accompanying a stuffy nose. You can make a great nose relieving hot tea by adding fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp of honey in hot water. Drinking fruit juices that contain vitamin C can also help in getting rid of a stuffy nose.
Use a Eucalyptus Oil Swab
Eucalyptus oil is excellent for clearing out the sinuses, thus it can work wonders for getting rid of a stuffy nose. Just add 5 drops of Eucalyptus oil to 5 tsp of olive oil and keep it in a glass bowl. Roll up a tissue and after dipping it into the mixture, place it in one of your nostrils. Use the other end of the swab for the other nostril.
Try OTC Medication
Swelling and pain caused by irritated and inflamed nasal passages can be reduced by using a decongestant medication. A number of OTC decongestants are available in the form of pills (Sudogest, Sudafed) and nasal sprays (Sinex, Afrin) in the market nowadays which you can use safely for 3 days without doctor’s supervision. A stuffy nose caused by an allergy requires you to take an antihistamine drug. It can help in reducing inflammation and swelling of your nasal passages and also unclog your nose too. It is important to follow the instructions carefully when using these medications.
- Make sure to keep hydrated by drinking a lot of fluids.
- Sleep with your head in a slightly elevated position as it helps in releasing mucus. It is best to sleep on your back keeping a warm towel on the nose for at least 10 minutes.
- Rolling a piece of tissue paper and placing it inside the affected nostril after dampening it with water or salty water is also a helpful solution for a stuffy nose.
- If you stuffy nose does not improve even after a week then it is advisable that you consult a doctor as you might have an infection in your nose.
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