If you have to blow your nose frequently due to allergies, colds, or dry weather, it could cause painful irritation in the nostril area. The delicate tissue around the nose becomes dry and cracked due to the constant "micro-trauma" you cause when you blow and rub it to clean it. Allergies, in particular, are the factors that can create the most problems, since they last well over a week or two, as happens with a cold or the flu. Whatever the cause, follow the tips in this tutorial to learn how to soothe and soothe your delicate nose.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Reduce Irritation and Chafing
Step 1. Apply a soothing moisturizer to the outside of the nostrils
A product like petroleum jelly or an ointment like Neosporin are fine. Put a small amount of cream on a cotton swab, then rub it all around your nostrils. If you increase the degree of hydration of this area, you not only relieve the feeling of dryness, but also create a protective barrier against the irritation caused by rhinorrhea.
If you don't have any of these products on hand, you can use regular face lotion. It won't retain moisture as effectively, but you will still find some relief
Step 2. Purchase moisturizing tissues
If you are willing to spend a little more, treat yourself to high-quality tissues to relieve nostril discomfort. Look for those soft products that contain a lotion, as they cause less damage when you blow your nose and counter irritation thanks to their soothing properties. If there is less friction when you blow your nose, you cause less irritation in the long run.
Step 3. Rest your nose on a damp towel
If your nose is very cracked or even bleeding, you can find some quick relief with a warm, moist compress. Place a clean cloth under warm running water and gently press it onto your nostrils. Tilt your head back and leave the towel on your nose until it returns to room temperature. While applying, breathe through your mouth.
- Apply petroleum jelly or an ointment like Neosporin to your nose immediately after the warm compress.
- Afterward, discard the cloth or wash it immediately.
Step 4. Avoid blowing your nose too often
Runny nose or nasal congestion can be very uncomfortable and you may be tempted to keep blowing your nose, but while it can be difficult, try to resist this temptation. Especially if you are home alone and there is no one to notice, only blow your nose when it is really necessary. If any mucus comes out of your nostrils, just pat them gently instead of blowing hard on a dry tissue and making the irritation worse.
Step 5. Use a gentle blowing technique
Instead of taking a deep breath and blowing as hard as you can, be gentle to reduce discomfort in the area. Blow gently from one nostril at a time and keep alternating until you feel that both are free.
Always loosen the mucus a little with a decongestant method before blowing your nose
Step 6. See your doctor for allergies
He will be able to prescribe medications to keep your allergies under control. When the nose starts to run, it is important to treat the allergic cause to relieve discomfort, regardless of whether the therapy is a vaccine or a nasal spray.
Know that decongestants for oral use usually tend to dry out the mucus even more, increasing the sense of irritation
Method 2 of 2: Decongest the Nose
Step 1. Dissolve nasal secretions
There are several methods of liquefying and softening the mucus blocking the nostrils. If you spend some time on these techniques, you will blow your nose more efficiently. Over time, you will feel the need to blow it less frequently, thus reducing irritation. Try these decongestant techniques throughout the day and blow your nose right after.
Step 2. Place yourself in a room with a lot of steam
If you are a gym member that has a sauna, know that it is perfect for relieving nasal congestion while relaxing after a long day. However, if you do not have the possibility to go to a sauna, you can create a similar environment in your bathroom. Open the hot water tap in the shower, close the door and let the air soak up the steam. Stay in the room for 3-5 minutes or until you feel the nasal secretions begin to soften and dissolve. Blow your nose before you leave the room.
If you want to save water, you can blow your nose when you get out of the shower
Step 3. Apply a warm compress to the bridge of the nose
Take a damp towel and place it in the microwave until it's hot, but not hot enough to burn you. The time may vary depending on the oven model, so start with 30 seconds, and if that's not enough, heat it up for another 15 seconds each time. The cloth should be warm, but at a tolerable temperature, so place it on your nose and leave it in place until the heat dissipates. This should loosen the mucus even if heat is applied to the outside of the nasal passages.
If necessary, repeat the procedure before blowing your nose
Step 4. Do a nasal irrigation with a saline spray
This is a simple rinsing of the nasal passages with a saline solution that you can decide to buy ready-made at pharmacies and parapharmacies. Spray the solution twice into each nostril to increase the amount of fluid in the nose and dissolve any secretions present. If you don't want to buy the nasal spray, you can easily make one at home:
- Mix 240ml of hot water with 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- Buy a bulb syringe from a drugstore or drugstore and use it to irrigate your nostrils with the saline solution you have prepared.
Step 5. Try using a neti pot
This device resembles a small teapot and allows you to clear blocked nasal passages by running hot water through one nostril and letting it out the other. The water temperature should be around 48 ° C to kill any potential harmful bacteria in the water. Tilt your head and pour the water through your right nostril; if you leave your head bent, the water will come out of the other nostril.
Do not perform this procedure if you live in an environment where the water is not subjected to adequate treatment. There have been rare cases of amoebiasis, an infection caused by parasites found in tap water
Step 6. Drink hot tea throughout the day
The throat and nose are connected to each other, so drinking warm liquids can also warm up the nasal passages. Just like when you inhale the steam, this remedy also allows you to loosen the mucus and make it flow out more easily. Any type of tea will do, but you can also choose herbal tea if you have a cold. Look for suitable products at health food stores or health food stores. Mint and clove herbal teas can soothe a sore throat while clearing the nose.
Step 7. Exercise if your health permits
If you're stuck in bed with a cold or the flu, you definitely need to rest. However, if your excessive urge to blow your nose is due to allergies, exercise is a great solution. When you speed up your heart rate to the point of sweating, you also get the added benefit of clearing mucus from your nose. Even 15 minutes of training can help, as long as you avoid allergens. For example, if you are allergic to pollen, don't go running outdoors.
Step 8. Eat something very spicy
Think about the last time you ate something terribly spicy; Do you remember that the nose started to run? This is the best time to blow your nose, so stimulate it by eating hot sauces, chillies, pasta alla diavola, and any other foods that induce rhinorrhea. Blow your nose immediately when the mucus has softened and dissolved.
Step 9. Purchase a humidifier
You can buy it at home improvement stores to humidify the air when you sleep. Choose one that allows you to set a cool mist, as high temperatures can aggravate congestion. Set it to create an ideal humidity level, between 45 and 50%.
- The tabletop models generally have a capacity of 4 liters of water and you can refill them every day. Clean the water tank thoroughly every three days.
- The filter, preferably HEPA, should be changed according to package directions.
Step 10. Massage the sinus area
This way you can open the nasal passages and facilitate the expulsion of mucus. For best results, use a rosemary, mint, or lavender oil, but be careful not to get it in your eyes. When finished, you can rinse your face with a warm compress; use your index and middle fingers to apply gentle pressure in a circular motion:
- On the forehead (frontal sinuses);
- On the bridge of the nose and temples (orbital sinuses);
- Under the eyes (maxillary sinuses).
Warnings
- See your doctor if you have a sinus infection, cold or flu for at least a week and show no signs of improvement. Signs of infection include sinus headache, thickening and greenish appearance of nasal discharge.
- Although quite rare, an abuse of petroleum jelly around the nose can cause the product to be inhaled into the lungs, causing lipid pneumonia; so don't apply too much and try to alternate between different moisturizing products.
