Nasal congestion usually occurs when you have colds, flu, allergies, and rarely, lung problems. It causes inflammation of the sinuses, narrowing of the airways, or excessive dryness of mucous secretions that block the flow of air. Sometimes nasal congestion occurs as a side effect of a fever or headache and usually goes away within a week. Nasal congestion is accompanied by a runny nose and sinus discharge. If you follow a few simple tips, you can learn how to use home remedies, change your habits, and start taking natural supplements and herbs to naturally relieve nasal congestion.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Using home remedies
Step 1. Use a humidifier
Dry air can aggravate your sinuses and make it difficult for mucus to pass from your nasal passages, which further aggravates nasal congestion. A humidifier placed in your bedroom or living room helps increase the humidity in the air, thereby preventing dehydration, helping to clear sinuses and relieve sore throat. Set the correct humidity level. The humidity in your home should be between 30 and 55%.
- In high humidity, dust mites or mold may appear; both of these factors are common causes of allergies. Mold also causes unpleasant odors and stains on the surface. With very low air humidity, dry eyes, irritation in the throat and sinuses occur. You can measure the moisture level using a special device - a hydrostat, which is sold in most specialized stores.
- Portable and stationary humidifiers need to be thoroughly cleaned. Otherwise, mold and bacteria can form in them, which subsequently spread throughout the room. If you think your respiratory symptoms are related to using a humidifier, turn it off and call your healthcare provider.
Step 2. Inhalation
The steam helps to liquefy phlegm and washes away any foreign matter trapped in your nasal passages, including plant dust and pollen. For a quick inhalation, you need to heat a pot of distilled water without bringing it to a boil. When steam begins to rise above the water, remove the pan from the heat. Cover your head with a towel, bend over the pot and breathe deeply for 5-10 minutes.
The water temperature should be around 80-85 degrees Celsius
Step 3. Apply a towel dampened with warm water
A towel applied to the forehead or neck can help relieve sinus headaches caused by inflammation and fluid buildup in the sinuses. Heat dilates blood vessels, increases blood flow and aids in oxygen and nutrient supply, which reduces pain and relieves spasms. To use this method, dip a small, clean towel in warm water for 3-5 minutes, then wring it out. Place it on your forehead or neck area and keep it on for 5 minutes. Then put the towel back in the water and put it back in the same place. Do not hold the towel for more than 20 minutes, it should be changed 4 times, unless your doctor has advised you to increase the duration of the treatment.
- You can also use a hot water bottle or a special gel pack as a warm compress. The temperature should not exceed 40-45 degrees Celsius to avoid burns. For people with sensitive skin, the temperature should not be higher than 30 degrees Celsius.
- Do not use this treatment if you have swelling or fever. In this case, you must use an ice pack.
- Do not apply a warm compress to wounds, injured areas, or stitches. You should also be careful with this method if you have diabetes or circulatory problems.
Step 4. Use a salt spray
These sprays moisturize the nasal passages well and help clear them of the formed crusts and mucus. When using the spray for the first time, apply several test sprays into the air. Before using a special spray bottle, blow your nose several times into a tissue to clear mucus from the sinuses. Remove the cap from the bottle and shake it gently. Tilt your head slightly forward and exhale slowly. Hold the spray tip to the nostril with your index and middle fingers, and your thumb at the base of the bottle. The second nostril must be clamped. Spray the liquid inside the nasal passage and take a deep breath at the same time. Repeat on the other side.
- With proper use of the spray bottle, the spray liquid should not spill out of the nasal passage or fall on the back of the throat. Try not to sneeze or blow your nose immediately after the procedure. Also try to spray liquid directly. Point the tip of the nasal spray bottle in the correct direction. If you spray the spray incorrectly, you will waste the medicine and worsen the irritation in the nasal area.
- If you use a special inhaler, flush it at least once a week. Before the procedure, gently blow your nose into a tissue to clear mucus from the nasal passages. Make sure the inhaler tip is secured well. Shake the bottle slightly before use. When using this type of spray, keep your head upright, otherwise the procedure is done in a standard manner.
- Some nasal sprays can cause mild inflammation or irritation. To avoid unpleasant symptoms, choose a spray that contains 0 to 3% sodium chloride. If you have sensitive skin, a 0.9% sodium spray, called saline, may work better for you.
- Most salt sprays can be used daily, as often as needed. If you develop nosebleeds, stop the spray for a few days. If bleeding or irritation persists, see your healthcare professional.
