How to Clear Up A Stuffy Nose

A stuffy nose can be caused by many things. The most common is the cold (or flu) but a stuffy nose can also be caused by air pollution, stress, physical exertion and allergies. It's annoying to have a stuffy nose which means you are probably breathing through your mouth making your throat and lips dry. It also makes it harder to sleep at night.

A few simple tips can help alleviate a stuffy nose.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• decongestant
• humidifier
• neti pot
• saline nasal spray

1. The most common solution to a stuffy nose is to buy an Over The Counter (OTC) decongestant. Any drugstore will have a shelf full of decongestants to choose from.
   
   Another simple way to treat a stuffy nose is to use a nasal saline spray which will moisten the nasal passages which clear up the stuffiness. This can also be purchased in your drugstore.

2. Use a humidifier to keep your air moist which will help keep your nasal passages from getting stuffed up. If you don't have a humidifier then you can take a pot of boiled water and lean your head next to it so that the steam will unstuff your nose. Make sure not to hold your head directly over the steam as it will burn your face.
   
   Make sure to change the filter in your heating system or air conditioning unit when the seasons change.

3. A neti pot is a wonderful solution to a stuffy nose. It can be purchased at your drugstore (or online) and isn't expensive. It will come with directions but the technique is as follows.
   
   The neti pot uses a saline solution with lukewarm water. You take the neti pot and as you stand over the sink you will place the tip of the neti pot into your nostril, tip you head and pour the saline solution into your nose. As you pour you can tip the neti pot so that the water flows and it will start to come out the other nostril. It's a terrific way to clean out your nasal passages of any allergies or mucus which can cause your stuffy nose. You can repeat the process in the other nostril and your head should feel clearer.

Tips & Warnings

• Common over the counter decongestants work well for a stuffy nose
• Never hold your face over steaming water if you use this method. It can result in severe burns to your face

[jeni10]

on 11/7/2009 Another great article for cold and flu season. Thanks for sharing how to clear up a stuffy nose. 5*

[frozenmocha]

on 11/7/2009 Thanks for the great tips!

[tshved]

on 10/23/2009 Good article. I use a nasal irrigator instead of the neti pot (same principle), this really works especially after visiting a smoke filled casino.

[stacie5]

on 10/19/2009 Good information. A nice hot shower works very well too! 5* and rec.

[ladyofthelake]

on 10/18/2009 Thank you for the ideas. This is the season for a stuffy nose. Rec. and 5*