Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 2: Using Natural Remedies
• Part 2 of 2: Using fast-acting medications
• Tips
• Warnings

Nasal congestion occurs as a result of swelling of the tissues and blood vessels in the nasal passages and sinuses, which is caused by the accumulation of excess fluid / mucus. Often (but not always) nasal congestion is accompanied by a runny nose. It can be caused by a variety of reasons, including viral infections (colds, flu, sinusitis), allergies (to pollen, food or chemicals), and external irritants (tobacco smoke, dust, pollution). Getting rid of nasal congestion quickly can help you stay active rather than lying on the couch at home with a box of paper napkins.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Using Natural Remedies

1. 1 Blow your nose gently. Perhaps the easiest and quickest way to relieve nasal congestion is to simply blow your nose into a tissue or tissue. While this simple method may not always completely get rid of nasal congestion, it is worth trying first. Perhaps the best method is to combine blowing your nose with the other methods described below.
   • Do not blow your nose too hard to avoid damaging the delicate tissues and / or small blood vessels of the nasal passages and sinuses.
   • Use a soft tissue or tissue. This will help prevent irritation, redness, and chafing of the skin at the tip and wings of your nose.
   • You can also do without a handkerchief and blow your nose in the sink. Lean over the sink, pinch one nostril and exhale sharply through the other, then change nostrils and blow your nose again. Then wash the sink.
2. 2 Treat yourself with steam. Breathe in warm water vapor to relieve swelling quickly and effectively, as the vapor thinns fluid and mucus in your nasal passages, making it easier for them to pass out of the nose. Steam baths 2-4 times a day. Do not inhale at all hot steam as it can burn your skin and nasal passages and worsen your condition.
   • Boil water in an electric kettle, place it on the floor, sit on a chair next to it, and cover your head with a towel. Lean over the kettle so that the steam escaping from it rises to your face, and breathe deeply through your nose for 5-10 minutes.
   • You can also take a long hot shower. While doing this, inhale the warm steam through your nose so that no water gets into it. After about 10 minutes, try blowing your nose several times.
   • Try to relieve sinus congestion with a warm compress. Soak a soft cloth in warm water and apply it to your face for a few minutes (or until it cools down).
   • Although this method is less quick, try turning on a humidifier in your bedroom and leaving it on overnight. This will moisturize the lining of your nose, which will help relieve congestion.
3. 3 Squirt warm saline solution into your nostrils. Another way to get fluid and mucus out of your sinuses is to spray your nose with warm, salted water. A fine spray of salt water will moisturize the dry tissues of the nasal passages. In addition, the salt will help kill viruses and bacteria that could cause nasal congestion. You can purchase a ready-made saline solution from a pharmacy or make your own.
   • Boil distilled water and while it cools, add a little sea salt to it (1 teaspoon per glass of water, you can also add a pinch of baking soda). Dissolve the salt and pour the liquid into a clean spray bottle.
   • Tilt your head back, spray the saline solution into your nostrils, and inhale it so that it penetrates deep into the nose. This can provoke sneezing.
   • Squirt the solution 2-3 times into each nostril and repeat 3-5 times a day until your nose is clear.
   • If you have a sore throat in addition to a stuffy nose, spray the back of your throat with saline as well.
4. 4 Flush your nose with a neti pot. There are several methods for rinsing the nose. One of the traditional and effective methods is based on the use of neti pot - a ceramic or plastic vessel, like a cross between a small teapot and Aladdin's magic lamp, which is used in Ayurvedic medicine. Fill the neti pot with saline solution (see above), pour it into the nose and let it drain. This will rinse and disinfect your nasal passages.
   • Pour warm saline solution into the neti sweat, stand over a sink, tilt your head to the side at a 45 ° angle and insert the spout into the nostril above. Gently pour the solution into your nose so that it flows out of the other nostril.
   • If the solution runs down your throat, spit it out. After that, blow your nose and repeat the procedure by changing your nostrils.
   • With neti sweat, you can rinse your nose 3-5 times a day. The neti sweat should be thoroughly cleansed after each procedure.
   • Neti-pot has been used for centuries in India and Asia, and nowadays it is becoming popular in Western countries as well. This vessel can be purchased at some pharmacies or ordered online.
   • Always use filtered or distilled water when rinsing your nose. Be sure to boil and / or filter the tap water before using it.
5. 5 Use herbal oils. There are many herbal oils, extracts and balms that have strong anti-edema properties. These can be added to a humidifier, fog machine, kettle of boiling water, or simply applied to the wings of the nose. Usually, menthol, eucalyptus and camphor oils, as well as tea tree oil, are used to cleanse the nose. Olbas Oil is a combination of different oils that help relieve nasal congestion. Most of its constituent oils also have a mild analgesic and antiseptic effect.
   • Add oil to the humidifier. Usually 3-4 drops of concentrated menthol, eucalyptus or camphor oil are enough for several hours. The closer you are to the source of the steam, the more effectively your nose will be cleared.
   • Rosemary, peppermint, or lemongrass scented oils can also be used to ease nasal congestion.

