Stuffy nose is very uncomfortable. You can’t breathe properly, you can’t talk much, and it can be irritating. You may also lose your sense of taste because the reason for nasal congestion is the flu. You can know more about flu here. Allergies and colds can also cause an uncomfortable feeling in the nose.
Whatever the cause, you should be able to treat it and breathe a little better.
Fortunately, there are a lot of remedies that can reduce the inflammation of the membrane linings in your nasal passages.
This is because inflamed membranes make more mucus to remove the source of irritation, such as in the case of allergens. To make yourself feel better, here are some treatments that you can try.
Remedies for Nasal Congestion
1. Use Saline Sprays
Saline sprays consist of water and salt, and they prevent your nose from drying up. You can try to make your own saltwater rinse by mixing one teaspoon of baking soda and three teaspoons of salt. When you want to use the mixture as a spray, simply mix it with boiled distilled water.
Lean on the basin and gently squirt the saltwater in your nostrils. Close one nostril by applying pressure on it. Drain the mixture before treating the other. Remember to use only sterile and distilled water to avoid infection. If you are using a Neti pot, rinse the bulb carefully when you are using it.
2. Drink a Lot of Fluids
You need to rehydrate to help with the stuffy nose. Drink plenty of water, teas, fruits, ginger ale, or sports drinks that will keep you from dehydrating. Make sure to drink at least six glasses of water a day. When you keep your sinuses dry, the mucociliary system which traps and transports allergens and irritants also stop working. Know more about the mucociliary system in this site: onlinelibrary.wiley.com.
When you are hydrated, the sinus can become thin and more mobile. They can do their work more appropriately, and the nasal congestion will last for a shorter period. It is advised not to drink alcohol or beer while you have blocked sinuses, as these can cause increased congestion and pressure.
3. Breathe Into Steam
Steam can open the passages of your nose. You can get a vaporizer that adds moisture to the air. Vaporizers work by creating steam from heating water.
The steam is cooled down before it leaves the vaporizer and enters the body. The water from vaporizers can also be hygienic because it is boiled before it comes out.
You can create other types of steam to ease up your congestion. A hot shower can create the vapor that you are looking for. For faster results, you can boil water in a large bowl, cover your head with a cloth and breathe the steam it. When the humidity reaches the nasal passages and the lungs, it thins out the mucus linings making it easier to breathe.
4. Use Nasal Inhalers
To make your life easier, you can use Be Moxe Inhalers that will not only help with your congestion. It can also have aromas that can help you relax. Most inhalers nowadays use aromatherapy that consists of essential oil blends for a deeper sleep. The inhalers give vapors from lemongrass, lavender, grapefruit, menthol, and camphor to act as inhalants.
The cooling and decongestant effects help in reducing the inflammation on the membrane linings making it easier to breathe. You can insert one inhaler gently into your nostrils and inhale deeply. Repeat this process on the other nostril. You can use this as often as needed.
Other Things that You Can Do
- Use a humidifier that cools the air
- Take long warm baths where you can breathe the steam
- Use nasal irrigators or bulb syringes
- Place a warm wet towel on your face
- Sleep with plenty of pillows for propping yourself up
- Avoid swimming in pools for the meantime
Conclusion
If your nasal congestion is getting worse, it’s time to visit your doctor. You can get over the counter medicines or try home remedies that will ease the discomfort that you feel from blocked passages in your nose. If you have a cold, get plenty of rest and eat healthy food. Taking a remedy that’s working for you can make your life easier and cure your congestion faster.
