How to Ease Nasal Congestion

Treat nasal congestion to decrease risk of infection.

Nasal congestion can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, allergies or obstruction. Nasal congestion can cause dull or severe pain in your eyes, face and head. Toothache pain is sometimes present in people who have nasal congestion, especially if the congestion is related to a sinus infection. Treatment for nasal congestion and related pain and pressure depends on the cause of the congestion. Failure to treat your nasal congestion may increase your risk of serious infection.

Things You'll Need

• Antibiotic
• Oral decongestant
• Nasal spray
• Humidifier

Instructions

1. See your doctor. You will need a physical examination to determine what is causing your nasal congestion. Your doctor will check for signs of infection such as fever and swollen glands, and will listen to your lungs to determine if they are congested. Your doctor may refer you to an ear, nose and throat doctor for further evaluation.

2. Take your antibiotic. If your doctor determines that your nasal congestion is due to a bacterial infection, you will receive antibiotics. If your congestion is viral in nature, you will not receive antibiotics because they are ineffective against viruses. Once your infection resolves, your nasal congestion will ease. Complete the entire course of antibiotics to clear the infection completely.

3. Try an oral decongestant. Over-the-counter oral decongestants are effective in easing nasal congestion. Nasal congestion causes nasal passages to inflame, and a decongestant will constrict the swollen membranes to allow for easier breathing. Check with your doctor before taking a decongestant because they can cause side effects such as rapid heart rate and difficulty sleeping.

4. Ask about nasal spray. Nasal sprays work by decreasing sinus inflammation in the nose. They are available over the counter, or your doctor can prescribe an inhaled steroid nasal spray. Read the label carefully, and use only as directed.

5. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, humidifiers are effective in reducing congestion. Set up a humidifier to add moisture into the air. Dry air dries out your nasal passages and worsens nasal congestion. Breathing in moist air will ease nasal congestion.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy nasal strips. Over-the-counter nasal strips spread open your nasal structures to allow more space for breathing. These are effective in easing nasal congestion without the side effects caused by medications.

• If your experience fever, severe headache or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention. You may have a serious infection that will need fast evaluation and intervention.

References

• Sinusitis - Treatment