How To Get Rid Of A Stuffy Nose Instantly?

What are the causes of Stuffy Nose?

In order to get rid of a stuffy nose fast, you need to first identify the underlying factor that is causing it. This will help you choose the appropriate treatment option.

The most common causes of blocked nose are- cold, flu or sinus infections. If there is nasal congestion due to any of the reasons then it is more likely to get cured within a week. 

However, some nasal congestion tends to last longer than a week. Some of the other causes are described below-

• Abnormal noncancerous growths such as nasal polyps
• Allergies
• Hay fever
• Exposure to chemical
• Irritants such as dry air, pollution, alcohol, certain medicines, spicy foods
• Sinus infection– acute or chronic
• Deviated septum 
• Pregnancy (especially during the first trimester due to hormonal fluctuations and increased blood supply)

How to get rid of Stuffy Nose at home?

To relieve the sensation of having a stuffy nose, several people rely more on home remedies as these have a lower risk of side effects as well as cost-effective than medicines. 

The main way of getting relief is curbing the severity of the symptoms or duration of the cause with these home remedies. 

10 Home Remedies That Helps To Get Relief From Stuffy Nose

1. Take a hot shower

   After taking a hot shower, the steam thins out the mucus from the nose and thereby, reduces inflammation. Although temporarily, it opens up the noses that can help to breathe normally for a while.

   Instead of taking a hot shower, you can also breathe in steam from hot water in a sink. You just have to turn on the hot water and put your head over the sink with a towel over. Take in deep breaths but remember to be careful or else you can burn your face.

2. Rinse the sinuses with a neti pot and saline solution

   The most immediate thing we do when we have a stuffy nose is blowing the nose in order to get rid of the congestion. However, rinsing the nose with a neti pot and saline solution is a more effective method.

   According to Ayurveda, this rinses off the excess mucus and any other allergens in the sinuses to unclog the nose.

3. Apply warm compresses

   Warm compresses unclog a stuffy nose by opening up the nasal passages. You can make a warm compress by soaking a towel in the warm water and squeezing it. Place it over the nose and forehead that can provide comfort from the pain and relieve out the inflammation.

4. Take antihistamines

   When there is a stuffy nose due to an allergic reaction, an antihistamine is an option. Antihistamines reduce the swelling in the nasal passages and help to unclog a stuffy nose.  Sometimes these medicines can have an adverse effect on health. It is recommended to take the medicines after consulting with a doctor.

   

5. Try decongestants

   Decongestants are available in two forms- pills or nasal sprays. Some common decongestant nasal sprays such as oxymetazoline and phenylephrine. Some common pills are pseudoephedrine.

   Also Read: Medicines To Cure Sinus Infections

   However, there are some side effects to look out for. For example, increased heart rate, headache, and dry mouth.

6. Put nasal sprays

   Nasal sprays moisturize the nostrils and help you get relief from irritation. There are several over-the-counter nasal sprays available in the market. But take nasal sprays that contain decongestants after consulting with a doctor. The reason is that the overuse of decongestants can make nasal congestion worse.

   The nasal sprays increase moisture by decreasing the inflammation of the blood vessels and emptying the fluids from the nose.

7. Drink lots of water

   Continue drinking enough water when your noses are blocked. Not only water but you can take any fluid when you are sick. This simple remedy helps to thin out the mucus from the nasal passages. This eventually reduces pressure in the sinuses and thereby, reducing inflammation and irritation.

   If you don’t feel like taking water, help yourself with a warm cup of herbal tea with a spoonful of honey.

8. Humidify the air

   Inhaling dry air can lead to dryness in the nasal passages, and make the inflammation and irritation worse. Hence, breathing moist air soothes the irritated tissues and swollen blood vessels inside the nose and sinuses.

   For people staying in dry climates, they can keep a humidifier at home. This machine thins out the mucus and clears the sinuses. Eventually, you are able to breathe normally.

   

9. Give a boost to the immunity

   Vitamin C can boost up the immunity of a person. In some studies, people suffering from a cold was able to recover faster after consuming vitamin C. But the vitamin doesn’t directly treat the congestion. Hence, taking some Vitamin C can give a boost to your immunity and help you get relief from the nasal congestion faster.

10. Don’t blow your nose

    When you have a stuffy nose, it’s natural to blow out the nose quite often. This is not recommended as it puts extra pressure in the nasal cavities and pushes the mucus from the nose into the sinuses.

    Avoid blowing the nose but use a tissue to dab the runny nose.

How to get rid of stuffy nose naturally?

Apart from the above-mentioned home remedies, there is a range of alternative natural methods to relieve out the pressure from the sinuses. Some of the natural herbs and tips that can help are-

• Horseradish- This spicy vegetable helps to clear the passages.
• Facial massage- Massage the sinuses gently to get relief from some symptoms.
• Acupressure- Apply light pressure on the bridge of the nose to get rid of a stuffy nose.
• Apple cider vinegar- Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, apple cider vinegar can alleviate stuffy nose and cure nasal congestion.
• Peppermint tea- Menthol also helps to get rid of a stuffy nose.
• Essential oils- Essential oils such as menthol, tea tree or eucalyptus oil can help to get rid of a stuffy nose. 
• Revamp the nighttime routine- Put an extra pillow or two under the head to drain out the sinuses. You can also try nasal breathing strips to open the nasal passages.

How to get rid of Stuffy Nose instantly?

Symptoms of nasal congestion such as earache, fever more than 101.5 degrees F,  that last for more than a week or 10 days, require medical supervision. These indicate there is an infection, especially of a sinus infection. 

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery is an effective way of curing nasal congestion due to recurrent sinus infections. While septoplasty is the effective treatment option to cure stuffy nose due to structural abnormality. 

Both the above procedures are performed by ENT doctors in Pristyn Care. You can reach us by calling the above number today.

Also Read:

• Home Remedies To Cure Runny Nose and Sneezing
• Home Remedies To Treat Sore Throat