Nasal congestion (commonly called stuffy nose) is caused by inflammation of the respiratory mucous membranes due to a cold, flu, or allergy. It is characterized by the accumulation of mucus, produced to protect the body from infections and diseases. It can be very uncomfortable and make breathing difficult. Fortunately, it is possible to relieve it by using some home remedies. However, you should see your doctor if it is accompanied by other signs of infection, including discharge and fever. in the event that these symptoms occur in a newborn, you should warn the pediatrician.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Get Instant Relief
Step 1. Take a warm shower to loosen the mucus
The vapor helps to make nasal secretions less dense, thus favoring breathing. For a quick effect, close the bathroom door, step into the shower and let the steam do the rest. Hopefully, you'll feel better in no time.
- Alternatively, close the door and leave the tub faucet open by sitting on the edge.
- A cold humidifier can also help decongest your nose, so keep it on overnight. Make sure you clean it every week.
Step 2. Use a nasal spray or neti pot if you prefer a natural solution
Nasal sprays based on saline solutions are made with salt water packaged in a practical applicator, so everyone can use them, even pregnant women. The action of water expels mucus and relieves inflammation.
- Follow the instructions on the package. Generally, a couple of applications or drops every 2-3 hours are enough.
- Alternatively, use the neti lota to irrigate the sinuses. However, remember not to use tap water to make the saline solution as it may contain bacteria or germs and cause dangerous infections. Also, remember to keep this tool clean by washing it after each use.
Step 3. Use the nasal patches to widen the nostrils at night
These are thin white strips that, applied on the nose bridge, widen the nostrils just enough to facilitate breathing. Buy a pack and apply a patch to see if it helps you sleep better by relieving congestion.
They are often sold under the name of anti-snoring nasal dilators and can be found in pharmacies
Step 4. Use a warm compress to combat congestion
The heat helps to reduce congestion by clearing the sinuses. Wet a cloth with warm water, lie down and place it on your nose to cover your sinuses, leaving your nostrils free. Alternatively, put it on your forehead. Moisten it again when it starts to cool.
You will likely have to repeat this several times before you feel any benefit, so be patient. Use the compress while doing something relaxing, like listening to music or watching TV
Step 5. Take a decongestant or antihistamine, if prescribed by your doctor
Depending on the cause of the congestion, you may find some relief by taking an over-the-counter medication. If you need to treat a child who is between 4 and 12 years old, ask your pediatrician if you can give him an age-appropriate decongestant or antihistamine. Always consult your doctor before taking any type of medication and ask him what he tells you for your symptoms.
- If you have a cold, a decongestant can relieve swelling and inflammation in the nasal passages, allowing you to breathe better. You can take it orally, in tablet or liquid form, or you can use a nasal spray. Remember that the use of the nasal spray for more than 3 consecutive days is not recommended due to the risk of "rebound congestion", while decongestants for oral use can be taken for up to 5-7 days.
- If you have allergies, such as hay fever, take an antihistamine (for example, Clarityn, Zyrtec, or Fexallegra, or the equivalent generic drug). It will help relieve congestion and other symptoms, such as sneezing. Be aware that some antihistamines can make you sleepy, so until you are sure of the effect on your body, opt for one that does not cause similar side effects, especially if you have to take it during the day and plan to drive or operate heavy machinery.
- Fluticasone propionate and triamcinolone acetonide are two corticosteroids contained in some sprays used for nasal congestion caused by allergies. Corticosteroids are active ingredients that help reduce inflammation.
Part 2 of 4: Changing Your Habits
Step 1. Gently blow your nose
If you just have a stuffy (but not runny) nose or mucus doesn't come out easily when you blow, don't force yourself. The natural urge would be to blow harder until the mucus is expelled, but it is best avoided. Do this only when your nose is running.
Note:
if you blow your nose continuously, the respiratory mucous membranes will become irritated, thus increasing nasal congestion. It might seem counterintuitive at first, but you'll feel better if you don't do it too often.
Step 2. Stay hydrated to make the mucus more fluid
When you are cooled, a good supply of fluids helps to clear a stuffy nose. Opt for plain water, herbal teas and broth; perhaps, always keep a bottle or glass of water on hand to encourage you to drink.
- Hot drinks are very useful for loosening mucus.
- Avoid drinks that contain sugars, such as fruit juices and sodas, as they do not provide you with useful nutrients or electrolytes, which are essential for your body. Also, sugar can affect the proper functioning of the immune system.
- Also, do not consume caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, as they can have a dehydrating effect.
Step 3. Keep your head elevated as you lie down
Supine can cause mucus to build up when you rest or sleep. So if you have a stuffy nose, get some pillows to keep your head higher or take a nap on an armchair.
If you usually sleep on your stomach or on your side, try lying on your back and raising your head a little with pillows when cool
Step 4. Avoid irritants
Anything that irritates the nose, such as cigarette smoke, can make congestion worse, so avoid smoking or being around smokers when you have a stuffy nose. If an allergy is the cause of your symptoms, try not to expose yourself to the most common allergens, such as dust and pet fur.
