Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

Nasal congestion occurs when the lining of the nose becomes inflamed, usually from a cold, flu, or an allergy. In addition, you may also have a runny nose secreted by your body to fight the disease. Unfortunately, a stuffy nose can make you very uncomfortable, and sometimes even breathless. Fortunately, you can alleviate the discomfort for yourself or your baby with home remedies. However, you need to seek medical attention if you have signs of infection such as congestion, runny nose, fever, or if your baby has a stuffy nose.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Instant symptom relief

1. 

   Take a hot shower to quickly loosen mucus. The steam will dilute nasal secretions and make it easier for you to breathe. The quick solution here is to close the bathroom door, stand under a hot shower, and let the steam do its magic. Hopefully soon you will be more comfortable.
   • You can also just turn on the hot shower and sit in the bathroom with the door closed.
   • Try tapping the frontal sinuses and maxillary sinuses (on the sides of the nose and above the eyebrows) to help loosen the mucus, then blow the nose to flush it out.
   • A cool mist humidifier can also help clear a stuffy nose, so turn on the humidifier in your bedroom at night, if possible. Remember to clean the device every week.

2. 

   
   
   Use a saline spray or a nasal wash as a natural solution. Saline nasal sprays are just salt water in a handy spray bottle, so it's safe for everyone, even pregnant women. The salt water will wash away mucus and reduce inflammation in your nose.
   • Follow the directions on the package. The usual dosage is 2-3 sprays every 2-3 hours.
   • If you don't want to buy a nasal spray, you can easily prepare it at home. Mix ¼ teaspoon (1.5 g) of non-iodized salt with ½ cup (120 ml) of warm or filtered water. Aspirate the solution into the syringe and gently inject a small amount into each nostril.
   • Another way is to use a nasal wash to clean your sinuses. However, you should never use tap water or tap water mixed with tap water into a nasal wash, as tap water can contain bacteria or amoeba that can cause life-threatening illnesses. Also, keep the bottle clean by rinsing it thoroughly after each use.

3. 

   
   
   Use the nasal patch to open the nostrils. These thin white patches are used to apply across the bridge of the nose to help widen the nostrils for easier breathing. Buy a pack and stick a patch on your nose to see if it helps.
   • This product is often labeled as an anti-snore patch, available in pharmacies and some supermarkets.

4. 

   
   
   Place a warm compress on your nose to prevent congestion. The heat can help with a stuffy nose by opening up your sinuses. Soak a washcloth in water as hot as you can tolerate it, lie down and place it across the bridge of your nose so it covers your sinuses, but make sure your nostrils are open. Re-soak in hot water when the towel becomes cold.
   • You may need to reheat the towel a few times to see its benefits, so be patient. Try applying compresses while doing something relaxing, like listening to music or watching television.

   Advice: For added effect, you can add a few slices of fresh ginger to the water before dipping a towel. Ginger works to reduce inflammation, making it easier to breathe through your nose.

5. 

   Rub in oil to soothe discomfort. Most massage oils contain menthol, eucalyptus and / or camphor, so it will feel easier to breathe when inhaled. However, there is not enough evidence to confirm the effectiveness of these products in clearing sinuses.
   • Only rub the oil on your neck or chest.
   • Oils are usually not safe for children under 2 years of age.

6. 

   Eat spicy foods to treat a stuffy nose temporarily. If your sinuses are blocked, you might consider eating something a little more spicy than your taste. Spicy foods irritate mucous membranes and cause runny nose. If you have severe congestion, this is a temporary but quick solution.
   • Drink plenty of fluids while eating, and gently blow your nose after eating.
   • You can also try chicken noodles with a little chopped fresh garlic to boost immunity and clear the nose.

7. 

   Use decongestants or antihistamines if recommended by your doctor. Depending on the cause of your stuffy nose, you may feel better with some over-the-counter medications. If you give pills to children from 4 to 12 years old, you need to choose a medicine formulated specifically for children. Be sure to consult your doctor before taking any medications. If your doctor agrees, you can choose from the following drugs:
   • If you have a cold, choose a decongestant. Decongestants will help reduce swelling and inflammation in the nasal cavity, making it easier for you to breathe. You can take it by mouth in pill or liquid form, or use a decongestant spray. Note that the decongestant is recommended for 3 days in a row due to the risk of adverse effects, while the oral decongestant can last up to 5-7 days.
   • If you have an allergy, such as hay fever, take an antihistamine like Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra, or a similar medicine. Antihistamines both reduce congestion and help with other symptoms, such as sneezing. Note that some antihistamines can cause drowsiness. Look for a non-sedating drug to take during the day and do not drive or operate machinery without knowing how antihistamines affect your body.
   • Flonase and Nasacort sprays that contain corticosteroids can also help if you have a stuffy nose due to allergies. Corticosteroids have anti-inflammatory effects.
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Method 2 of 4: Adjusting your daily routine

1. 

   Blow your nose gently. Do not try to blow your nose if you have a stuffy nose but your nose is not runny or the mucus does not come out easily. Your reflex is to blow your nose until the mucus is expelled, but it's best not to touch the tissue. Only blow your nose when you have a runny nose.

   Note: Repeated strong blowing of the nose can make the delicate nasal mucosa more inflamed and the nose more congested. It may sound unreasonable at first, but in reality, you will be more comfortable using less tissue.

2. 

   Drink plenty of water to thin mucus. Drinking plenty of fluids while you're sick is another way to help clear your nose. Drink white water, herbal tea, or broth, and always have a water bottle or mug handy to remember to drink.
   • Moderate hot drinks are especially helpful in thinning mucus.
   • Avoid sugary drinks such as juices and sodas, as they do not contain essential nutrients or electrolytes. Sugar can also prevent the immune system from working properly.
   • Stay away from caffeine, such as coffee, as it can cause dehydration.

