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When you have a cold or when your allergies are acting up, we know you're looking for any way to get rid of the nasal congestion that comes along with it. The inside of your nose swells up when it's irritated and gives you that stuffy feeling, but there are so many effective home remedies for you to try. Keep reading for all of the best things you can do when you're stuffed up so you can start feeling better again.
Things You Should Know
- Blow your nose gently to get rid of loose mucus. Be sure to stay hydrated and rest to speed up your recovery.
- Breathe in moist air by inhaling steam, taking a hot shower, or running a humidifier in your home.
- Try rinsing out the mucus using a saline spray or Neti pot .
- ​​Take an over-the-counter decongestant to help alleviate swelling in your nose. If congestion is caused by allergies, use an antihistamine instead.
Steps
Clear Your Sinuses With This Expert Series
Clearing your sinuses can sometimes feel impossible, especially if you have an infection. Use these expert articles to unclog your sinuses and finally get some relief.
Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat kind of nasal spray should I buy to clear my congestion?Dr. Monica Kieu is a board certified Otolaryngologist and Specialist in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Kieu received a BS in Anthropology from the University of California, Riverside and earned her medical degree (DO), with honors, from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona. She then completed her residency in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Michigan State University/Detroit Medical Center, where she served as chief resident. Dr. Kieu also completed a prestigious fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Toronto. She is a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American Osteopathic Colleges of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and the American Rhinologic Society. Dr. Kieu was recently named one of LA’s Top Docs by Los Angeles Magazine.If allergies are causing your congestion, try an over-the-counter nasal steroid spray, such as Flonase. If it's not allergies, talk to your doctor about your treatment options.
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QuestionWhy does one side of the nose get more congested than the other?Marsha Durkin is a Registered Nurse based in Waukegan, Illinois. With over 15 years of professional experience, she works both as a nurse and a Laboratory Information Specialist for Insight Hospital and Medical Center. Marsha received her Associate's Degree in Nursing from Olney Central College in 1987.This could depend on whether you sleep on your side at night, causing one side of your nose to be more congested and not able to drain. Usually, it is the side you are sleeping on. Try making yourself sleep on your other side periodically.
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QuestionI have my nose dripping even when I take hot food, milk or coffee. Can it be corrected by laser LTS or by any other surgery?Marsha Durkin is a Registered Nurse based in Waukegan, Illinois. With over 15 years of professional experience, she works both as a nurse and a Laboratory Information Specialist for Insight Hospital and Medical Center. Marsha received her Associate's Degree in Nursing from Olney Central College in 1987.Please see a doctor for consultation regarding sinus solutions by laser or surgery.
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Tips
- Avoid drinks with caffeine and alcohol since they can dehydrate you and make you feel more congested. [18] X Research sourceThanks
- Stay away from pools and chlorinated water since it could make your congestion feel worse. [19] X Research sourceThanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- Eat hot soup, like chicken noodle soup or pho, to loosen up any mucus.
- I find that eating something spicy helps relieve my stuffy nose.
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References
- ↑ https://medicine.uq.edu.au/article/2017/06/health-check-what%E2%80%99s-right-way-blow-your-nose
- ↑ https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/congestedbaby
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/sinus-infection/about/
- ↑ https://www.nhsfife.org/media/35666/steam-inhalation-leaflet.pdf
- ↑ https://www.lung.org/blog/can-you-exercise-with-a-cold
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/sinus-infection/about/
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003049.htm
- ↑ https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2000/1215/p2695.html
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/rinsing-your-sinuses-neti-pots-safe
- ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/health-wellness/vicks-vaporub-is-the-love-justified-a2637443413/
- ↑ https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/700childrens/2018/01/humidifiers-for-respiratory-infections-are-they-helpful-or-harmful
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/decongestants/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/21223-antihistamines
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17980-nasal-congestion
- ↑ https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2014/10/cold-flu-or-allergy
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003049.htm
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/sinus-infection/about/
- ↑ https://uhs.princeton.edu/health-resources/common-illnesses
- ↑ https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/21/4/652
About This Article
Article Summary
X
If you need to clear nasal congestion, apply a warm compress to your face, take a hot, steamy shower, or use a humidifier to loosen up the mucus. Over-the-counter decongestants and antihistamines are easy options that can help with sniffling, sneezing, and sinus pressure. You can also try irrigating your nasal passages with a neti pot, which may offer some quick, much-needed relief from your sinus symptoms without the use of medications. For tips on using essential oils to treat congestion, read on!
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- "I have severe nasal congestion, and I felt like I was going to die of suffocation, so I got onto wikiHow, searched, "how to get rid of congestion", and found this. Now I have no problem breathing." ..." more
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"I have severe nasal congestion, and I felt like I was going to die of suffocation, so I got onto wikiHow, searched, "how to get rid of congestion", and found this. Now I have no problem breathing."
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"Wow! Thank you for all of the great tips and remedies! I myself do not have a cold or congestion, but my father does, and he is really appreciative now."
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"This website was very helpful. I tried many of the different methods, been stopped up for three days and it's finally gone. Totally recommended "
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"The basil steam helped a bunch, I couldn't find chamomile but I heard it works so try either one for a runny nose. I really suggest it!"
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"Thank you for the tips! I love home remedies and your remedies were very helpful! I finally had relief while I was so sick."
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