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HomeArticlesCommunityMy Profile WH.translationData = {'de': {'msg':"Lies auch unseren deutschen Artikel: Wie man eine verstopfte Nase schnell frei bekommt."},'es': {'msg':"\u00bfTe gustar\u00eda saber Como curar r\u00e1pidamente una nariz tapada? \u00a1Lee acerca de eso en espa\u00f1ol!"},'it': {'msg':"Ti piacerebbe sapere Come Curare Velocemente il Naso Chiuso? Leggi come farlo, in italiano!"},'pt': {'msg':"Gostaria de aprender Como Se livrar Rapidamente de uma Congest\u00e3o Nasal? Leia sobre o assunto em portugu\u00eas!"},'fr': {'msg':"Voudriez-vous apprendre Comment traiter rapidement un nez bouch\u00e9? D\u00e9couvrez comment le faire en le lisant en fran\u00e7ais!"}};WH.mergeLang({'navlist_collapse': '- collapse','navlist_expand': '+ expand'});EditHome » Categories » Health » Conditions and Treatments » Respiratory Health » Nasal and Sinus CareHow to Get Rid of a Stuffy Nose QuicklyEdited by Blizzerand, Carolyn Barratt, Katy Linsao, BR and 105 othersPin ItArticle EditDiscussAre you tired of this stuffy nose bothering you? Is it getting in the way of daily activities, making you feel slightly less than human? Sinus congestion can happen for any number of reasons. In this article, we'll explain the four basic ways the nasal passage gets clogged, and then offer some quick, easy tips on how to remedy your chronic or temporary congestion. Doctors have described four main culprits in nasal congestion: infection, structural abnormalities, allergies, and vasomotor rhinitis. StepsPart One: Treatments1Make your own nasal spray. Add one teaspoon of salt to one cup of warm water, mixing thoroughly. Deposit the salt water into one nostril using a dropper while your head is tilted back slightly. Let salt water rest for 10 seconds, and then gently discharge water and mucus out of nostril. Repeat on the other nostril.
2Try nasal irrigation. For some, nasal irrigation may bring quick relief of stuffy nose without the use of medications. Try using a neti pot; it looks more daunting to use than it actually is. The neti pot works by thinning out mucus and flushing it out of the nasal passage.
All neti pots come with their own set of instructions that should be followed. Typically, however, one first prepares an irrigating solution made up of 16 ounces lukewarm (and sterile) water, along with 1 teaspoon of salt. Fill your neti pot with the saline solution.Tilt your head at a 45 degree angle and bring the tip of the neti pot to your top nostril. The saline solution will go into one nostril, travel through your nasal cavity, and come out of the other nostril. If the solution drips into your mouth, just spit it out. Blow your nose and repeat the process on the other side.How often should you irrigate with a neti pot? People suffering from severe sinus problems or allergies found relief irrigating daily.[1] Once symptoms get better, the recommended usage is three times per week.3Hold your breath while pinching your nose. Then walk around the room (20-30 steps) or nod your head gently up and down, still holding your breath and pinching your nose. Do this for as long as you can last. Breathe out of your nose when you need oxygen. Repeat the process 2 to 3 times.
Repeat the exercise of pinching your nose and holding your breath whilst walking around about once or twice every hour.4Use humidifiers (or make your own). Humidifiers help put moisture into the air. There are many types of humidifiers — vaporizers, impellers, ultrasonics — but they all work to get more moisture in the air. When the air in your vicinity is too dry, the mucus in your nose isn't flushed properly, making drainage harder.[2] This is where humidifiers come in.
