During the course of a day, you are subjected to many different irritants in the air, such as pet dander, dust, mold and pollen. If you have allergies or if you are suffering from a common cold, you can end up getting a stuffed-up nose. In order to unblock it, there are several steps you can take.
Step 1
Cut an onion in half and inhale the fumes. This has the same effect as menthol, irritating the nasal passages to cause a runny nose.
Step 2
Eat hot and spicy foods. According to allergist Gordon Raphael, M.D., hot and spicy foods trigger a reflex response to make your nose runny. You can get your nose to run by eating hot chili peppers. Not only will this help make your nose run, but it can also reduce irritants that are making your nose stuffed up.
Step 3
Elevate your bed. When you lie on your back for long periods, your nasal passages can get filled up with fluid and aggravate your stuffed-up nose. To prevent this from happening, raise the head end of your bed and place some wood blocks under it. You can also just elevate your head by using multiple pillows.
Step 4
Go for a walk. According to Alexander C. Chester, M.D., clinical professor of medicine at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C, exercise is a natural decongestant. Walking can promote breathing and circulation, and it can also shrink the membranes in your nasal passages.
Step 5
Take a hot shower. Taking a shower and breathing in the hot steam can help break up mucus in your nose.
Step 6
Eat chicken soup. According to the Mayo Clinic, chicken soup temporarily speeds up the movement of mucus through your nose, helping relieve congestion and limiting the time viruses are in contact with the nasal lining. You can also breathe in the steam coming off of the soup to increase the benefit.
Step 7
Watch your intake of alcohol, which can also exacerbate a stuffed-up nose. Avoid alcoholic beverages that are fermented, such as cordials, wine and beer.
Things You'll Need
- Onion
