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How To

How to Clear a Stuffed Nose Without Medication

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(2 Ratings)

There are ways to rid yourself of a stuffy nose without resorting to over-the-counter or prescription medications. Stay hydrated and eat a well-balanced diet to help your body deal with the cold and flu germs that cause stuffy noses.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps keep the mucus in your sinuses loose and runny, making it easier for you to blow your nose and ease congestion.

  2. Step 2

    Turn on a humidifier. Keeping the air moist also helps to keep the mucus soft, allowing you to blow your nose and clear your sinuses.

  3. Step 3

    Mix warm water and salt into a saline solution and gargle it to remove mucus from your throat.

  4. Step 4

    Drip small amounts of saline water into each nostril and breathe slowly through your nose. The saline will make you sneeze, helping you to clear a stuffy nose.

  5. Step 5

    Apply a warm compress to your face to help ease the discomfort of a stuffy nose. The heat and moisture helps promote drainage so you can blow your nose more effectively.

Tips & Warnings
  • Add peppermint extract to your humidifier, as peppermint helps ease congestion.
  • If your stuffy nose is painful, lasts more than 7 to 10 days or is accompanied by a fever, consult a physician. You may have a sinus infection which requires medication.
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