How to Unstop Your Nose
Nasal congestion results from excess mucus in your nose and swollen blood vessels in your nasal passages. It may be a symptom of sinusitis, a cold, acid reflux or an allergic reaction, and it can cause sleep apnea. Try these methods of clearing out your nose to breathe a little easier.
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Things You'll Need
- Nasal saline decongestion drops/spray
- Nasal irrigation system
- ½ tsp. salt
- ½ tbsp. of distilled vinegar
- One cup of boiling water
- Dropper bottle
- Humidifier
- Menthol
- Hot drinks
- Chicken broth
- Nasal strips
- Essential oils
Instructions
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Use a nasal saline solution. Place nasal saline solution or spray in your nose according to the packaging instructions. Do not use nasal saline drops more than three days as this may increase side effects. Another option is to purchase a nasal irrigation kit. These can be found in drug stores or in the the pharmacy section of grocery stores. HealthMad.com offers a recipe for making your own nasal saline solution: "Use ½ tsp. salt. ½ tbsp. of distilled vinegar. One cup of boiling water. Mix them together and put it in a dropper bottle." Wait for the solution to cool to at least room temperature before using it.
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Set up a humidifier in your bedroom. This will increase the humidity, making it easier to breathe. You may also add a menthol product to the humidifier to ease your breathing. Higher humidity moisturizes nasal passages, making it easier to breathe. Menthol provides a cooling sensation in the nose, which may make it easier to breathe. Another option is to boil some water in a pot on the stove. Put a towel over your head. Lean over the water, and breathe in the steam. Taking a hot shower may also help relieve nasal congestion.
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Drink hot drinks such as chicken broth or hot tea. Liquids help clear congestion, and, according to the Mayo Clinic website, chicken broth "acts as an anti-inflammatory. . .[and], it temporarily speeds up the movement of mucus, possibly helping relieve congestion and limiting the amount of time viruses are in contact with the nose lining." Avoid coffee, alcohol, or caffeinated sodas, which contribute to dehydration.
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Put a nasal strip on your nose. These "gently [lift] the outside of the nose to open the nasal valve, which is the narrowest part of the nasal passageway, thereby improving airflow," according to PharmacyTimes.com.
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Prop your head up at night with an extra pillow or two. When you are congested, it is more difficult to breathe with your head lying flat.
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Try over-the-counter oral decongestants that contain phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine. These products shrink the blood vessels in the nose. They should not be used by women who are pregnant and people with heart problems and high blood pressure. Regardless of whether or not you have these conditions, you should check with your doctor before you use the medications to make sure they are safe for you.
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Eat spicy food or add some pepper to your food. Spicy foods are natural decongestants, and they can help clear your nasal passages quickly.
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Smell things that clear up your nose, such as an onion or essential oils. You may also try massaging essential oils into your chest or inhaling from a handkerchief. Eucalyptus globulous, eucalyptus radiata, rosemary, lavender spike and tea tree are good choices, according to Aroma Thyme's Essential Oil Recipes website. Put three drops on a handkerchief and inhale twice. Put 10 drops on your chest if you prefer the massage method. These oils soothe nasal passageways and open them up. Do this as often as necessary to relieve congestion.
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Tips & Warnings
If your congestion does not clear up after trying some of these methods, contact your doctor. If your symptoms worsen, contact your doctor. Check with your doctor before taking any medication. Follow all package directions when using any product.
References
- Pharmacy Times: Fed Up with Being Stuffed Up-Help for Nasal Congestion
- HealthMad: Nasal Congestion Remedies
- iHealthDirectory: Nasal Congestion Remedies
- MedicineNet: Generic Name-Decongestant Drops-Nasal
- University of Brisol, School of Chemistry: Menthol
- Mayo Clinic: Cold Remedies-What Works, What Doesn't, What Can't Hurt
Resources
- Photo Credit tissue paper image by morsted from Fotolia.com
