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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.
1

Blow your nose.

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  1. Grab a tissue and gently blow one nostril at a time to quickly get some relief. [1]
    • Just don’t try blowing too hard if no mucus is coming out since you could force it into your sinuses and cause an infection.
    • If you’re trying to help a baby or toddler with congestion, use a bulb syringe to suck out the mucus. [2]
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2

Put a warm compress on your nose.

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  1. Wet a washcloth under warm water and wring it out until it’s damp. Just lay the compress over the top of your nose and forehead and leave it for a few minutes. After that, try blowing your nose to get rid of any mucus that loosened up. [3]
3

Breathe in steam.

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  1. Put a bowl of water in the microwave and heat it up until it starts steaming. Drape a towel over your head and lean over the bowl. Slowly breathe the steam in through your nose. Then, blow your nose to clear out your congestion. [4]
    • Avoid using boiling water or hot steam since it could burn you.
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4

Do light exercise for quick, temporary relief.

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  1. As long as you don’t have a fever or feel fatigued, try a brief set of simple exercises. Go for a short walk, do push-ups , or practice yoga poses for something simple that will help clear your nasal congestion. [5]
    • Reduce the intensity of your regular workouts since you could stress your body out and take longer to recover.
    • If you start to feel sick or uncomfortable when you’re working out, take a break and give yourself some time to recover.
5

Take a hot shower.

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  1. Turn the shower to the warmest temperature you can handle and hop in for a few minutes. Take a few deep breaths in through your nose so the steam breaks apart the congestion. [6]
    • Use a eucalyptus shower melt for added relief. The essential oils in the shower melt will make breathing with congestion feel easier.
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6

Wear a nasal strip.

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  1. A nasal strip widens your nasal passages so it’s easier to breathe. Press the strip firmly across the front of your nose so it sticks to your skin. The strip will help pull your nose open wider so your congestion is less noticeable. [7]
7

Try a nasal saline spray.

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  1. The saline spray rinses out any excess mucus clogging up your nose. Blow your nose to clear out any mucus you can at first. Use the nasal spray by putting the tip of the sprayer into one nostril and plugging the other with a finger. Slowly breathe in as you spray the saline into your nose. Then to the same thing in your other nostril. [8]
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8

Rinse mucus out with a Neti pot.

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  1. A Neti pot quickly clears all of the mucus out from your nose. Fill the Neti pot with lukewarm distilled or boiled water. Lean over your sink and tilt your head sideways. To use your Neti pot , breathe through your mouth and put the pot’s spout into your upper nostril. Let the water drain out from your lower nostril before you blow your nose. [9]
    • When you finish one nostril, turn your head to the other side and rinse out your other nostril.
    • Avoid using water straight from your tap since it could contain bacteria.
9

Apply a vapor rub.

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  1. Using vapor rub cools down the air you breathe to relieve irritation. Take a fingertip-sized amount of vapor rub and put it on your chest or throat. When you breathe in, the vapor rub has a cooling effect that makes breathing feel easier when you’re congested. [10]
    • Vapor rub won’t treat the underlying cause of your congestion but it’s still effective for helping you temporarily feel better.
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10

Run a humidifier.

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  1. A humidifier adds moisture to the air to prevent congestion. You’re more likely to get a stuffy nose when the air is dry, but a humidifier is a simple solution. Run the humidifier whenever you’re home so the air doesn’t dry out. [11]
11

Use over-the-counter decongestants.

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  1. A decongestant reduces inflammation that causes congestion. Decongestants come in tablets, capsules, sprays, or syrups, so choose whatever is the easiest for you to take. Check the dosing instructions on the label and follow them carefully so you take the right amount. [12]
    • Look for non-drowsy products so you don’t feel tired after taking the medication.
    • Avoid using any decongestant sprays for longer than a week since it could make you feel stuffier.
    • If you take a decongestant labeled as “all in one,” they also contain painkillers and antihistamines, so avoid taking other medications.
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12

Take antihistamines if you have allergies.

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  1. Taking an antihistamine combats allergens so your nose feels less stuffy. If your nose feels clogged up during allergy season, take the antihistamines following the dosage instructions on the package. The medication blocks the allergens that are inflaming your nostrils so you can breathe easily again. [13]
13

Drink fluids to stay hydrated.

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  1. Drink about 8 glasses of water a day to keep yourself hydrated . You can also drink other clear fluids, like juices, teas, and broth to help loosen the mucus and make your nose feel less nose. [14]
    • Avoid alcohol since it can make your congestion feel worse.
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14

Rest to speed up recovery.

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  1. If you’re able to, take it easy while you feel congested so your body puts energy towards feeling better. Take a break from any strenuous activities and just focus on your recovery. [15]
15

Elevate your head.

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  1. Your congestion might feel a bit worse when you lie flat on your back since the mucus is stuck. Sit up straight and stay upright when you can. When you go to sleep with a stuffy nose , use pillows to raise your head up. [16]
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16

See a doctor if you’re stuffy for more than 10 days.

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  1. Prolonged or severe symptoms might be signs of a serious infections If you have a high fever, yellow or green discharge, or blood in your mucus, contact your doctor right away to let them know what you’re going through. They prescribe stronger antibiotics if they believe you have a bacterial infection. [17]
    • If a newborn or infant has congestion that prevents them from nursing, take them to the doctor.

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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Add New Question
  • Question
    What kind of nasal spray should I buy to clear my congestion?
    Monica Kieu, DO, FACS
    Board Certified Otolaryngologist
    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.
    Board Certified Otolaryngologist
    Expert Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Why does one side of the nose get more congested than the other?
    Marsha Durkin, RN
    Registered Nurse
    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.
    Registered Nurse
    Expert Answer
    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.
  • Question
    I 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, RN
    Registered Nurse
    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.
    Registered Nurse
    Expert Answer
    Please see a doctor for consultation regarding sinus solutions by laser or surgery.
Ask a Question
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      Tips

      • Avoid drinks with caffeine and alcohol since they can dehydrate you and make you feel more congested. [18]
      • Stay away from pools and chlorinated water since it could make your congestion feel worse. [19]

      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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      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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