How to Relieve a Stuffy Nose

Nasal congestion is a condition usually caused by viral infections. Many people believe that a stuffy nose is due to an increase amount of thick mucus that clogs the nose. This notion is totally wrong. A nose is congested because of swelling on the membranous tissues that line its surface. And the said swelling is brought about by an inflammation on the blood vessels of the nose, which is caused by factors such as respiratory infections, allergies, common colds, flu, or over use of a nasal drop or spay. Although this case is treatable and only last for a few days, its effect causes annoyance and discomfort. It interferes with breathing, speech, hearing, taste buds – and the most tormenting part of all, is when it hampers your sleep. To help relieve your stuffy nose, apply the following tips.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Medications

1. Take some oral decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine, to reduce swelling on the linings of the nose, which will then relieve congestion. This type of medication only soothes nasal stiffness and does not take care of other problems like runny a nose.
2. If your stuffy nose is caused by allergies, take antihistamines to reduce mucus production. It is advisable to take this kind of medications at night because it has sedative effect that will make you feel drowsy.
3. Use some mild nasal decongestant spray for less than 3 days to soothe your clogged nose. Do not use this type of spray beyond 3 days because it will only make your nasal congestion worse (rebound effect). Rebound effect is a characteristic of a drug to produce reverse effect when it is overused, when its effects had passed, or when the patient is not responding to it anymore.

To Increase Humidity and Soothe Breathing

4. Application of nasal drops or nasal saline sprays is helpful in moisturizing and increasing the humidity of your dry and stuffy nose. Make sure not to over use this stuff to avoid rebound effect.
5. Increase humidity at home, by using an ultrasonic vaporizer or a cool mist humidifier, especially when the air is dry.
6. Relieve a stuffy nose by steaming. Prepare a pot and fill half of it with water. Let the water boil for a few minutes and add 1 to 2 teaspoon of Vicks vaporub. Stir for a few seconds and then cover the pot with lid to trap the steam. Turn the fire off, get a towel, and place it on top of your head. Open the lid and carefully lean over the pot. As you do this, cover your head and the pot with your towel (allowing no steam to escape) and breath on the surrounding steam.
7. Try water therapy. Staying hydrated will keep the natural moist of the membranous linings of your nose from becoming dry. Other excellent aids for alleviating clogged nose are juice, tea, and soup.

Other At Home Remedies

8. Sit upright or keep your head elevated to ease your breathing. This is an excellent position since congestion only makes your breathing difficult when you lie down.
9. Blow your nose to get the mucus off but do it gently. Use tissue instead of a handkerchief to avoid spreading the virus.
10. Apply some menthol topical rubs (such as Vicks vaporub) on your back, chest, on top of your nose, or on the space between your nose and upper lip, to help soothe your breathing.
11. Massage your nose bridge gently. Using your thumb and index finger, apply a soft up and down stroke on the bridge of your nose, until you are able to breathe easy.
12. Pamper your self with a soothing hot bath. The steam will relieve your stuffy nose by shrinking your swollen mucous membranes, making it easy for you to drain mucus out of your nose.
13. Chew some candy or gum with a strong mint flavor.
14. Try cooking with red pepper. This kind of pepper will make your nose runny and easy for you to drain the mucus off. It’s way better to have a runny nose than a stuffed nose.
15. Get a lot of rest to allow a faster healing process. Sleep with your head elevated to make it easy for you to breathe.

Tips & Warnings

• If your nose feels dry and sore from blowing, apply a small amount of petroleum jelly on it to keep it from chapping.
• Antihistamines contain sedative effects that will make you feel drowsy. So avoid taking it when you’re driving or operating any kind of machinery.
• Go straight to the doctor if your stuffy nose persist or at home remedies are not helping beyond 5 days.
• If nasal congestion is accompanied with high fever, chills, facial pain, or severe headache, visit the doctor right away.