Step 5. Use a neti pot
Neti-pot is a special small vessel designed to clear mucus from the sinuses. Its use eliminates swelling and relieves cold symptoms within a few hours. During the nasal irrigation procedure, saline solution is poured into one nostril and then flows out of the other along with mucus secretions. Prepare a saline solution, you will need ¼ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of baking soda and 230 ml of warm distilled water warmed to 40 degrees Celsius.
- Pour 100 ml of saline into the neti-pot. Stand over the sink, tilt your head to the side, and place the tip of the neti pot at the right nostril. Pour liquid into one nostril and make sure it flows out of the other. Repeat the same procedure on the left side.
- Start with one irrigation a day if you experience nasal congestion symptoms. As soon as you feel better, use 200-400 ml of the solution 1-2 times a day, or as often as needed.
- Neti pot can be purchased at pharmacies or health food stores
Step 6. Gargle with salted water
This procedure helps to moisturize your sinuses, helps to remove mucus, and prevents post-nasal edema. It also helps relieve sore throat. Add ½ teaspoon of sea salt to a glass of distilled or sterile water and stir until dissolved. Gargle with this solution for 1-2 minutes, then spit out the water without swallowing
If salt irritates your mouth or throat, you can use regular distilled water to rinse. Repeat the procedure every few hours
Step 7. The procedure for oil rinsing of the mouth
Gargling with oil is one of the Ayurvedic remedies that helps to remove harmful microbes and bacteria from the oral cavity. Vegetable oil contains lipids that absorb toxins and remove them along with saliva. Take a tablespoon of the oil and rinse your mouth with it for one minute for best results. Then spit it out and rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water.
- If you can, try to increase the procedure time to 15-20 minutes. The longer you keep the oil in your mouth, the better. For maximum effect, rinse on an empty stomach.
- Buy organic cold-pressed oil. The most suitable are sesame and olive oils, the most popular is coconut, due to its pleasant taste and the content of natural antioxidants and vitamins, such as vitamin E. The components of the fatty acid chain of coconut oil are embedded in the membranes of viruses and bacteria and gradually destroy them. Streptococcus mutans bacteria are acid-producing bacteria and live in the mouth. They are the main cause of tooth decay, as they contribute to the destruction of tooth enamel. According to research, coconut oil is the most effective against these microorganisms.
- The oil is also a natural moisturizer and helps prevent throat and mouth dehydration.
Step 8. Clean the nasal passages properly
During a cold, it's important to clear your sinuses, but don't blow your nose too much. Because of the pressure that comes with the vigorous release of the nasal passages, the infection can spread to the ears, and in addition to a cold, you may develop ear inflammation. Try to blow your nose carefully and perform this procedure when you really need it. Experts recommend pinching one nostril with your finger and blowing your nose gently while clearing one sinus. Then repeat the same on the other side.
Wash your hands before each nasal cleansing procedure to avoid other infections caused by bacteria or viruses
Method 2 of 5: Change Your Habits
Step 1. Take a warm shower
Add warm showers to your daily routine to help clear up your nasal congestion. A warm shower or bath for 5-10 minutes helps to reduce signs of hyperemia and remove mucous discharge from the nose, as well as eliminate muscle pain. The water temperature should be 40-45 degrees Celsius. The water should not be too hot or cold, especially if you have a high temperature. Warm baths are also helpful for nasal congestion in infants and older children.
- Shower time should not exceed 5-10 minutes. For those with sensitive skin, you only need to take a warm shower once or twice a week to prevent dry skin.
- Keeping your body clean helps reduce the risk of further viral or bacterial infections.
Step 2. Keep houseplants at home
Plants are natural humidifiers. Through a process of transpiration, in which water evaporates from the surface of flowers, leaves and stems, plants maintain a natural moisture level in the room. Indoor plants also help purify the air from carbon dioxide and other pollutants, such as gasoline, formaldehyde and trichlorethylene.
The most suitable species include aloe vera, bamboo palm, ficus, aglaonema, and various varieties of philodendron and dracaena
Step 3. Stop smoking
Due to smoking, the body does not receive the necessary amount of oxygen necessary for the restoration of body cells. Smoking provokes a narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood to the limbs and brain. This bad habit is the cause of many diseases of the heart, respiratory tract and even stroke. Cigarette smoke irritates the nasal mucous membranes, leading to frequent headaches and chronic cough, also known as smokers' cough.
