The home remedies for nasal congestion are quite easy to remember. Just in case you’ve forgotten any, this blog will help you remember – and learn more.
A Stuffed nose is uncomfortable. The discomfort can cause unrest to your routines and mess up your plans. Nasal congestion usually occurs when there is a buildup of trapped fluid in the sinuses. Simple home remedies can help you alleviate this painful condition.
Usually, a virus or cold – sometimes bacteria – is the cause of nasal congestion. Some persons also have nasal congestion as a result of an allergy attack. Pregnancy and atrophic rhinitis are conditions that can cause nasal congestion.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nasal congestion usually presents with a runny or blocked nose, sore throat, headaches, coughing and tiredness – all of which may get you annoyed and stressed.
There are many home remedies that you can use in treating nasal congestion. Here are 9 of those simple remedies.
Staying hydrated
The mucous membrane in the sinuses and upper respiratory tract can become inflamed during an event of nasal congestion. Drinking plenty of water and fluids can help reduce this inflammation, keeping the mucous thin and thereby relieving the symptoms of nasal congestion.
The cilla – brushes with swinging tails – in the upper respiratory tract cannot efficiently remove thick mucus. This makes breathing more difficult. Staying hydrated helps you get those tails moving.
Use a Humidifier
When suffering from nasal congestion, you have to get moisture one way or the other into your nasal cavity. Using a humidifier helps you get moisture in the air you are breathing. The sinuses will not be as clear as they should if the air is dry.
Most humidifiers create mist from cold water, gently releasing it into the air.
Steam bath
Inhaling steam is a quick fix to thinning mucus in the sinuses. All you need is a bowl and a large towel. You could use a vaporizer or take a hot bath. Whichever method you decide, make sure you inhale enough steam to open up your mucous membrane.
Heat application is a known method of relieving congestion and reducing sinus lining inflammation. It is also a proven way to get you to breathe easily and deeply – this is the main goal in treating nasal congestion.
Warm compresses
Positioning correctly while reclining with a warm compress over your head is also one of the home remedies for nasal congestion.
Warm compresses work with the same principle as a steam bath or a vaporizer. To correctly use this method well, you can alternate between warm and cold compresses. Cold compresses help you reduce pain and inflammation of the sinuses.
As much as you can, relax and avoid blowing your nose. Blowing your nose will increase the pressure in your nasal cavity and may cause more clogging.
Saline sprays
Using a saltwater nose spray is a step in taking your hydration higher.
The spray helps thin the mucus in your sinuses. It also reduces inflammation and improves draining in the sinuses.
Avoid using saltwater sprays for longer than three days. This is because a lot of saltwater sprays contain decongestants, which may trigger a rebound if used for more than three days. Contact your physician to be sure your saline spray is suitable for you.
Use a Neti pot
It’s not the most convenient thing to do and is absolutely uncomfortable. But you can drain your nose with a neti pot.
Neti pots, among other designs – which could be bulb syringes or squeeze bottles – are usually used together with saline sprays and other decongestants. They are used for draining mucus and excess fluid from the nasal cavity. It is not considered safe to use tap water for nasal irrigation, because tap water contains microorganisms. Distilled and previously boiled water is a preferred choice.
It is essential to know the proper use and handling of neti pots, before choosing it as an option of managing nasal congestion. Unhygienic usage of neti pots, without proper cleaning and sanitization, pose the risk of infection.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is known for its effectiveness in treating clogged sinuses. It has soothing effects, especially with a cold and cough.
Drops of eucalyptus oil can be added to vaporizer or humidifier to boost its effects in treating nasal congestion. Essential oils from eucalyptus, rosemary essential oil, geranium oil, cinnamon oil, and peppermint essential oil show antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and analgesic properties. All of these will aid the relief of nasal congestion symptoms.
Decongestants and OTC medications
Decongestants are simple easy-to-get OTC drugs that are used for relieving congestion in the upper respiratory tract. They usually provide short-term relief and can ease symptoms of nasal congestion.
There are different brands of decongestants that you can use.
Before deciding to stock up a particular brand in your medicine cabinet, be sure it is suited for you. There are brands of decongestants that react with blood pressure medications, and some can worsen your congestion when used with a specific diet plan.
Check with your physician before stocking up on nasal decongestants – your doctor still knows best!
Rest and eat well
When you are sick, sleeping should be a crucial aspect of your management plan.
Sleeping can be tough and uncomfortable when you have nasal congestion, but it is still vital. Getting adequate rest gives your immune system a chance at fighting against the infection.
Positioning is very crucial when resting. Ensure you are lying on your back and not your sides to allow mucus to drain out while sleeping. You can aid this position by propping up on pillows – relief is possible!
As much as it is important to rest well, it is equally important to eat the right foods too. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Herbal teas, chicken soup, warm milk with turmeric, yogurt, banana – are all examples of food you should eat when managing nasal congestion.
Find relief
When next you have a blocked and runny nose, you should give these home remedies for nasal congestion a try! A blocked and runny nose can be uncomfortable and disturbing. These easy hacks will help you recover quickly and get back to your daily activities.
