Nasal congestion, also known as stuffy nose, is a potential symptom of various types of health issues such as sinus infection, nasal polyps, cough and the common cold. This congestion occurs when the nose becomes too stuffed up and inflamed.
A stuffy nose might occur at random times, when triggered by other health conditions, and is common among people of all age groups. Nasal congestion makes it really difficult to breathe and can be extremely inconvenient.
The inflammation of the sinuses and the excess mucus clogging the individual’s nose can be really problematic but they aren’t very serious in nature and tend to go away after a proper treatment and right medication. Although, in some cases, if the congestion stays for longer than ten days, the sinus pain gets too bad or a greenish discharge occurs, then it is advised to see a doctor immediately.
Depending on the cause behind the congestion, a specialist would advise the right course of action and treat the person. Apart from this, there are various other ways one can treat nasal congestion and make the symptom less troublesome. 8 simple remedies to treat nasal congestion are listed below:
Drink Warm Fluids
Drinking warm fluids when suffering from stuffy nose or nasal congestion can help immensely with the symptoms. Staying hydrated and drinking enough liquid can cause the mucus clogging the nasal passageway to thin out a bit and decreases the pressure it puts on the sinuses. Warm liquids like soup, hot tea, warm water etc. also helps with the sore throat one might experience along with it.
Take a Hot Shower
Taking a hot shower when suffering from stuffy nose is a wise choice as the steam from the shower clears up the mucus for a while and reduces the inflammation present inside the nasal passage. Many people have suggested opting this strategy as it lessens the discomfort, at least for a while. The steam from the hot shower really works wonders and is highly recommended.
Use a Humidifier
A humidifier is a type of machine that converts water into moisture that fills the air and increases the humidity in the room. Using a humidifier to deal with nasal congestion is suggested by many, as it makes the air around the individual more moist and easier to breathe. It also soothes the agitated blood vessels and tissues present in the nose and reduces the inflammation.
Eat Spicy Food
Eating spicy foods like curry, mustard and certain other items can also help in thinning the mucus present in the person’s nose. Food items like onion, garlic, pepper and spices thins out the mucus and makes it easier to flow out, rather than letting it get stuck inside the nose and causing more congestion.
Use a Saline Spray
Saline or saltwater spray increases the moisture in the nostrils and helps the mucus in the nasal passageway. It increases hydration and decreases the inflammation of the blood vessels which helps emptying the fluid stuck inside the nose. These sprays are extremely helpful but should only be employed as per the doctor’s recommendation as they may even cause side-effects and make the situation worse.
Neti Pot
Neti pot is a type of container that is specifically designed to clear out the sinuses and get rid of the extra mucus clogging one’s nose. These are used to drain the mucus out by putting one end of the container in one of the nostrils and tipping it back till the point that water reaches inside it, using distilled and sterile water is suggested, and letting the water come out from the other nostril. It is advised to continue doing this for a minute and then switching sides.
Warm Compress
Using a warm compress, a towel soaked in warm water and properly wrung out afterwards, can be used to unclog a stuffy nose and reduce the inflammation in the nostrils. The compress is placed on top of the nose and forehead until it turns cold, the warmth from this helps in reduction of any pain and even opens up the blocked nasal passageway from the outside.
See a Specialist
Seeking medical counsel and seeing a doctor is also widely recommended as they know what’s best to be done to relieve the individual from the discomfort. It is especially suggested to see the doctor when the symptoms haven’t subsided after ten days and have somehow gotten worse. Toddlers should be taken to the doctor sooner than that.