- Try to avoid secondhand smoke and other toxic gases, which can also cause irritation and discomfort. Talk to your doctor about the available ways to reduce or quit smoking.
- If you notice that you have a severe cough or nasal congestion at night, try sleeping on your side. This is the most comfortable position, helping to remove mucous secretions from the oral cavity and nasal passages.
Method 3 of 5: Eating Well
Step 1. Eat a Mediterranean diet
Some foods are known to trigger inflammation, while others help reduce inflammation, reduce swelling, and promote faster healing. The Mediterranean diet includes the following foods: strawberries, cherries, oranges, almonds, walnuts, spinach, cabbage, salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines, whole grains, brown rice, quinoa, millet, oats, flaxseed, olive and canola oil and so on..
If you have acid reflux, avoid eating foods high in citric acid as they irritate the stomach lining and cause nausea and sometimes vomiting
Step 2. Eat warm soup
Warm soup has an anti-inflammatory effect, induces sweating and helps to remove mucus from the nose, helps to clear the nasal passages and reduce swelling. It is best to prepare the broth yourself, as you can make the soup with a reduced salt content. To make chicken broth, pour 2-3 cups of water into a large saucepan and cook the chicken legs, removing the skin from them. Then add chopped onion, one tomato, 2-3 celery stalks, 2-3 carrots or other vegetables. You can also add herbs such as parsley or thyme. When done, strain the stock to remove the meat and vegetables. Drink the broth immediately after cooking.
- This soup should be eaten warm for maximum health benefits. The broth should be drunk 1 to 3 times a day until you feel significant improvement.
- If you are cooking in a multicooker, cover it with a lid and cook at low temperature for 6-8 hours, or at high temperature for 4 hours. If using the stove, bring the soup to a boil and then simmer for an hour.
- To cook a natural vegetable broth, use a variety of vegetables such as onions, parsnips, carrots, celery, leeks, mushrooms and tomatoes. Fry them lightly in olive or canola oil, add 2-3 glasses of water. Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce the temperature to low and cook for 90 minutes.
- You can also add lentils or brown rice. If you like spicy food, add half fresh chopped or 1 to 2 teaspoons of ground cayenne pepper to the broth.
- After you strain the broth, do not throw away the chicken and vegetables, they can also be eaten.
Step 3. Eat more pineapples
Pineapples are high in the enzyme bromelain, which is used medicinally to reduce swelling and inflammation in the nose and sinuses that can cause nasal congestion. Eat 2 pineapple wedges regularly or drink two glasses of pineapple juice to get the enzyme you need. Pineapples should not be combined with potatoes or soy products, as they contain substances that slow down the absorption of bromelain in the body.
If you are allergic to pineapple, you should stop eating pineapple to avoid worsening symptoms
Step 4. Do not eat foods that aggravate the inflammatory process
Some foods inhibit the body's recovery process, weaken its immune system, increase body weight, and also provoke inflammation. This worsens your sinuses and slows down mucus excretion. Try to reduce or eliminate the use of foods that provoke chronic inflammation. This category includes white bread, cakes, donuts, fried foods, soda and sweetened drinks, margarine, lard, veal, ham, steaks, and prepared meats such as hot dogs.
Step 5. Eat cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, a substance that has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and healing properties. It can help relieve nasal congestion and coughing, as well as lower fever. Cayenne pepper promotes increased sweating and is very beneficial for fevers, so try to consume this pepper with every meal to take full advantage of its benefits.
- People who are allergic to latex, bananas, kiwis, chestnuts, and avocados can also have an allergic reaction to cayenne pepper.
- Capsaicin is contraindicated in people with gastroesophageal reflux, low blood sugar, or on blood thinners. Cayenne pepper can cause nausea and throat irritation in young children, so should not be given to infants or older children.
Step 6. Get more vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential natural antioxidant and helps maintain a healthy immune system. People who have enough vitamin C in their bodies get colds much easier. Be sure to include foods rich in vitamin C in your diet. Known natural sources of vitamin C include sweet red and green peppers, orange, pomelo, grapefruit, lime, lemon, spinach, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, raspberries, strawberries, tomatoes, mangoes, papaya, and melon.
