Extreme nasal congestion can be difficult to overcome. It can cause pain and discomfort in the sinuses and even lead to severe headaches. Many people turn to over the counter decongestants that contain harmful chemicals for relief. However, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, these treatments can worsen the congestion if used longer than three days. However, there are various home remedies that may be able to help with this painful condition.
Saline or Saltwater
Saline or saltwater can be an excellent home remedy for extreme nasal congestion. Saline can be used as a nose spray to help relieve severely congested sinuses. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, you can make your own nose drops by combining ½ cup of lukewarm water with ¼ teaspoon salt. Spraying the saline solution into the nasal canal helps to moisten and loosen dried mucous, allowing it to be blown out of the nose. In addition, using a nasal wash made with saltwater is also helpful in clearing out stubborn congestion. A nasal wash solution can be prepared by combining one cup of warm water with one tsp of salt and ½ tsp of baking soda. It can be administered by using a bulb syringe (which can be purchased from a pharmacy) to spray the solution up into the nasal canal.
Raising Your Head
One home remedy that can be helpful with treating extreme nasal congestion is to raise the head of your bed. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, congestion is worse when lying flat so raising the head of the bed helps to reduce congestion at night. Raising the head of the bed is easily done by placing blocks under the head of the bed and raising it about five or six inches. If raising the bed it too difficult, try sleeping on several pillows to raise your head up. This will help to drain the mucous out of the nose and improve the ability to breathe at night.
Steam and Eucalyptus
Using steam spiked with eucalyptus is another way to remedy issues of severe congestion. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, eucalyptus acts very similar to menthol providing decongestant relief, and can be achieved in a manner of different ways. One solution is to run a hot shower, and place a small amount of eucalyptus oil in a cup in the shower in order to allow the steam to help the scent expand. The longer you remain in the steaming shower laced with eucalyptus, the more improved your congestion will be. Another alternative to provide this treatment is by boiling water and placing it in a large bowl with eucalyptus oil and/or fresh leaves added to it. Place a large towel over the head and bend over the bowl to breathe in the vapors. You should generally notice relief in a matter of minutes.
