Whether it is due to a cold or allergies, no one enjoys the experience of nasal congestion, which is commonly known as a “stuffy nose.” When a person has a stuffy nose, this means that the blood vessels within the membranes of their nostrils have become inflamed and swollen.
Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs may be very helpful in alleviating some of your discomfort. It may be helpful to talk to the pharmacist in order to determine the best type of nasal decongestant you should use for your particular situation. Pharmacists are a great resource and, in my experience, they are usually very helpful and knowledgeable. The effect that a medication has can last anywhere from 4 to 24 hours, and some medications have unpleasant side effects such as feeling tired or dizzy. It is not usually advisable to take a cold medication and an allergy medication at the same time because they might both contain the same ingredient, or have separate ingredients that shouldn’t be mixed.
Homeopathic Suggestions
My personal favorite is to take a hot shower and creating as much steam as possible. I think the vaporizing shower tablets can be very effective in clearing your sinuses. I highly recommend them. Let the hot water hit your face, on your forehead, your cheeks, and your nose. The warmth and moisture will help open your nasal passages allowing you to breathe easier.
Along the same idea, take a hair dryer, turn it on, and point in the direction of your face. This is to simulate being in a sauna and the warm air will help to calm the inflamed blood vessels and allow you to breathe better.
Some people find it more effective to use cold temperatures to clear up nasal congestion. For example, some people recommend putting one’s head in the freezer and breathing in from the nose and out through their mouth. This is done for about 45-90 seconds and then repeated occasionally. Or, try taking an ice pack, wrapped in a thin towel, or a chilled wash cloth and let it sit over your nose. The cool temperature may decrease the swelling that is causing your nose to be stuffed up.
Inhale the steam off of a bowl of hot water. Mix in menthol or lemon for more effective treatment.
Some people have found that doing a hand stand, or leaning over the side of your bed so your head is upside (it may be easier to rest it on the floor), is helpful in unblocking one’s sinuses.
If you feel up to it, go for a run. Hopefully your body will clear your sinuses to allow your body to breathe. It will get your heart pumping and the fresh air can be really refreshing.
Making your nose run will help clear up the mucus congesting your nose. Saline nasal spray is helpful, and may reduce the congestion experiences. It may be beneficial to blow your nose afterwards. Eating spicy food usually makes our mouths salivate, our eyes water, and our nose run. So, have some hot chili or add hot sauce to whatever you’d like in an effort to unblock those nostrils by making your nose run.
References:
Hatch, Jonathan. “How to Get Rid of a Stuffy Nose.” A People’s Guide to Better Living. Web. 3 Jan. 2010. .
How to Clear a Stuffy Nose – wikiHow.” WikiHow – The How-to Manual That You Can Edit. Web. 04 Jan. 2010. .
