Your nose can get congested due to various reasons such as viral infections or allergies. These conditions can cause inflammation of nasal blood vessels and tissues. You don’t have to spend a lot of money buying different decongestant medications when you have a stuffy nose. Here are 3 simple ways by which you can get rid of a stuffy nose.
1. Hot water
The steam generated from hot water when you shower can provide temporary relief from nasal congestion. It can also helps to thin any excess mucus, making it a lot easier to drain it out of your nose. Another way to do this is by using a warm compress. Wet a towel with water that is a little hot and press it to your face. You can also try mixing essential oils like tea tree oil and hot water in a container. Then cover your head with a cloth and inhale the steam.
2. Use a humidifier
Humidifiers are machines that can be used to increase the humidity levels in your environment. They turn water into warm steam and breathing it in can help to reduce the irritation of your tissues and also loosens any mucus for easy drainage.
3. Saline solution
In most cases, nasal congestion is caused by excess fluid buildup in the tissues that line your nose and sinuses. When this happens, these tissues swell up and make breathing difficult. Salt has a high affinity for water, therefore, a salt solution helps you to draw water out of these tissues, effectively reducing the swelling. This fluid can also thin out your mucus and remove microbes from your nasal passages. Dissolve salt in clean water and put it in your nose. You can do this by using a dropper, a nasal spray or a neti pot for application.
When you are going to bed, keep in mind to lie on your back. If you lie on your side, you can exacerbate the stuffiness on the side that you are lying on. Therefore, remember to stay hydrated. Try drinking a mixture of hot water, lemon and honey before bedtime. Also, you should see a health professional if the nasal congestion is accompanied by facial pain, a tightness in your chest region or abnormally colored mucus.
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