How to Clear a Blocked Nose
When you have a blocked nose your nasal passages feel full and stuffy and you may have a runny nose. It can cause problems with your ears, hearing and speech. More severe cases of blocked nose cause snoring and sleep problems. A blocked nose is caused by tissues in the lining of your nose swelling because of inflamed blood vessels. Also called nasal congestion, a blocked nose can be caused by the flu, common cold, sinus infection and allergies such as hay fever. It can also be caused by using nasal saline sprays too often. Treatment of a blocked nose begins at home and may be resolved there, but if your condition worsens you may need to see a doctor.
Things You'll Need
- Humidifier
- Decongestants
- Antihistamines
- Nasal saline spray
- Nasal irrigation pot
- Nasal strips
Instructions
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Instructions
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Try self-care. Over-the-counter decongestants can relieve a blocked nose by shrinking blood vessels in the nose and antihistamines will reduce mucus build-up. Thin your mucus by using nasal saline sprays or drops, a humidifier, and drinking more fluids such as broth and hot tea.
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Try nasal irrigation. A common method of nasal irrigation to clear congestion is the neti pot. This is a small, enclosed bowl-like dish with a spout on one end. It is filled with warm, salt water and inserted into one nostril. When you tip your head and the pot to one side, the saline solution flows through your nasal passages and out the other nostril, cleaning your nose along the way.
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Try nasal strips. They are small, flexible strips applied to the top of your nose. Nasal strips help you by lifting nasal passages to allow more air in and help you breathe better.
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Get diagnosed. Most cases of blocked nose are easy to identify and treat at home, but sometimes a blocked nose is more serious and needs a doctor's diagnosis for better treatment. Schedule a doctor's appointment if your blocked nose lasts longer than two weeks. Also see the doctor if you cough longer than 10 days, cough up gray or yellow-green mucus, have blurred vision, swelling in your face, throat pain, and yellow or white spots on your throat.
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Try diagnostic tests. Your blocked nose may be worse than you thought so your doctor may advise having chest and sinus X-rays, blood tests, and cultures of your sputum and throat. He may also refer you to an allergist for an allergy test.
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Get a prescription. If other treatments aren't working to clear your blocked nose, ask your doctor if prescription-strength medicine to relieve congestion and inflammation will help.
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Tips & Warnings
Alleviate congestion at night by elevating your head while you sleep.
You may become drowsy after taking some antihistamines. This can interfere with your ability to drive or handle machinery.
