Does your nose feel stuffed, and you cannot catch a good breath without opening your mouth? Nasal congestion can be uncomfortable, as you experience constrained airflow due to inflammation of the nasal cavity lining. If you are having a hard time getting built–up thick mucus out of your nasal passages, a visit to an ear, nose & throat doctor Houston, TX will help. Some of the useful tips you can use to get relief include;
- Drink Plenty of Fluids
Even though hot drinks have been shown to be more effective in relieving nasal congestion, consuming lots of fluids will go a long way. Staying hydrated with plenty of water or chicken broth helps make the mucus more fluid. Even though you won’t get instant relief, downing adequate fluids keeps the nasal membranes moist and lubricated. This makes it easier for you to drain the congested sinuses.
- Try Saline Nasal Irrigation
Feed the saline solution in a nose irrigation device to loosen the thick mucus that has accumulated in your nasal cavity. Moreover, it helps clear congestion that can result from pollen, dust, or pet dander allergies. You can make your saline solution at home using warm distilled water, a pinch of baking soda, and a half teaspoon of salt. The solution also helps soothe irritated nasal passages.
- Get Steamy
Whether you are going to use a hot shower or a hot cup of tea, steaming helps thin mucus and make it fluid. You can also pour hot boiling water into a bowl and lean over the bowl while covering your head. This makes you breathe in the steam, which moistens your membranes to loosen the stuck mucus. For faster relief, do this three or four times a day.
- Warm Compresses
A warm compress over your nose and forehead helps relieve symptoms of nasal blockage. You can do this multiple times a day for faster relief. If you don’t have a compress, moisten a washcloth with warm water and repeatedly press it over your face and forehead throughout the day. This helps relieve nasal inflammation, easing out nasal pressure and discomfort.
- Use a Humidifier
Running a humidifier increases the humidity in your room. Breathing in humid air soothes the irritated sinuses by keeping them moist and allowing the mucus to flow. Some people can also bet on improved nasal relief after running warm, humidified air. It is, however, recommended that you change the water in the unit daily and ensure that it is properly cleaned. This ensures that you ward off infections and allergies that could spike up due to dirt.
A stuffy nose has a wide range of causes, from allergies and infections. As such, the triggers can be anywhere and can worsen your symptoms within a short time. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to find relief for your symptoms, including at-home remedies such as warm compresses, staying hydrated, and using a humidifier. However, if your congestion is chronic, your treatment may vary depending on the cause. Some chronic conditions may warrant mucus-thinning medications, immunotherapy, and corrective surgery.
