While not serious, nasal congestion or a stuffy nose can be annoying to deal with and interfere with your day-to-day activities. Let’s look at a few of the best ways to manage your symptoms and get you feeling well again.
Six Ways To Relieve Nasal Congestion
- Shower. Steam from a hot shower can help to both thin the mucus in your nose as well as reduce inflammation, making it easier to breathe.
- Purchase a humidifier. Dry air does nothing to help a stuffy nose. A humidifier can help add moisture to your room which can help to soothe your irritated nose and sinuses.
- Use a saline spray. Nasal saline sprays increase the moisture in your nostrils, helping to relieve discomfort. Some also contain decongestants to help relieve nasal congestion.
- Stay hydrated. This is especially important if you think your stuffy nose is caused by a virus like a cold or flu. Staying hydrated can thin mucus and help push fluids out of your nose, relieving sinus pressure. Hot tea may be an ideal choice if you’re also dealing with a sore throat or cough.
- Use a warm compress. Soak a towel in warm water, then squeeze it to remove access moisture and place the towel over your nose and forehead. This can be very comforting and help to relieve pain and inflammation in the nostrils.
- Take OTC decongestants. Most Fort Wayne drugstores, like The Medicine Chest Pharmacy, carry a variety of decongestants that can reduce swelling and ease pain. In addition to nasal sprays mentioned earlier, they can also be found in pill form. While these are effective medications, it’s important to talk to your doctor before taking them as they may not be safe if you have a heart condition. You also only want to use decongestants short-term, as longer-term use may actually worsen your symptoms.
Should You See a Doctor?
Many common causes of a stuffy nose don’t require a doctor’s visit. For example, there are no treatments that fight cold viruses directly. However, you can find relief from the methods mentioned above.
However, if you have lingering symptoms lasting weeks or even months, this could be a sign that your stuffy nose is due to allergies or chronic sinusitis. In that case, a visit with your doctor may be necessary to identify the cause of your symptoms and find the best treatment option.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Ear, Nose & Throat Associates today.