Warm- or cool-air humidifiers? If your child is suffering from stuffy nose, or you're cost-conscious, cool-air humidifiers are probably your best bet. Cool-air humidifiers are safer and more cost-effective than warm-air alternatives.[3]If you don't have, or don't want to buy, a humidifier, you can always make your own with common household items. Bring a bit of water to boil, place the pot on a heat-safe trivet, and let it rest in a room you'll be in. The warm steam will increase the moisture content in the room.Don't overuse the humidifier. Humidifiers can be effective — up to a point. If the room you're in is hovering in a near-jungle or sauna state, you may be doing more harm than good. Too much moisture can potentially cause respiratory problems as it relieves congestion problems.[4]5Use other types of steam to clear up congestion. Hop into the shower for about 10 to 15 minutes, using the warmest water you can stand. Breathe in and out deeply, filling your lungs and nasal passages with steam.
Use a steam treatment by resting your head over a steaming pot of water. Make sure that the water won't scald you. Add a little bit of chamomile tea to the water, and drape a towel over your head to capture more of the steam.6To blow, or not to blow? That is the question. People with colds have argued about the effectiveness of blowing your nose for some time, seemingly teetering back and forth. Does it get rid of mucus or just make the congestion worse? What does science have to say about the claim?
One University of Virginia study examined the problem by dripping a dye into congested subjects' nasal passages and asking them to blow their noses, all while giving them a CT scan. Scientists found that blowing your nose causes significant sinus pressure, shooting mucus back into the sinus every single time.[5] It might feel good, but blowing your nose the traditional way evidently makes things worse.Scientists recommend blowing one nostril at a time, coupled with prescribed doses of decongestants.[5] Which brings us to the next tip.7Use nasal decongestants for colds and allergies. Decongestants can be purchased OTC. Their active ingredients usually consist of either pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine.
Decongestant sprays, such as naphazoline (Privine), oxymetazoline (Afrin, Dristan, Duramist), or phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine, Sinex, Rhinall), are administered through the nose.[6] Do not take a decongestant spray for more than three days, however, as it may worsen symptoms and spiral into more congestion — a condition called rhinitis medicamentosa.[7]Decongestants can also be taken in pill form, such as phenylephrine (Lusonal, Sudafed PE, Sudogest PE) and pseudoephedrine ( Sudafed, Sudogest).[6]8Use antihistamines for allergies. If you think your stuffy nose is the result of an allergic reaction (where your body produces histamines in an effort to fight the foreign body), take antihistamines. Look for an antihistamine that also has decongestants in it.
9Use acupressure by massaging your sinuses. Although this is a little old-fashioned, it works like a charm for some people. If you're weary of over-medicating, or you just want to try something different, take a few minutes to put pressure on your face where it's likely to produce results.
Take both index fingers and place them on either side of the eye cavity, just above the nose but just below the brow. In outward circles, start massaging the sinuses around your nose with your fingers. Do this for 20 to 30 seconds.Take both index fingers and place them on the outside of your eyes, right below them. Again, using outward circles, massage the sinuses around your eyes using your fingers. Do this for 20 to 30 seconds.Finally, take your thumbs and place them on either cheek bone. Massage your cheekbone in outward circles using your thumbs. Do this for 20 to 30 seconds. Repeat the massage again, or until your sinuses are adequately relieved.10Stay upright and prop your head up when you sleep. Congestion caused by vasomotor rhinitis can shift to one part of the nasal passage when you lie down on your side, worsening the stuffiness.[8] Prop your head up a couple pillows if you're lying down and try to sleep on your back, if possible.
11If you want to stay on the safe side, avoid dairy. It may only be a myth, but doctors are probing the possibility that certain people experience more congestion when they drink milk. Doctors hypothesize that the beta-CM-7 protein in milk may produce phlegm, especially in people with a history of lung conditions.[9] For now, the data is still speculative. If you want to play it safe, avoid milk and other dairy.
12Eat spicy foods. Spicy foods, such as peppers, horseradish (wasabi), and ginger may temporarily relieve stuffy nose. There is a possibility that when the spiciness of the food wears off, the congestion could be even worse than before. If you want the real deal, try a decongestant. If decongestants aren't available, try spicy food (gingerly).
