Nasal congestion is a common problem many people face. There are many causes for nasal congestion including a cold or virus, allergies, or inflamed nasal passages or sinuses. When nasal passages get inflamed they create more mucus to flush out the offending substance.
No matter the cause of the congestion, there are many remedies both medical and natural to ease nasal symptoms.
Humidifier or steam
A humidifier can make the air moister for nasal passages. Many people assume that dry air will help to dry up their nasal congestion and runny nose, but in fact, it has the opposite effect. Dryness causes nasal membranes to become more irritated. If you don’t have a humidifier, running a hot shower or breathing over a bowl or basin filled with hot water can have the same effect.
Saline spray
Saline spray is saltwater that can be purchased in sterile spray bottles at drugstores. It helps to maintain moisture on nasal membranes and thin out mucus to relieve nasal congestion.
Saline rinse or irrigation
The Neti Pot is the most well-known nasal irrigation device, but nasal irrigation can also be done with a bulb syringe. It is important to mix the irrigation solution with distilled or sterile water or water that has been boiled. Irrigation helps to flush out any irritants, loosen up mucus to relieve nasal congestion and keep nasal membranes moist. Be sure to rinse and thoroughly dry the irrigation device after each use. Nasal irrigation is safe for children and pregnant women.
Compress
A warm, wet towel placed over the nose and sinuses can offer some relief. This can help to reduce nasal irritation and open nasal passages.
Elevate the head
Elevating the head can encourage drainage of mucus and can improve breathing. Elevating the head above the heart can also reduce swelling and inflammation of nasal passages. During the day avoid lying down completely flat and at night use a few pillows to prop up your head.
Menthol or eucalyptus
Both menthol and eucalyptus can help you breathe better. Both fragrances are available in many forms. There are nasal inhalers, medicated ointments, rubs, and essential oils available. Nasal inhalers are breathed directly into the nose. Ointments and rubs can be rubbed on the upper lip or chest. There are also forms available that can be placed in warm water and the vapors are breathed in which helps improve breathing.
Decongestants
Decongestants help to relieve swelling in the nasal passages, this helps to reduce feelings of pressure and congestion. Decongestants work by constricting the blood vessels in the nose to reduce swelling and inflammation. There are many forms and types of decongestants available without a prescription.
There are nasal sprays available with oxymetazoline (Afrin), phenylephrine (Sinex), naphazoline (Privine), or tetrahydrozoline. Nasal spray decongestants have a fast onset of five to ten minutes, so they help to relieve nasal congestion right away. Nasal spray decongestants should be used for three days maximum. Rebound congestion can occur if they are used for longer than three days.
Oral decongestants come in liquid or tablet forms. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, Nexafed) and phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) are the medications available. Pseudoephedrine is more effective than phenylephrine. These medications should not be given to children under the age of four. These medications can cause blood pressure to go up and heart rate to increase. Since they are oral medications, they have more systemic side effects.
Antihistamines
If nasal congestion is caused by some sort of allergen, antihistamines will help to reduce nasal congestion symptoms. Antihistamines reduce itching, sneezing, and runny nose. They have little effect on the swelling and inflammation of nasal passages, so they may often be combined with a decongestant. If so, there is usually a -D at the end of the product name, such as Allegra-D or Claritin-D.
Some antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or chlorpheniramine (Aller-Chlor) can make you sleepy, so they should be taken at night. Other antihistamines like fexofenadine (Allegra), cetirizine (Zyrtec), or loratadine (Claritin) are non-drowsy and can be taken during the day. The other benefit of the non-drowsy antihistamines is that they are usually once a day dosing.
Nasal congestion is a common, but miserable affliction. There are many treatment options that can offer relief. Nasal congestion relief can come in both drug-free or medicated options, all of which are available without a prescription.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.