You can also take vitamin C as a dietary supplement. The recommended dose is 500 mg, which can be divided into two or three portions per day. Since smoking excretes vitamin C from the body, smokers should add another 35 mg of ascorbic acid per day to this rate
Step 7. Take coconut oil
For every cold, you can take one tablespoon of organic coconut oil three times daily during or between meals. According to the researchers, this oil is capable of killing bacteria, viruses and parasites and is completely safe for humans. Saturated fatty acids destroy all intruders, but at the same time are completely harmless to your body.
Method 4 of 5: Using Natural Medicines
Step 1. Eat garlic
Garlic is very rich in antioxidants that help strengthen the immune system, such as vitamin B6, vitamin C and manganese. It also has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. According to researchers, the medicinal properties of garlic are due to alliin, an enzyme that contains sulfur in its composition. It is best to eat raw garlic. Each clove weighs about a gram. You can crush the garlic along with a spoonful of honey or olive oil to make it taste less pungent.
- Add 2-4 cloves of fresh, minced garlic to your meals, or lightly sauté it over low heat. When processed at high temperatures, garlic loses its beneficial properties.
- Garlic is available in other forms as well, such as seasoning, garlic powder, or garlic salt. Garlic extract in liquid or capsule form can be added as a dietary supplement to your daily diet. Freeze-dried garlic is found in tablets and capsules.
- Eating a lot of garlic in your mouth creates an unpleasant odor and lowers blood pressure, so do not consume more than 2-4 cloves of garlic per day. Do not eat garlic before surgery or if you have a bleeding disorder. If you experience any side effects such as bloating, fatigue, loss of appetite, muscle pain, dizziness, allergies, asthmatic reactions, skin rashes, stop eating garlic immediately and see your doctor.
Step 2. Take an elderberry extract
Elderberry is widely used in the treatment of respiratory diseases, tonsillitis, cough, feverish conditions due to its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. It also strengthens the immune system. Pour 3-5 grams of elderberry with a glass of boiling water, let it brew for 10-15 minutes and drink like herbal tea. Elderberry extract can also be taken in the form of syrup, lozenges, capsules, or dietary supplements, which can be purchased at many stores and pharmacies.
- Elderberry should not be used for a long time, so use the extract as a tea or food supplement every 2-3 days. Elderberry also has anticoagulant properties and is not recommended for people with low blood pressure.
- Unripe or raw elderberries should not be eaten, as they can be poisonous.
- Before consuming elderberry berries, you should consult your doctor. They can have side effects in pregnant women, people with autoimmune diseases, and people taking diabetes medications, laxatives, chemotherapy drugs, or immunosuppressants.
Step 3. Eat mint
Peppermint contains menthol, which acts as a decongestant to thin phlegm and remove mucus. It can also help soothe sore throats and dry coughs. Peppermint is available in the form of lozenges, extracts, herbal teas, essential oils and fresh. Use fresh mint leaves as a food additive. Also try mint tea, which you can drink three times a day. One bag of dried mint is enough for one cup of hot water.
- Do not give peppermint or menthol to children under 2 years of age.
- Peppermint essential oil is intended for aromatherapy as well as for external use. Never ingest it.
Step 4. Pay attention to the eucalyptus
The active ingredient in eucalyptus is cineole, which has expectorant properties. Eucalyptus is used to treat respiratory tract infections, relieve nasal congestion and relieve coughs. You can purchase eucalyptus extract in the form of lozenges, cough syrups, and bath extract at most pharmacies. Also, eucalyptus leaf extract is added to ointments for application to the chest or nose area and to facilitate the discharge of phlegm. In addition, these treatments help prevent mucus stagnation.
- Drink eucalyptus leaf tea. To prepare it, you need to add 2-4 grams of dried leaves to a cup of hot water, let it brew for 10-15 minutes. This tea can be taken 2-3 times a day.
- Also, eucalyptus leaves are used for rinsing. It is necessary to pour 2-4 grams of dry leaves with warm water and insist for 5-10 minutes. With this broth, you can gargle the throat 3-4 times a day after meals, it reduces bad breath, increases the outflow of mucus and soothes the throat.
- Do not take eucalyptus oil by mouth, it can be poisonous. People with asthma, seizures, liver or kidney disease, or low blood pressure should consult a physician before using this oil.
Step 5. Try blue verbena extract
This plant has expectorant properties, relieves congestion and removes phlegm from the throat and bronchi. Blue verbena is available as a tea, supplement, or syrup at many grocery stores and pharmacies, and is recommended to be taken 1 to 2 times daily with meals with a glass of water.
