sal congestion, as many
people call nasal congestion, is the result of inflammation of the blood
vessels in the sinuses.
Nasal
congestion or nasal congestion can be frustrating and often affect your daily
life.
Many
people think that nasal congestion is the result of too much mucus in the nasal
cavity. However, a blocked nose is usually the result of inflammation of the
blood vessels in the sinuses. A cold, cold, allergy or sinus infection can all
stir up these blood vessels.
Whatever
the cause of your nasal congestion, there are some easy ways to alleviate it.
Here are some things you can do now to improve your feelings and breathing.
Use a humidifier
A
humidifier can be a quick and easy way to reduce sinus pain and help relieve
nasal congestion.
The
machine converts water into moisture, slowly filling the air, and increasing
the humidity of the room.
Breathing
this moist air soothes irritated tissues as well as swollen blood vessels in
the nose and sinuses. Some claim that heated, humidified air can also help the
clogged mucus drain better. However, the comments have shown that there is
currently no evidence to support this.
If you
experience nasal congestion, placing a humidifier around your home or office
may still be beneficial to you.
Take a shower
Do you
have nasal congestion and find it much better to breathe after taking a hot
bath? There may be a good reason for this.
The
steam in the shower may help dilute the mucus in the nose and
reduce inflammation. Taking a hot bath can help your breathing return to
normal, at least for a while.
You can
achieve the same effect by inhaling steam from the hot water in the sink. That
is it:
- Turn on the hot
water in the bathroom sink.
- Once the
temperature is right, put a towel on your head and then put your head on
the sink.
- Let the steam
form and then breathe deeply.
- Be careful not
to get burned in the face by hot water or steam.
Stay hydrated
It is
important to drink plenty of water if you suspect
you have a cold or are experiencing flu symptoms.
Maintaining
optimal levels of hydration can help dilute mucus in the nasal cavity, drain
fluid from the nose and reduce sinus pressure. Less stress means less
inflammation and irritation.
If you
also feel a sore throat, a warm liquid like tea may also help relieve throat
discomfort.
Use a saltwater spray
Replenish water further with brine (a type of
brine). Using a nasal saline spray can increase the moisture in the nostrils.
Some
saline sprays also include decongestants. Consult your doctor before starting a
saline spray containing decongestants.
Empty your sinuses
It's
not the most fascinating task, but you can clean your clogged nostrils with a
nasal washer. A nose pot is a container designed to flush mucus and fluid out
of your nasal cavity.
The
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends using distilled or sterile
water instead of tap water.
Here's
how to use the snuff bottle:
- Head standing on
the sink.
- Place the nozzle
of the snout of the nasal washer in one nostril.
- Tilt the nasal
washer until water enters your nasal cavity.
- Once water flows
into your nostrils, it flows out of your other nostrils and drains into
the sink.
- Do this for
about 1 minute, then change the sides.
Use hot compresses
Warm
compresses can help relieve some of the symptoms of nasal congestion by opening
the nasal passages from the outside.
To
apply a hot compress, first, soak a towel in warm water. Next, squeeze water
out of the towel and fold it up and place it on your nose and forehead.
Warmth
can relieve any pain and help relieve inflammation in the nostrils. Repeat this
as often as needed.
Medicine
Nasal
congestion can be uncomfortable, but some other over-the-counter (OTC)
medications may unclog your nasal cavity and relieve symptoms.
When
choosing decongestants, antihistamines, or allergy medications, be sure to
consult your pharmacist. The pharmacist can also answer any questions you may
have about a particular medication.
If your
nasal congestion doesn't improve after more than 3 days of taking your
medication, or if you also have a fever, call your doctor.
Decongestants
A
decongestant medication can help reduce swelling and irritation associated with
nasal pain relief. Many decongestants can be used without a doctor's
prescription.
They
come in two forms: nasal sprays and pills. Common decongestant nasal sprays
include oxymetazoline (Afrin) and phenylephrine (Sinex). Common decongestant
pills include pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, Sudogest).
Be
careful when using decongestants. You should not take decongestants for more
than 3 days without medical supervision. After 3 days, nasal decongestants may
actually make your nose and nasal congestion worse.
Antihistamines
or allergic drugs
If your
nasal congestion is caused by an allergic reaction, you may need to take
antihistamines or allergy medications. Both drugs can reduce swelling in the
nasal cavity and help unclog the sinuses.
Combined
with drugs containing antihistamines and decongestants can relieve sinus
pressure and swelling caused by allergic reactions.
Carefully
follow the instructions for these medications. If you don't, you may make your
condition worse. You should also be aware that antihistamines may make you
drowsy. If you're not sure how antihistamines will affect you, don't take them
when you need to be active or productive.
summary
Nasal
congestion, as many people call nasal congestion, is the result of inflammation
of the blood vessels in the sinuses.
If you
experience nasal congestion, you can try a variety of home remedies. These
include hot showers, hot compresses, and a variety of over-the-counter medications.