Nasal congestion is an inconvenient and uncomfortable symptom--you can't breathe, you can't smell, and you're constantly carrying around a big box of tissues and blowing your nose every few minutes. Though it's typically caused by something simple like a cold or allergies, nasal congestion generally clears up on its own after several days. But there are things you can do to get some relief from a stuffy nose while you're waiting for your illness to clear up.
What to Do
Step 1
Hydrate yourself. Drinking plenty of fluids will help keep your body hydrated and help nasal congestion heal faster. Try sipping on a mug of hot tea, or make some broth-based soups for meals while you're healing, the U.S. National Library of Medicine suggests. Also be sure to drink lots of water.
Step 2
Try a saline nasal spray. This gentle solution (it's basically salt water) can help to flush out and dry up congestion in the nose. You can buy one over the counter or make your own salt water solution nose drops.
Step 3
Use a humidifier. More humid, moist air will help your stuffy nose to clear up, so run a humidifier or vaporizer in your home while you're sick, suggests the NLM.
Step 4
Try medications. Decongestant medications help dry up nasal congestion by reducing the size of the blood vessels that line the nose, says the NLM. Antihistamine medications can dry up the mucus that builds up in the nasal area and relieve a stuffy nose.
Step 5
Use nasal spray medications. Over-the-counter nasal sprays contain decongestants that can help to alleviate a stuffy nose. But the NLM cautions that these are not a long-term treatment, as they can make symptoms worse. Only use them for about three days.
Tips and Warnings
- Try to keep your head slightly elevated to prevent worsening congestion and post-nasal drip.
- Severe nasal congestion accompanied by other symptoms (fever, headache, colored mucus) or congestion that lasts for weeks should be seen by a doctor and not treated at home.
Things You'll Need
- Decongestant medications
- Nasal sprays
- Antihistamines
- Saline solution
- Soup
- Tea
- Water
- Humidifier