3. 

   Pillows high when lying down. Lying on your back can cause mucus to build up while you sleep or rest. When you have a stuffy nose, use a couple of pillows to raise your head while you sleep, or take a nap in a recliner.
   • If you tend to lie on your stomach or on your side every day, try lying on your back and head high when you are sick.

4. 

   Stay away from irritants. Triggers such as cigarette smoke can worsen congestion. Avoid smoking and be around smokers. If the cause of a stuffy nose is an allergy, do your best to avoid common allergens such as pet dust or flakes.
   • If you need help quitting smoking, talk to your doctor.
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Method 3 of 4: Treatment for babies and young children

1. 

   Use saline nasal drops to loosen mucus. Have infants lie on a flat surface and place a curled towel under their shoulders to tilt their head back. Put a few drops of the saline solution into each nostril. The salt solution will dissolve the mucus and drain it out, making it easier for your baby to breathe.
   • You can make your own salt solution by mixing ¼ teaspoon (1.5 g) of non-iodized salt with ½ cup (120 ml) of warm or filtered water.
   • If only tap water is available, boil the water and let it cool before making the brine. If you don't, bacteria or amoebas can get into your child's sinuses and, in rare cases, be life-threatening.

2. 

   Smoking mucus to help your baby breathe easier. If your baby is old enough and knows how to blow his nose, ask him to blow his nose gently. With babies, you can use a suction balloon to absorb mucus from the baby's nostrils. First, squeeze the air out of the suction balloon, then carefully insert the suction tube into the side of the child's nostril. Release your hand to suck the mucus, then squeeze it out on a tissue. Repeat with the other nostril.
   • Alternatively, you can twist a corner of a tissue and wipe the inside of the child's nostril. Are not Put a cotton swab in the baby's nose.

3. 

   Allow a humidifier to mist cool in an infant's room. A humidifier can thin mucus and make it easier for a baby to breathe. Put the humidifier in your baby's bedroom and turn it on at night. If possible, use filtered water in a humidifier. Be sure to clean the device weekly to prevent the spread of germs.
   • If you don't have a humidifier, you can turn on a hot shower and sit with your baby in the bathroom (not in the shower) to let the steam dilute your baby's mucus.

   Warning: Avoid using humidifiers that spray warm steam, as warm temperatures make it easier for bacteria and germs to spread indoors.

4. 

   Put your baby on top of his head to sleep. Roll a towel under the mattress in your baby's crib. Place the baby's head on a raised cushion to allow the mucus to drain instead of plugging the child's nostrils while sleeping.
   • You can also put your baby in a crib to raise his head.
   • Never use pillows to raise a baby's head, as this increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

5. 

   Do not give cold medicine to children. Over-the-counter cold medicine is not suitable for children under 4 years old. In fact, anti-decongestants have been linked to arrhythmias and irritability. Try to make your child as comfortable as possible and call your pediatrician if you have any concerns. advertisement

Method 4 of 4: Know when to get medical attention

1. 

   Seek medical attention if you experience sinus pain with yellow or green mucus discharge. Yellow or green mucus is usually a sign of infection, although this is not true. The doctor will have to rule out the infection or prescribe appropriate medication.
   • Remember that you can get an infection from a runny nose, which means that the stuffy nose caused by an allergy may turn into an infection. If this happens, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to help you recover much faster than without taking the medicine.
   • In rare cases, discharge may be bloody or red. You need to see a doctor right away.

2. 

   See a doctor if the stuffy nose persists for more than 10 days. Nasal congestion usually clears up within 1 week, and if it lasts more than 10 days, you may have an infection. Your doctor may rule out other causes, such as the flu, and prescribe medications if needed. If you have an infection, you may experience the following symptoms:
   • Fever over 38.5 degrees Celsius
   • Sore throat
   • A stuffy or runny nose
   • Congested
   • Headache
   • My ache
   • Tired

3. 

   Call your doctor for advice if a child under 3 months old has a stuffy nose. Infants often have a stuffy nose because their immune systems are just starting to develop. However, a stuffy nose caused by a cold or allergy can get worse quickly in a preterm infant. Fortunately, your doctor can advise you on the best care to help your baby recover.
   • Your doctor may advise you to continue caring for your baby at home.
   • If your child has a high fever of over 38 degrees Celsius, make an appointment with your doctor that day to take him or her to the emergency room. Fever is a sign of infection, so it's best to make sure your baby doesn't need any further treatment.
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Advice

• If only one nostril is blocked, lie on the other side, the nose may clear.
• Chew peppermint gum, as peppermint works to clear your sinuses, making it easier for you to breathe, while also reducing inflammation.
• Try fresh air. If you don't have hay fever, sometimes this can make you more comfortable.
• Rub coconut oil under your nose to keep the skin dry and irritated from blowing your nose. Coconut oil also has antimicrobial properties.
• If you are using a massage oil, place a heating pad on your chest to let the essential oils spread to your nose.
• Use salt water. You don't need to measure the exact amount of salt, just sprinkle a little salt in a cup of warm water, but remember that too much salt can dry out your throat.
• Mix mint and eucalyptus bath salts in a bowl of hot steaming water. Wrap a towel over your head and bowl of water and breathe to help clear your nose until the water cools down.

Warning

• Be careful when steaming it, as it can cause severe burns.
• If you make your own nasal spray or nasal wash solution with a wash bottle, be sure to use filtered or distilled water to prevent bacteria or amoebas. If you must use tap water, boil the water and let it cool before making it.
• Avoid using humidifiers that spray warm water, as this can help bacteria multiply.
• Note that pseudoephedrine decongestants are contraindicated for some people.