The stuffy nose feeling associated with head congestion typically occurs when nasal blood vessels become swollen and excess mucus is produced. Head congestion can happen as a result of an allergic reaction, or as a symptom of the flu or a cold. Environmental influences like smoke and chemicals also can produce head congestion. For older children and adults, head congestion is an annoyance that can be relieved by treating the cause and employing other measures to treat the symptoms.
Step 1
Use a humidifier in your home. Mayo Clinic doctors recommend that home humidity remain at about 30 to 50 percent to avoid side effects and other complications.
Step 2
Use a neti pot that is designed to clear the nasal cavities and relieve head congestion due to allergies, colds or sinus problems. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic report that neti pots are available at most pharmacies for under $20, and can be used with warm salt water or over-the-counter nasal saline solutions.
Step 3
Try over-the-counter saline nasal drops that are safe, nonirritating and effective. Saline can be squeezed into nostrils to clear congestion. Saline nasal drops can be used to treat head congestion in babies and young children as well.
Step 4
Reduce nasal inflammation that causes head congestion with prescription corticosteroids from your doctor. Steroid nasal sprays can reduce the symptoms of congestion, though they may take up to a week to work. Doctors at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM) recommend products such as Flonase, Nasacort and Beconase.
Step 5
Take over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription antihistamines to treat congestion due to allergies. OTC antihistamines are short-acting and are best used to treat mild and moderate congestion. Prescription brands such as Zyrtec and Allegra last longer and can be used to treat more severe cases.
Step 6
Consider taking eucalyptus oil supplements to fight bacterial infections that cause congestion. UMM researchers report that studies show that 200mg of eucalyptus oil taken three times a day can reduce mucus and clear respiratory tracts.
Tips and Warnings
- Chronic head congestion often responds well to relaxation techniques. Biofeedback has been shown to reduce muscle tension that increases during bouts of head congestion. Meditation, deep breathing and hypnotherapy have been used successfully to treat chronic head congestion.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol that can dehydrate you, and cigarette smoke that serves to aggravate head congestion.
Things You'll Need
- Humidifier
- Neti pot
- Saline nasal drops
- Steroids
- Antihistamines
- Eucalyptus oil