Part Two: Causes1Understand the way in which nasal congestion is caused by infection. People normally get congested when exposed to the common cold, which adults experience 2 to 4 times per year, and which children experience slightly more because of less developed immunities.[8][10] When the body is fighting the cold, it releases histamines, which increase blood flow to the nose and cause nasal tissues to swell.[8] This is primarily why people suffering from the cold experience stuffy nose.
After a cold, people are especially susceptible to bacteria that breed in the nasal passage. If the mucus in the nose has turned from clear to yellow or green, a bacterial infection has most likely set in, and medical attention should be sought.[8]Acute sinus infections happen less frequently, but are still bothersome and taxing. Discharge coming from the nose, as well as stuffiness and pain in the forehead, neck, and eye area, are common symptoms.[11]Sinusitis that lasts longer than 12 weeks is considered "chronic."[11] People experience many of the above symptoms, along with chronic coughs, bronchitis, or asthma.[8] Whereas acute sinusitis usually responds to antibiotics, chronic sinusitis may require surgery.2Understand what happens when nasal congestion is caused by structural abnormalities. Deformities or obstructions of the nose or septum are relatively common throughout the world, occurring frequently during childbirth but also as a result of injury.[12][8] These deformities of the nose and septum can also cause stuffy nose.
The adenoids, the lymph tissue between the back of your throat and nose, may become enlarged in children and cause congestion and breathing problems.[13] Although adenoids typically get smaller as the child ages, surgery — similar to a tonsillectomy — may be required to prevent chronic congestion.3Understand how nasal congestion caused by allergies can impact you. Allergies are a natural inflammatory response to a foreign object — usually dust, pollen, hair, mold, etc. — being caught in the eyes, mouth, ears or nose.[14] The body releases histamines, which clog nasal passages and cause swelling.
Numerous over the counter (OTC) antihistamines are available for allergic reactions that cause stuffy nose. Combination antihistamines and decongestants are also available.For people with severe allergies, physicians may also recommend getting allergy shots. These allergy shots contain antibodies which block the body's allergic response.[8] Shots are typically effective for a period of 3 to 5 years.4Understand the effects of nasal congestion caused by vasomotor rhinitis. Vasomotor rhinitis is a fancy name for inflammation of the blood vessels of the nose. Although the exact cause is often unknown, certain triggers, such as stress, thyroid malfunction, perfumes and tobacco smoke, as well as overuse of nasal decongestants, can cause the blood vessels in the nose to expand, producing vasomotor rhinitis.[15][8]
Although short-term vasomotor rhinitis is usually correctable, long-term vasomotor rhinitis can decrease the ability of the blood vessels in the nose to contract, leading to chronic stuffy nose and congestion.VideoTipsUse warmth. For example:Take a hot shower before you go to bed.Put a warm towel on your nose.Try taking lukewarm baths at least every other day to clear sinuses.Apply a hot facecloth over your whole face. This will loosen the mucus and help you to blow it all out easier.Take a hot shower then rub Vicks all over your nose.Use elevation. For example:Sleep with your head slightly elevated; this may help to release mucus.Elevate your head, keep a warm towel on nose for 5-10 minutes. Repeat if necessary.Sleep on the side that your nose is blocked.Make sure to drink lots of fluids, especially water or juice.Use pressure. For example:Massaging the nostrils. Your mucus will drip from the nostrils.Put pressure on the sides of your nose and under your eyes.Apply mild pressure for 10 seconds on each lower side of the nose.Some people find it helps to roll up a piece of tissue and dampen it in a salty water solution (or just water) and place the roll into the affected nostril.If home remedies do not work, try over the counter medication. If your nose is stuffy for at least a week, you may want to see a doctor because you could have an infection in your nose.Apply some Vicks just below your nose and above your upper lip. After a few minutes you might feel better. Don't place it up your nostrils though.Related wikiHowsHow to Clear a Stuffy NoseHow to Make Yourself SneezeHow to Release Sinus PressureHow to Get Rid of Sinus Congestion
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