What is Good for Nasal Congestion?

How do you open a blocked nose? How do I get rid of a stuffy nose fast? What is good for nasal congestion? How can I unblock my nose naturally? And similar questions are frequently asked by patients with colds and flu.

What Home Remedy for Nasal Congestion?

Fluid intake should be increased to help thin the mucus. Thus, the mucus is easily expelled and it is prevented from blocking the air passage through the nose. Removing excess mucus is important because it can fill the sinuses and cause a runny nose and other problems.

» Hot Compress

To get rid of nasal congestion, you can apply a hot towel or pressure to the nose and forehead.

» Steam Inhalation

Steam inhalation loosens the mucus so that the mucus can be easily expelled. It relieves congestion in the chest and nose. It can also help lubricate the airways. Steam inhalation can be performed twice a day. Steam inhalation can also be done with a steam bath. Precautions should be taken to avoid scalding during steam inhalation. Children under 12 years of age, pregnant women and those with high blood pressure, heart or nervous system disease are advised not to inhale steam.

» Moisturizer

You can use a vaporizer or cold air humidifier indoors to increase humidity levels, especially at night. This helps thin the mucus, making it easier for you to breathe. Hot water vaporizers should be avoided, especially around children, as hot water can burn the skin.

» Stop Smoking

Exposure to cigarette smoke has a negative effect on nasal congestion. Tobacco smoke has an irritating effect and increases inflammation of the nerves. This causes excessive mucus production, further congesting the nose.

» Saline Nasal Sprays/Drops

Products in the form of sprays or drops can be applied at regular intervals to relieve congestion. It reduces inflammation and dilutes mucus. Saline sprays can be purchased at pharmacies or made at home. These saline sprays are used three to four times a day for three days, then three days of no use. Excessive use should be avoided.

» Essential Oil Inhalation

Using essential oils as a steam inhalant or adding them to steam baths can help relieve congestion. Eucalyptus essential oil relieves nasal congestion and is beneficial in the treatment of respiratory ailments such as asthma, rhinosinusitis, and COPD. Significantly reduces cough frequency after four days. Peppermint essential oil helps relieve coughs, lower mucus levels, and is useful in the treatment of asthma, colds, flu, and bronchitis.

» Steam Massage

Steam lotions are very popular with parents as they provide relief from congestion, cough and sleep disturbances due to upper respiratory tract infections in children.

» Medicinal Plants

Ginger and Garlic can be used to relieve congestion. It is also beneficial in the treatment of colds that produce complaints such as nasal congestion, cough and sore throat.

» Some Medicines

Decongestants and antihistamines can relieve nasal congestion. Decongestants reduce swelling of nasal tissues and can also shrink blood vessels that contribute to swelling. Antihistamines can help inhibit mucus production and may reduce swelling over a longer period of time. These medications are only helpful if the rhinitis and swelling are caused by a true allergy. These are only available from the pharmacy. Also, you should not overuse them, preferably for a maximum of four to five days.

You can also look: The Difference Between Rhinitis and Sinusitis

You may also be interested in this article: What is Good for Allergic Rhinitis?

What is the best home remedy for nasal congestion in your opinion?

What is good for nasal congestion? You can also share your thoughts, experiences and suggestions in the comments section…