Home Remedies To Fight Nasal Congestion

Nasal congestion is the blockage of the nasal passages, typically due to the inflammation of blood vessels in the sinuses. This makes it tough to breathe normally and many individuals say they feel they will never breathe right again when their nose is stuffed. Nasal congestion is a symptom of many conditions that affect the respiratory system. The most common conditions that result in congestion include allergies, the common cold, the flu, as well as sinus infections.

Everyone wants to stop nasal congestion. It is quite uncomfortable and annoying to deal with after all, since it is often tough to sleep with a stuffy nose. Depending on the cause, patients may be prescribed nasal congestion medication to get them breathing clearly again. Many use steroid nasal spray for a congested nose, especially for the flu, common cold, and sinus infections. Allergy medicine for a stuffy nose may also be an option.

Use A Neti Pot

Clearing clogged nasal passages is not a pleasant task, but it can be accomplished by using a device called a neti pot. A neti pot looks similar to a teapot and was designed specifically to relieve nasal congestion. It works very simply: by flushing allergens, mucus, and other irritants from the nose through nasal irrigation. Users must fill the neti pot with a solution of lukewarm water and pharmaceutical salt. After this, they should stick one end of the neti pot into a nostril and lean over the sink with their head tilted. The solution should flow through one nostril and then out the other. The process should be repeated on the other side if it is to be successful.

Studies have shown using a neti pot is effective for all causes of nasal congestion. It may be especially helpful for children with allergies. It also lessens the patient’s reliance on steroid nasal sprays, which, while effective, can have serious side effects. Neti pots are safe for individuals to use daily.

Get the details on how humidifiers help fight nasal congestion next.

Photo Credit: Dreamstime

Get A Humidifier

Dry air is a major contributor to nasal congestion, as it irritates the nasal passages. The air is usually dry in the winter, which is the major season for the flu, common cold, and sinus infections. This is because heating in homes dries out the air more. Cold air does this too. This is why adding moisture to the air is so important.

Humidifiers turn water into moisture and put that moisture into the air. This moisture makes the air a little more humid, which hydrates the nasal passages. This hydration soothes inflamed blood vessels and calms other sources of irritation. Humidifiers have also been shown to drain the nose of extra fluid by thinning mucus. When individuals are sick with a condition like the common cold, their noses are often full of thick mucus, so making it thinner helps break up congestion.

Discover a home remedy to fight nasal congestion that is similar to a humidifier next.

Photo Credit: Dreamstime
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