While rarely a sign of a more serious condition, waking up with a stuffy nose is not a fun start to your day. Knowing the cause of your stuffy nose is the first step in treating it. Take a look at a couple of common stuffy nose triggers and their treatment options for a better, easy-breathing day.
Allergies
Allergies can cause the nasal passages to become inflamed and irritated, leading to congestion. Two great ways to manage your allergy symptoms include:
- Allergen avoidance. Identifying your allergies through a skin test or blood draw will help you develop an allergy avoidance plan. For instance, if you find out you’re allergic to pet dander, you can begin to wash your pet weekly to limit allergen contact and reduce congestion symptoms.
- Decongestants. Decongestants are a common symptom management option. While they are not recommended for long-term use, they can temporarily relieve a congested nose.
- Antihistamines. Histamine is the substance released in your body that causes symptoms when you come into contact with an allergen. Antihistamines block the release of histamine and reduce the symptoms of allergies.
Sinus Infection
Sinus infections cause inflammation in your sinuses, the spaces in your forehead, cheeks and nose and can result in mild to severe congestion. Chronic sinus infections may require antibiotics, prescription decongestants and intranasal steroid sprays, but mild cases can usually be managed with home remedies such as:
- Warm tea and honey. Pick up a couple of herbal teas and local honey from the Health Food Shoppe of Fort Wayne to help thin out nasal mucus and promote drainage.
- Sinus irrigation. Using a neti pot, pour a warm saline solution through one nostril, tilting your head to the other side to allow the solution to drain out of your other nostril. Repeat with your second nostril and spit out any solution that drips down into your throat.
The Common Cold
The common cold is rarely serious but is frequently long-lasting. Most people will recover from a cold within seven to 10 days, but symptoms may persist in some cases. While a cold cannot be cured, you can manage nasal congestion and inflammation with the following:
- Warm compresses. A warm compress made out of a wet rag microwaved in 15-second intervals and placed on the sinuses will relieve pressure and promote nasal drainage.
- Steam. Create a steam room in your home by placing a towel under the bathroom door and running a hot shower without a fan.
Combining steam, warm compresses, sinus irrigation, warm honey and tea, allergen avoidance and more can help keep your morning stuffy nose from putting a damper on your day. For more information on managing your nasal or sinus concerns, contact Ear, Nose & Throat Associates today to make an appointment with one of our specialists.