Relieve Nasal Congestion
Nasal congestion occurs when the membranes of your nose become swollen, making it difficult to breathe. Nasal congestion can be caused by the common cold, a sinus infection, allergies or the flu. There are many simple ways to relieve nasal congestion through medications and home remedy treatments.
Instructions
1. Try over the counter medications. Look for medicines containing decongestants and antihistamines. Decongestants will reduce swelling in the nasal passages, while antihistamines will dry up excess mucus. Popular medications for nasal congestion include Claritin and Sinutab. You can also buy combination products such as Tylenol Sinus or Advil Cold and Sinus, which combine a pain reliever with a decongestant.
2. Use nasal spray for instant relief. Nasal sprays such as Afrin provide instant yet sometimes temporary relief from nasal congestion. Though they may not cure the causes of your nasal congestion, nasal sprays help you feel better. Do not use nasal spray for more than three or four days without consulting a doctor. Longer use of such sprays can cause your symptoms to worsen and some people can become addicted.
3. Boil water and salt in a small saucepan. Turn off the stove and wait until the mixture has cooled down to a lukewarm temperature. Using an eyedropper, put three or four drops of the saltwater in each nostril. Keep leaning your head back for two minutes. Repeat two to three times per day to help relieve nasal congestion.
4. Steam your sinuses. Boil water in a large pan. Add mint leaves or eucalyptus leaves while boiling. Remove the pan from the stove. While the water is still hot and steaming, hold your face directly over the pan to let the steam enter your nasal passages. You can put a towel over your head to form a tent and keep the steam in.
5. Massage your face. Massaging the sides of your nose, your forehead and other pressure points on your face will help reduce the swelling in your sinus passages and lessen nasal congestion.
Tips Warnings
Keep your head elevated while sleeping as lying down flat will worsen nasal congestion.
Consult a doctor if you nasal congestion continues for more than a week.
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