A Stuffy Nose and How To Get Rid Of It?

Nasal Congestion

Nasal congestion is a very bothering condition that does not allow you to breathe trough your nostrils. Even though a stuffy nose is usually harmless it can be very annoying. Stuffed up nose can distract our daily routines but also prevent us sleeping peacefully. Congested nose is a very common problem during winter but especially if you have caught common cold.  Typically we suffer from this problem at least once or twice a year. Nasal congestion easily makes your head heavy and makes you feel dizzy. Thus it is good to learn how get rid of this problem effectively. Below you will find some ideas you can use.

How To Get Rid Of a Stuffy Nose?

Let’s start with things you should avoid. First if you can, stop smoking or at least reduce your intake of cigarettes. Smoking damages the lining of your sinuses and causes swelling of sinus membranes which doesn’t help you in your nasal problems. Also try to avoid alcoholic beverages, especially fermented alcoholic drinks like beer and cider, as they make the mucus you produce thicker. Milk and products containing wheat usually have the same effect; they can naturally thicken mucus and increase the production of phlegm.

It is good to include plenty of vegetables and fruits in to your diet to increase your vitamin C intake. However there are some fruits you should avoid because of the sweet substances in them that can cause you to produce phlegm and mucus. These fruits include oranges, avocados and kiwis. In general you should try to avoid carbohydrate and sugar rich foods as they tend to increase the mucus production and make your nose even stuffier.

Never try to clear your nose by blowing your nose hard. Blowing your nose hard puts a lot of pressure on your sinuses causing them to become more irritated and inflamed. Usually when you blow hard the mucus doesn’t come out at all and instead the pressure in the sinuses can damage your ear drum.

Now it is time to share some tips. One of the most tested and popular ways to get rid of stuffed up nose is inhaling steam. Bring some water to a boil, pour it in a wide container; get a towel on your head and sit down to inhale the steam for about 15-20 minutes. You can get some more benefit by adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil in the water. Another method is to place a warm wet-towel on the upper half of your face including your forehead and leaning on your back for three to five minutes. You should do this at least three times a day.

Saline irrigation is another popular and yet effective method that you should try. Unlike commercial decongestant sprays, you can use saline spray or wash your nose with salt water as many times you like. With saline spray you are not forcing your nasal passages to clear, you are just moistening the membranes and killing the bacteria with salt water. You don’t even have to go to pharmacy to buy saline solution, you can make your own solution at home by mixing 8 ounces of water with ¼ teaspoon of baking soda and ¼ tablespoon of table salt into a nose dropper or nasal spray device.

Even more effective method than saline spray is to use a Neti Pot to flush your nostrils. Neti Pot is a long spouted small pot that is very easy to use. You can buy one from any health food store or from Amazon. Even thought the practice of using Neti Pots originates from India, neti pots are nowadays widely used all over the world and they have been found to bring relief especially for those who suffer frequent sinusitis or stuffed nose. All you need to do is to prepare a saline solution into the pot and then pass it trough one nostril at a time. Even though this might sound intimidating, it really is a very simple and relieving procedure.  I myself have used a Neti Pot regularly for a long time and found it very beneficial. These days I use Neti Pot first thing in the morning and often also before going to bed. I do this even though I very seldom have stuffy nose (anymore).

Please see video below about Neti Pot and how to clear a stuffy nose by using it.

Saline wash will clear the debris and help flush out the mucus, clearing your nasal blockage. Salt water will also kill bacteria and remove irritants that are most likely causing the stuffiness.