- To make tea, pour half a teaspoon of the herb with a glass of boiling water and leave for 3-5 minutes. Strain the infusion and take it twice a day, preferably at bedtime.
- If you are taking diuretics or caffeine, you should not use blue vervain as a remedy, as it can cause dehydration. If you are pregnant, have digestive problems, or are taking other medications, talk to your doctor first.
Step 6. About using lemon balm
Lemon balm contains antiviral and anti-inflammatory tannins that strengthen the immune system. It also helps relieve nasal congestion and sinus headaches. Melissa can be purchased as a dietary supplement, cream, and herbal tea at food and herbal stores. The recommended dosage for lemon balm extract supplements is 300-500 mg taken 3 times a day. To make tea, pour ¼ lemon balm leaves with 1 cup of warm water and leave for 3-5 minutes. Strain the infusion and drink without adding sweeteners.
- Before applying to the skin, lemon balm essential oil must be diluted with a base oil such as jojoba. To do this, add 5 drops of essential oil per 50 grams of base oil. Store unused oil in a dark glass vial with a tight-fitting screw cap. Massage the forehead, back of the neck and wrist for 3-5 minutes. Essential oils cannot be used on children.
- Cream with lemon balm extract is safe for children as a topical application. To determine the recommended dosage for your child, you need to consult a pediatrician.
Method 5 of 5: Treating a stuffy nose
Step 1. Visit your PCP
In some cases of this disease, the help of a doctor may be required. If you follow a healthy lifestyle, nasal congestion and discharge usually go away within a week. If these symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, you will need to see your doctor for a diagnosis. If you have a high temperature of about 38-39 degrees, which lasts more than three days, you need to urgently see a doctor.
- If your nasal discharge is greenish and accompanied by sinus pain, fever, or cough, you most likely have a bacterial or viral infection and should see your doctor right away.
- If you have asthma or emphysema, if you are taking immunosuppressive drugs, if you have had a head injury that causes you to have bloody or clear nasal discharge, you may also need to see your doctor.
Step 2. Ask your doctor a question about medicines
Sometimes natural remedies are indispensable and you may need additional medications. You may be prescribed an antihistamine or another stronger drug if your congestion is persistent and accompanied by more severe symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe special medicines for you or recommend combining them with natural medicines.
- Allergies can present with persistent, clear discharge, accompanied by sneezing, itching, and tearing. In this case, antihistamines help.
- Always follow the directions in the drug instructions exactly. Ask your doctor about possible side effects and combinations with other medicines, herbs, dietary supplements, and foods.
Step 3. Look for signs of a nasal or pulmonary infection
A cough and sore throat that often accompanies nasal congestion can be signs of just such an infection. Other symptoms may also indicate this. You may have pressure in your forehead, temples, cheeks, nose, jaws, teeth, or the top of your head. Also, the area around the eyes or cheeks may have tenderness or swelling, difficulty breathing, pressure or tightness in the chest, causing pain, nasal congestion, loss of smell, yellowish-green nasal discharge, and a feeling of phlegm in the throat especially at night and when lying down.
- If you have a high fever or severe headache, you need to seek help immediately.
- Rare complications of chronic sinusitis can include blood clots, abscesses, meningitis, osteomyelitis, and spread of the infection to the facial bone.
- If your doctor suspects you have chronic sinusitis, nasal infection, or bronchitis, they may need confirmation with X-rays, CT, or MRI.
- If you have severe cold or flu symptoms, or have had any previous respiratory illness, see your doctor right away. Symptoms to watch out for include cough with greenish or yellow sputum, fever up to 39 degrees or more, ear or nose infection, nasal discharge, skin rashes, asthma shortness of breath, or other respiratory problems.
Step 4. Contact your ENT specialist
If your symptoms persist within 8 weeks or interfere with your daily activities, your healthcare provider may refer you to an otolaryngologist. Your ENT doctor will check your ears, throat, and nose to see what symptoms are causing a viral or bacterial infection. Also, a specialist will perform an endoscopy of the nasal cavity using a special device to determine the presence of polyps or other problems if you have a nasal infection. In addition, your doctor may offer you endoscopic sinus surgery.
You need to tell your doctor about any possible respiratory problems
Advice
- Getting a flu shot every year can help you reduce your risk of respiratory illness.
- Wash your hands to prevent infections, especially during the cold season. Always keep hand sanitizer nearby, especially when working or traveling.