If you need help with quitting smoking, contact your doctor or contact the Smoke Freephone on 800 554 088
Part 3 of 4: Caring for Babies and Children
Step 1. Use a saline solution to loosen the mucus
Place the baby on a flat surface with a rolled-up towel under his shoulders to tilt his head back. Administer a few drops of saline solution in each nostril: it will thin the mucus giving you the possibility to remove it. This way, you will be able to breathe better.
- To make your own saline solution at home, mix 1.5g of non-iodized salt into 120ml of warm, filtered, or distilled water.
- If you only have tap water available, bring it to a boil and let it cool before using it to make the solution, otherwise you risk introducing bacteria and germs into your baby's nasal passages. It is a problem that rarely occurs, but it can be very dangerous, sometimes fatal.
Step 2. Drain mucus to aid in breathing
If your child is old enough to blow his nose on his own, invite him to do it gently. If it's a newborn, use a bulb syringe to remove excess mucus. First, let the air out of the syringe, then gently insert the tip inside a nostril and let go so as to suck the secretions; at this point, remove the syringe from the nostril and squeeze it into a handkerchief to eliminate the mucus taken. Repeat with the other nostril.
Alternatively, wrap a paper towel to form a small cone and pass it around the inside of the nostrils. Absolutely do not use cotton swabs
Step 3. Put a cold humidifier in the baby's room
It is able to soften mucus and promote breathing. Place it in the bedroom where it sleeps and keep it on all night. If you can, fill it with filtered water. Make sure you clean it every week to avoid spreading germs.
However, in the absence of the humidifier, you can turn on the hot water tap in the shower and sit with your child in the bathroom (not the shower stall) so that the steam loosens the mucus. This is especially useful if the child experiences a cough due to laryngotracheobronchitis
Warning:
avoid using a hot humidifier because, in reality, it promotes the proliferation of bacteria and the spread of germs throughout the house.
Step 4. Keep the baby's head elevated while he sleeps
Roll up a towel and place it under the cot mattress. Rest the baby's head on the raised part of the mattress to allow the mucus to flow down rather than block the nostrils during sleep.
Never use pillows, as they can expose the baby to the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Step 5. Do not give him any cold medication
Over-the-counter medicines are not suitable for children under the age of 4. In fact, decongestants cause irregular heart rate and irritability. Try to ensure maximum comfort for your child and, if you are worried, call the pediatrician.
Part 4 of 4: Knowing When to See Your Doctor
Step 1. Call your doctor right away if sinus pain is accompanied by greenish-yellow discharge
When the mucus takes on this color it often indicates the presence of an infection, but not always. However, it is always necessary to consult your doctor to exclude this risk or to be prescribed an adequate therapy.
- Keep in mind that it is possible to develop a bacterial infection following a mucus drainage operation, so there is a risk that a nasal congestion caused by an allergy or a cold will turn into a bacterial infection. If this is the case, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic therapy that can help you heal faster.
- It is rare, but you may produce reddish or bloody discharge. In these cases, do not hesitate to consult your doctor.
Step 2. See your doctor if congestion continues for more than 10 days
A stuffy nose should go away within a week, so if it lasts longer than 10 days it could be a sign of an infection. See your doctor to rule out other possible causes, such as the flu if necessary he will give you adequate therapy. Here are other symptoms you may experience if you have an infection:
- Fever above 38.5 ° C;
- Sore throat;
- Runny nose or stuffy nose
- Nasal congestion;
- Headache;
- Pain in the whole body;
- Exhaustion.
Step 3. Call the pediatrician if your baby is under 3 months old
Since the immune system is still very weak at this age, it is normal for newborns to often have a stuffy nose. However, when the cause is a cold or an allergy, it can immediately turn into a more serious problem. Fortunately, your pediatrician will show you how you can take care of your baby to get better.
- He will also show you how to continue assisting him when you are home.
- If your child's body temperature exceeds 38 ° C, do not hesitate to call the pediatrician or take him to the emergency room urgently. A fever could indicate an infection, so make sure he doesn't need further medical attention.
Advice
- If only one nostril is blocked, lie on the opposite side to allow the mucus to flow.
- Put a peppermint in your mouth or chew gum because the cool feeling can decongest your sinuses, helping you breathe and relieving symptoms of inflammation.
- Try getting some fresh air. You can feel better as long as you don't have hay fever.
- Apply coconut oil under your sore nose to moisturize red, dry skin. It also possesses antimicrobial properties.
- Get the menthol and eucalyptus bath salts, then pour them into the sink or into a bowl full of boiling water. Place a towel on your head by covering the rim of the container. Inhale the steam until the water cools to relieve nasal congestion.
Warnings
- Contrary to popular belief, eating spicy foods can make nasal congestion worse.
- Avoid the use of balsamic ointments for inhalation use because there is no evidence to support the fact that they relieve nasal congestion, indeed they may contain toxic ingredients.
- Be careful when steaming as you could get a burn if you get too close to boiling water.
- If you make your own saline solution for nasal spray or neti pot at home, be sure to use filtered or distilled water to prevent infections caused by germs and bacteria. If you are forced to use tap water, bring it to a boil and let it cool before using it.
- Avoid hot humidifiers because they can promote the proliferation of bacteria.
- Keep in mind that pseudoephedrine-based decongestant drugs are contraindicated for some people.
