Effective ways to clear stuffy nose

The humidifier will increase the moisture content in the air. Soon, the humidity levels in the room will increase considerably and higher humidity will help with an inflamed nose. When that happens, the intensity of the sinus problem from which you are suffering from should reduce. The increased humidity levels will also decrease the density of mucus in your nose and help you bring your breathing regulate. Thus, even though many might not know it, a humidifier can help people suffering from a stuffy nose.

A hot shower can undoubtedly help you reduce the problem of a stuffy nose. The steam in the hot shower can thin out the mucus and help to reduce inflammation. A hot shower will also help you breathe more normally and reduce the problems for at least a few hours. 

When you’re suffering from a stuffy nose, it is essential to keep your body hydrated as it will help thin the mucus.  The lesser the quantity of mucus, the lower the pressure on your sinus nerves. The inflammation and irritation will also reduce. An increased water intake will help you deal with problems like a sore throat as well. Ensure that you drink at least 2500 ML of water every day when you’re suffering from a stuffy nose.

If you want to get rid of a stuffy nose fast, a saline spray is a perfect solution. It will directly help you in increasing the moisture content in the nostrils and instantly thin the mucus, which will make it easier for you to remove it from your nostrils. It reduces the inflammation significantly.  

There are many saline sprays available these days and many can double up as decongestant medicine. If you’re not sure about the exact saline spray which you should use, it is a good idea to consult a doctor. Once the doctor prescribes you a saline spray, you should use it on a regular basis - according to their instruction.

It is essential to remove the mucus from your nostrils when you’re suffering from a stuffy nose. A good way to do this is to use a Neti pot. You can use sterile distilled water to flush out the mucus and other liquids from your nose.

Bend over the sink with the spout of the pot in one nostril. You have to tilt it so that water enters your nasal passage and pour the water into your nostrils until it enters the other nostril. It will pour out from the other nostril and fall into the sink. Along with the water flowing out, the mucus will also flow out. Thus, you will be able to clear your nostrils easily. You have to do this for 1 minute per nostril. It will allow you to remove the mucus in no time.

Applying a warm compress on the nostrils from the outer side will help to soothe and will also reduce the inflammation. Rather than using a warm compress bag, dip a cloth in warm water, fold it and apply it to your nose and ear as per your convenience. It will not only help you get some relief from the pain but will also soothe the nose. It will thin out the mucus, which will allow you to eliminate it from your nostrils easier.

The best thing about using a warm compress is that you can use it as frequently as you want. Whenever you’re suffering from nasal pain, you can apply the warm compress and at the same time it will help reduce irritation which will reduce the problem of a stuffy nose.

Decongestants are additional agents which reduce the pain and swelling in the nasal passages. Many such medicines are available without a doctor’s prescription. However, it is a good idea to always speak with your doctor before using them.  

They come in two forms - sprays and pills.

They should all come along with instructions and you can follow the instructions to use them and get relief from nasal pain. Do not use decongestants for more than three days. If you’re not getting any relief within three days, it is good to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

A likely cause of the stuffy nose is an allergy, therefore it's a good idea to work towards eliminating that allergy. Once you reduce the allergic reaction, you will get relief from stuffy nose. It's always best to consult a doctor to start the treatment of allergic reactions.

You have to follow the medication schedule immaculately. You should not miss a single dose. The allergy medications might make you drowsy at times, but once the allergic reaction subsides, it will be easier for you to reduce the intensity of stuffy nose. If you’re treating the stuffy nose and not the allergic reaction, the stuffy nose might return. On the other hand, when you address the allergic reaction, the severity of the stuffy nose is automatically reduced. That is why you have to treat the trigger like an allergic reaction and after that treat the stuffy nose.

Unless you are allergic to aroma oils, they can be a great way to treat a stuffy nose. Peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil are two of the best options. Mix the oil with warm water and inhale the aroma for 20 minutes each day. It will help you so that the inflammation and irritation of the nose reduces. It will reduce the swelling of the nose or the nasal passage. The mucus will also be light which will allow you to remove it more easily. You should be able to feel relief from your symptoms within just 2 to 3 days of  inhaling the aroma oils on a regular basis.

Apple cider vinegar is another option to get rid of the stuffy nose. Mix a couple of spoons of apple cider vinegar to a cup of warm water at least three times a day. If you want to better its taste, you can add a bit of honey to the solution. It will allow you to soothe the nose. It is useful for not just stuffy nose, but also other sinus problems. Thus, it can be used as a home remedy whenever you’re suffering from any nasal problem.

Honey consists of a wide variety of nutrients. It can also help you deal with a stuffy nose. Take it in the morning and at night too. You can drink it along with lukewarm water or milk tea. The options are plenty. It will soothe an inflamed nose and provide some heat to your body. You can include it in your routine to whenever you’re suffering from a nasal problem. You can add it as an ingredient in a wide variety of recipes which allows you to consume it readily or take a couple of spoonfuls a day.

When you’re suffering from a stuffy nose, it is vital to consume ingredients which can provide heat to your body. Hot soup is one of the perfect options. It not only provides warmth to your body, but also nutrients. Moreover, since it is liquid, it will increase the hydration levels of your body. When you’re consuming a hot soup, the advantages which you gain from it are plenty.

The best option which you have is to go for hot chicken soup. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can go for a vegetable soup. Add plenty of garlic and ginger in the soup. Garlic and ginger will provide aid to your body. The high heat content in your body will reduce the inflammation of the nose and also reduce the thickness of the mucus. Thus, it will help you in dealing with a stuffy nose quite easily.

Herbal teas have a lot of different ingredients. Most of them can help you in reducing the inflammation in any part of the body. Herbal tea consists of many different herbs which allow you to deal with a stuffy nose.

These ingredients include:

Most of these ingredients not only reduce inflammation, but also provide the much-needed warmth to your body. Thus, you will be able to drain out the mucus more easily.

If you naturally want to get rid of a stuffy nose, it is important to add one ingredient of your diet - add more pepper to your food. Black pepper provides some warmth to your body. In case, you do not want to add it to your regular diet; you can consume it along with honey and boiled water. It can help you reduce the inflammation and drive out the mucus.

Lastly, you can use steam to reduce the blockage in your nose. Steam is also useful for various nasal problems and sinus problems. You can use a steamer to boil the water in it. You can also boil the water and then put it in any vessel to inhale the steam. You have to ensure that the steam does not escape. You can do so by covering the vessel as well as yourself with a cloth.

When you bend over the steamer or the vessel with hot water, it is important to breathe in and breathe out regularly. You have to consistently use the steam as long as the water is hot. You can make the steam process even more useful by adding some herbs to it like thyme and peppermint. These are antiseptic herbs which will reduce the inflammation in your nose. You can steam 2 to 3 times a day. You have to ensure that you are at a safe distance from the steamer or the vessel containing hot water. It will ensure that you do not suffer from any wounds. Ideally, you should be at least 12 inches above the water or the vessel.

The best thing about Steam is that you can do it day in and day out without much preparation. It will not take a lot of time. The benefit which it will provide you is immense. It will help you drain out the mucus and also reduce the inflammation.

So, when you’re looking for easy ways to clear your stuffy nose, these are 15 tips that can help. Chances are, you might get some relief only for a couple of these methods. However, it is a good idea to choose the method which is convenient for you. Most of these methods are easy to execute. 

Keep up with the top stories from Reader's Digest by subscribing to our weekly newsletter.