Part 2 of 2: Using fast-acting medications

1. 1 Take over-the-counter decongestants. These drugs work primarily by shrinking (constricting) blood vessels, thereby relieving a runny nose and nasal congestion. They can be purchased at almost any pharmacy. They act rather quickly - usually within the first hour. Decongestants come in the form of tablets and nasal sprays. They are intended for short-term use (no longer than 3-5 days).
   • Carefully read the instructions for use and observe the dosage indicated in it. If you are unsure about the dosage, check with your pharmacist or your doctor.
   • Typically, decongestants dry out the lining of the nasal passages and sinuses, so you should drink more fluids while taking them. Drink about 8 glasses of water daily.
   • Decongestants can cause side effects such as insomnia (difficulty falling asleep), high blood pressure, headache, and sinus pain.
2. 2 Try antihistamines instead of decongestants. Typically, these drugs are used to relieve nasal congestion in case of allergies.They are also available as tablets and nasal sprays (the latter are faster acting). Antihistamines work by blocking histamine. In case of an allergic reaction, this substance is produced in excess by the body and causes swelling and itching of the nasal passages. Some antihistamines cause drowsiness, although newer drugs do not have this side effect.
   • Do not drive or operate other vehicles while taking antihistamines that cause drowsiness. These drugs include clemastine (Tavegil) and diphenhydramine (diphenhydramine).
   • If you do not want to experience increased sleepiness, take desloratadine (Erius, Lordestine), fexofenadine (Telfast, Allegra), or loratadine (Lomilan, Claritin).
   • For the best effect, antihistamines should be taken as early as possible, at the first signs of an allergic reaction, while the nose has not yet had time to become very stuffy.
3. 3 Talk to your doctor about corticosteroid sprays. Steroid nasal sprays are highly anti-inflammatory and can quickly and effectively relieve nasal congestion. Preparations of fluticasone and its derivatives (Nazarel, Avamis) are sold without a prescription and are good for allergic reactions (nasal congestion, runny nose, itching and sneezing) and nasal polyps. Nasal polyps are benign growths on the mucous membrane that often lead to nasal congestion.
   • Corticosteroid sprays work best with regular daily use over a period of time (such as one or two weeks).
   • Corticosteroid sprays are believed to be safe for adults, but are not recommended for use in children, so check with your doctor first.
   • Corticosteroids have many side effects. These include dry, burning or tingling nose, sneezing, nosebleeds, throat irritation, headache, and an increased risk of sinusitis.

Tips

• Nasal congestion is often aggravated by lying down. In this case, try to sit down or at least raise your head higher.
• Many pharmacies sell a nasal patch that should be applied to the bridge of the nose. Some believe it helps to widen the nostrils and make breathing easier.
• If you are unclear about the cause of your nasal congestion, talk to your doctor. If necessary, he will order a blood test, an allergy skin test, a saliva sample and a throat swab, and possibly a sinus x-ray.

Warnings

• Many allergy and cold medicines contain several active ingredients. Read the packaging and instructions for use carefully.
• See your doctor if your nasal congestion is accompanied by any of the following symptoms: high fever, sore throat or ear pain, cough lasting more than a week, greenish-yellow nasal discharge, and / or severe headache.