Clogged nose that just isn’t getting any better? You might want to try these simple yet effective tips to clear a stuffy nose.
A clogged nose, one common symptom of allergies, flu, and common colds, have to be one of the most discomforting things ever. It can have you wide-mouth, wincing from a headache, and sometimes even itchy. In this article, I will be suggesting ways to clear a clogged nose.
1. Get the Irritant Away
Usually, a clogged nose is a symptom of an underlying allergy. Many people around the world suffer from this condition, often described as allergic rhinitis. Allergies are an autoimmune response to allergens, such as cold and dust. So, some relief is seen when you take these allergens away.
If your allergies result from being in a dusty or damp room, getting out of that room will offer you some relief. The same can be said if your stuffy nose is an allergic response to a cold. You will find relief from getting warmer.
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2. A Warm Shower
Many times, a warm shower gives relief from a stuffy nose and blocked sinuses. Hot steam or sauna baths can also help. The mechanism is simple. The heat from the water causes the inflammation in your nose to reduce, and the mucus thins out. [1.]
The same mechanism works with inhaling hot steam. Get hot water into a bucket, and inhale steam from this bucket. The heat causes the mucus to thin out. Be careful not to expose your face to steam for too long to avoid being scalded.
And be sure to regulate the heat. Inhale until you start to find some relief from the clogged nose.
3. Warm Compresses
Putting warm compresses over your face can help reduce nasal congestion by opening blocked passageways for air.
A warm compress is quite easy to make. All you need is a clean towel and warm water. Be sure that the towel is clean so you do not cause some more problems.
Soak the towel into your clean hot water for a while. Now, take it out and squeeze out the water. Put the towel over your face for a while. Repeat the procedure over and over until you start to find some relief from your stuffy nose.
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4. Over-the-Counter Medications
Over-the-counter medications can offer some relief from a stuffy nose, particularly a stuffy nose caused by allergic reactions.
You may want to consider taking antihistamines—these are a class of drugs that inhibit the action of histamine. Histamine is one of the proteins that mediate allergic reactions, and inhibiting it can cause allergies to pass.
Speak with your pharmacist, and after taking the necessary history from you, he will prescribe you an over-the-counter medication to clear your clogged nose.
Another class of drugs that may offer relief from a clogged nose is called decongestants. They come as pills or as sprays.
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5. Stay Hydrated
When you have a stuffy nose, be sure to drink a lot of water and stay hydrated.
When you are adequately hydrated, the mucus in your upper respiratory tract and nasal passages is thinned, making it easy to flow out. This makes you feel less pressure in your head.
PS: if you are having sinus headaches.
Photo by Brittany Colette on Unsplash
