A stuffy nose or nasal congestion can cause a lot of discomfort and affect your day-to-day activities. It is normally misunderstood that a stuffy nose is the result of excess mucus that blocks the nasal passage. The cause of nasal congestion, on the other hand, is an outside agent, such as dust, an allergen, or a virus, to which the body reacts and triggers an immune response, resulting in swollen blood vessels in the sinuses. The blood vessels can be inflamed due to the flu, sinus, cold, or an allergy.
Ways to Get Rid of Stuffy Nose
There are several straightforward home remedies for a blocked nose, regardless of the cause. Listed below are some of the most effective remedies:
1. A humidifier May help
Place a humidifier around your house. The humidifier increases the humidity in the air by converting water into moisture that fills the air. Breathing this moist air gives a soothing effect on the inflamed blood vessels and the irritated tissues in your nose and sinuses. It also helps in draining the congested mucus to relieve you of the nose block.
2. Inhale Steam
This is a simple blocked nose remedy that is tried and tested. For ages, this remedy has been recommended as it was found effective. The moist air helps in opening the nasal passage when you have a cold or sinus infection.
An electric steam inhaler is a good option because it provides a steady stream of steam. The alternative method is to sit over a bowl of regular, freshly boiled water, cover your head with a towel, and breathe in the steam. It is recommended to do the steam inhalation twice a day for 10 to 15 minutes for fast relief. Inhaling steam just before bedtime is particularly soothing for some people.
If you are using a basin with water for inhaling steam, then you will have to do the refills of just-boiled water a couple of times as the water gets cold and the steam is interrupted. Take ample care while handling the steam coming out of the just-boiled water, as it can be scorching.
3. Use Neti Pots
Neti pots are containers curated to wash out the mucus and debris from the nasal cavity. You can use these neti pots to apply saline or salt water for relief from nasal congestion. They will help clear out and moisten the nostrils. But there are certain precautions to be taken if you are using this method as a blocked nose remedy to reduce the risk of infection, which may worsen the issue.
- Use only distilled, sterilized, or boiled and cooled water.
- Instructions mentioned on the device should be followed carefully.
- Clean the device thoroughly and wipe it dry when it is not in use.
- Hands should be washed properly and dried before using the device.
- The neti pot should not be used by children or people with compromised immune systems without first consulting a doctor.
4. Use Saline Spray
Saline spray cleanses the nasal passage and decreases tissue inflammation in the nose to clear the blocked nose. Nasal irrigation with saline solution has a great impact on the stuffy nose. The saline solution used for nasal irrigation contains sodium chloride that is effective in flushing out dry mucus and irritants like dust, pollen, bacteria, and other pollutants from the nasal cavity. The nasal irrigation process is very beneficial for persons suffering from stuffy noses due to chronic sinusitis. A saline spray can be an effective treatment if you have a constant blocked nose but no cold.
Pregnant women can use saline spray without any hesitation as it does not contain any medication and is safe to use. A saline spray can be procured online or over the counter. You can also prepare the saline solution at home but should use only distilled or sterilized water. Tap water is not recommended as it contains bacteria.
5. Take a Shower
Similar results to breathing in steam can be obtained from a hot shower. The steam from the hot shower will give your relief from a nose block at least for a while. You can even try inhaling steam from the hot water tap in your bathroom sink. Turn on the hot water tap in the sink and when the temperature is right for you, cover your head with a towel, put your head over the sink, allow the steam to collect, and inhale the steam by taking deep breaths. It will help clear your nasal passage and ease your breathing. Take care not to burn your nose or face with steam.
6. Apply a Warm Compress
A warm compress can be made by soaking a clean towel in warm water and squeezing out the extra water. Dab this warm compress on your nose and face. The nasal passage will be clear and you will be able to breathe comfortably.
7. Inhale Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is extracted from eucalyptus leaves. This has been used as a medicine for ages due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also known to relieve pain and induce sleep. You can add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the water while inhaling steam. If you are using a diffuser to inhale steam, then you will have to follow the instructions on the diffuser. Eucalyptus oil is very beneficial in clearing the nasal cavity and enabling comfortable breathing.
You can also use rubs containing methyl or eucalyptus to get relief from a stuffy nose. Applying eucalyptus oil directly to the skin can cause irritation or a burning sensation. It is recommended to do a patch test before using any new essential oil and continue usage if there are no side effects.
8. Use an Antihistamine
Antihistamine is a substance found in medications prescribed for allergic reactions that cause a nose block. Studies have shown that adults with symptoms of a cold found this an effective blocked nose remedy on the first two days of usage, but further usage did not seem to ease the nasal congestion. Do consult a healthcare provider before using an antihistamine.
7. Decongestants May Help
Swelling of the nasal blood vessels due to an allergic reaction or a common cold is the reason for nasal congestion. Reducing the inflammation of the blood vessels gives respite from a stuffy nose to a large extent. Decongestants exactly do the same. They constrict the small blood vessels, which decreases swelling in the nose lining and reduces congestion. You might have to use multiple doses to get the required result.
Using decongestants for more than a week may worsen congestion. Although there is a lot of relief, this blocked nose remedy has some undesirable side effects, including an elevated heart rate, dry mouth, and headaches. Decongestants in a nasal spray can cause sneezing and a burning sensation in the nose.
People with high blood pressure, hypertension, glaucoma, or any other medical condition should not use decongestants. Pregnant women and children under 6 years of age should not be administered nasal decongestants.
10. Stay Hydrated
Some people find relief from a stuffy nose by drinking plenty of water. But sufficient evidence was not available to vouch for this blocked nose remedy. However warm infusions and lemon drinks did have some soothing effects according to studies.
Other Home Remedies for Blocked Nose
You can also try some of these home remedies for blocked nose:
- A glass of water with apple cider vinegar
- Eating spicy vegetables like radish
- Massage the sinuses gently with your fingers
- Boil two to three cloves of garlic in water and drink the concoction twice daily
- Drink ginger or peppermint tea
- Keep the head elevated by using an extra pillow
Conclusion
A stuffy nose may result from the swelling of the nasal blood vessels brought on by an allergic reaction, the flu, or a cold. If you are having any symptoms of nasal congestion, there are several home remedies for a blocked nose, like using a humidifier, taking a shower, inhaling steam, using decongestants or antihistamines, using warm compressors, or any over-the-counter medications.
The remedies may seem simple and doable, but you should also exercise caution while trying these remedies. For instance, when you are inhaling steam, you should ensure that the steam does not burn your nose and face. Decongestants may cause reactions like dry mouth, headaches, and an increase in heart rate.
People with medical conditions like high blood pressure, hypertension, glaucoma, etc. should use decongestants in consultation with a physician. Decongestants are not recommended for pregnant women and children under 6. If these precautions are considered and the remedies used suitably, can soothe nasal congestion to a large extent.
