How to Get Rid of a Stuffy Nose and Congestion
A stuffy nose or nasal congestion is typical during cold and allergy season. And while you can't cure a cold or immediately stop an allergic reaction, there are quick ways to open up a stuffy nose and relieve congestion. Different remedies are available, which include OTC options and natural solutions. The key to alleviating congestion is thinning mucus trapped in your body.
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Instructions
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Open your nasal passages. Take an over-the-counter decongestant to clear a stuffy nose and relieve congestion quickly. Common cold and sinus medications include a decongestant along with a pain reliever. Take as directed.
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Fight off allergies. Combat allergies from outdoor and indoor irritants by taking an antihistamine. This type of medication counteracts the effects of histamine, which produce symptoms such as the coughing, congestion, wheezing and sneezing associated with allergies. Controlling allergies helps reduce the production of mucus, which reduces congestion in the nasal passage.
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Limit exposure to dry air. Sleeping or living in a dry environment can cause congestion and nasal blockage. Use a humidifier to reduce dryness and promote drainage. Taking a hot shower or placing a hot cloth over your face can also reduce congestion and drain the nasal cavity.
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Drink plenty of fluids. Take in ample fluids such as decaffeinated teas, water and juice to combat thick mucus and loosen congestion. Hot foods such as soups or broths also thin mucus and help get rid of congestion.
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Cleanse your nose. Buy a saline spray and apply to both nostrils as directed to open the nasal passage and clear irritants from the nose. Outdoor allergens such as pollen, and indoor allergens such as dust, can become trapped in the nose and produce an allergic reaction.
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Experiment with spicy flavorings. Eat spicy foods or add spicy seasonings to your food to clear congestion. Spicy seasonings quickly open the sinuses and promote a runny nose, thus remedying congestion and removing irritants from the nose.
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References
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