A stuffy nose is a common symptom of allergies, a cold or flu or a sinus infection. If you are suffering from a cold or sinus infection, symptoms can last up to two weeks. Allergy symptoms can last even longer. Home remedies provide simple and inexpensive solutions for a stuffy nose to make breathing easier. Contact a physician if your stuffy nose is accompanied by swelling of the forehead or eyes, blurred vision, throat pain or white spots on the tonsils, a cough that lasts more than 10 days, or a cough that produces green mucus.
Saline Rinse
A saline rinse or solution provides relief for your stuffy nose by softening and dissolving mucus, making breathing easier. According to the Mayo Clinic, saline solutions are a safe alternative to nasal decongestants, which can be addicting or worsen symptoms. Purchase saline solution at a pharmacy or make the solution at home by combining 1 tsp. salt with 1 cup water. Use a cotton swab or dropper to place the solution in each nostril. Wait a few minutes and then use a tissue to blow your nose. This solution is gentle enough to use in infants and children. Use a bulb syringe to suction mucus after using the solution in small children.
Humidify
Run a humidifier in your home to add moisture to the air, which may make breathing easier. The Mayo Clinic notes that dry air can cause a scratchy throat and stuffy nose as a result of dry mucous membranes. Try using a humidifier in your bedroom to make breathing easier at bedtime. To prevent mold, fungi or bacteria growth, clean the humidifier frequently and change the water on a daily basis.
Fluids
Drink extra fluids such as water, broth and juice to prevent dehydration and help loosen congestion. Hot tea, water or broth may help fight the infection while hydrating the body. Drink plenty of liquids to help replenish fluids lost during illness by mucus production. The Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding alcohol, caffeinated soda and coffee, which may worsen dehydration.
Chicken Soup
The Mayo Clinic recommends chicken soup as a remedy because it may provide relief for cold symptoms by acting as an anti-inflammatory and temporarily speeding up the flow of mucus. Speeding up the movement of mucus may provide congestion relief and limit virus contact with the nose lining. Additionally, KidsHealth.org suggests chicken soup because it contains "a mucus-thinning amino acid called cysteine" and may control neutrophils, white cells that cause congestion. Eat warm chicken soup to hydrate the body and inhale the steam to help loosen congestion.
