Although a stuffy nose is generally not harmful, the condition is uncomfortable and sends many people searching for quick relief. People can ease the discomfort of nasal congestion through home remedies and over-the-counter medications, but should always talk to a doctor if they have any concerns about what is causing their stuffy nose.
Decongestant and Antihistamine Medications
Decongestants and antihistamines are widely available over the counter and by prescription. Decongestants work by shrinking the blood vessels in the lining of the nose to relieve stuffiness. Antihistamines work by reducing the amount of mucus production, and are useful for both congestion and runny noses.
Decongestants and antihistamines may cause unpleasant side effects. People should always read the package information carefully to determine whether the benefit outweighs the risks of the side effects and should talk to a doctor if they have any concerns. The American Academy of Otolaryngology states that people with irregular heart rhythms, high blood pressure, heart disease or glaucoma should avoid using decongestants. In addition, Medline Plus, a publication of the National Institutes of Health, states that people should not use decongestants for more than three days at a time as this can make the congestion worse.
Combination Cold Medications
Many over-the-counter cold medications used to treat a stuffy nose contain a combination of multiple medications. People with multiple symptoms may benefit from these combination medications, as each medication may serve to ease one particular symptom. The American Academy of Otolaryngology also suggests that certain side effects lessen when people take both medications at the same time in a combination pill. For example, the stimulation of decongestants and the drowsiness of antihistamines may cancel each other out when people take both medications at the same time. However, every person reacts differently to medication, so people may need to adopt a trial-and-error approach to determine which type of medication will cause the least troublesome side effects. People should also only take medications for their specific symptoms and not take medications designed to relieve symptoms they do not have.
Saline Nose Drops
Using saline nose drops relieves the congestion of a stuffy nose. People can buy saline nose drops at most drugstores or supermarkets or can make their own at home. To do so, place 1/4 tsp. of salt into 1/2 cup of lukewarm water. Use an eyedropper to put this solution inside the nostrils. This loosens the mucus of the nose and lessens congestion.
Keep Upright
Lying down causes congestion to become worse, so stay upright as often as possible. At night, keep the head propped up with multiple pillows.
Drink Extra Fluids
People usually should drink about eight cups of fluids a day, but those with stuffy noses should increase this amount if possible. The types of fluids people drink are also important. Hot tea, chicken soup broth and water may be especially helpful, according to Medline Plus, but drinks that are sugary, caffeinated or contain alcohol can dehydrate the body and do more harm than good.
Humidifiers
Humidifiers add moisture to the air to ease congestion. Although warm-mist humidifiers are as effective, cold-mist humidifiers prevent people from accidentally burning themselves and do not require the extra expense of paying for the heating element, according to Dr. Jay L. Hoecker, contributor to the Mayo Clinic website. People who do not have humidifiers can create the same atmosphere by sitting in their bathrooms while running a steaming hot shower.
