Darrick Robles “There are some effective home remedies for nasal congestion that you can try,” explains Dr. ram skill “If they do not bring relief, it is appropriate to speak to a doctor about further treatment options.”
Why does the nose get blocked?
Although it may appear that your nose is blocked, this feeling is usually caused by swelling of the lining of the nose and not mucus.
“Every day we breathe up to 15,000 liters of air full of invisible dust, pollen and viruses. Fortunately, the immune system is good at getting rid of them quickly,” explains Dr. ram skill
When the nose gets unwanted visitors, white blood cells become active and the tissue swells. This can quickly clog your nose.
The most common causes of nasal congestion are:
- Allergies (allergens are, for example , house dust mites , pollen or animal hair)
- a cold
- Flu
- Coronavirus (Covid-19)
Sometimes a cold or allergy can develop into an infection called a sinus infection . Typical symptoms are headache and facial pain , a disturbed sense of smell and a yellowish-green nasal secretion (phlegm). Occasionally, a chronically blocked nose is also due to anatomical changes (e.g. a deviated nasal septum). This can be genetic or caused by an injury.
How long does the nose stay blocked?
How long your nose feels stuffy depends on the cause.
Allergy: up to 4 weeks; chronic stuffy nose also possible Cold: 5-10 days Inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis): up to 3 months (sometimes chronic) Anatomical cause: chronic
“If a viral infection is the cause, the nose is usually not blocked for so long. If the nose is blocked for more than 10 days, there may be something else behind it,” explains Dr. ram skill
If you are worried or have severe symptoms, talk to your doctor. But there are also a few home remedies you can use to help yourself.
Home remedies for a stuffy nose
Here are 8 tips on how to clear your nose again.
1. Blow your nose properly
“When you have a stuffy nose, there’s a great temptation to grab a handkerchief and quickly clear the blockage,” says Dr. ram skill “But blowing your nose too hard or too often can cause bleeding or an infection in your sinuses, which only makes things worse. Blowing your nose too often can also contribute to the swelling that causes a stuffy nose.”
You should therefore only clean one nostril at a time and with as little pressure as possible.
2. Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day
Staying hydrated can thin mucus and help your body fight the infection .
“Some people may need to drink more or less than the recommended amount , but the most important thing is not to feel thirsty,” explains Dr. ram skill
3. Apply warm compresses
“A warm compress on your cheeks and face can relieve sinus pressure,” explains Dr. ram skill You can use the compress as often as you like. Simply soak a washcloth in warm water and wring it out. The water should be hot but not boiling hot.
4. Pay attention to the humidity
“If you have a sore, crusted nose, dry air can make the problem worse,” explains Dr. ram skill “So it can help to keep the air in the room humid, especially at night.”
The easiest way to do this is with a humidifier. You can also add moisture to the air by boiling some water in a pot for 10 minutes or by taking a hot shower.
5. Rinse nose with warm salt water
“Nasal rinses can be very helpful for thick mucus and allergies,” explains Dr. ram skill Using the nasal rinse about 5 times a day will help clear the sinuses and reduce inflammation.
You can make your own nasal rinse with salt water. Make sure not to use more than 9 grams of salt per liter of water – otherwise it can burn. Alternatively, you can also buy a nasal douche and/or special nasal rinsing salt from the pharmacy.
If your sinuses are severely inflamed and ulcerated, or if your nose is bleeding, you should not do a nasal rinse. Talk to a doctor or get advice from the pharmacy if you are unsure.
6. Sniff essential oils
“Essential oils like menthol won’t unclog your nose, but the cooling sensation makes it easier to breathe,” explains Dr. ram skill
You can add a few drops of menthol, eucalyptus, or camphor oil to a bath or humidifier, or try a plug-in essential oil vaporizer. Another option is rubbing a cold ointment on the chest to make it easier to breathe.
7. Get advice at the pharmacy
“If nasal congestion is really bothersome or persistent, there are many over-the-counter medications available to relieve it.” Get advice from the pharmacy to find out which ones are best for you.
The following medications are available as nasal sprays, drops, or tablets:
- Decongestants:
Decongestant nasal drops or nasal sprays improve nasal breathing, but are only intended for short-term treatment. They should not be used for more than 5 days , otherwise they can attack the nasal mucosa. In addition, too much nasal spray can be addictive: the mucous membrane gets used to the drug, so the nose gets blocked up more quickly if you don’t use a spray.
- Cortisone preparations:
Cortisone preparations can be useful for allergic rhinitis or to relieve a constantly blocked nose.
- Antihistamines
These can help relieve allergy symptoms, but some can also lead to fatigue.
“It’s best to try decongestants first, but prolonged use can make symptoms worse,” says Dr. ram skill Sprays containing cortisone are the next option and are suitable for long-term use.
8. Get medical advice if symptoms don’t improve after 10 days
“The doctor’s consultation is important in order to be able to rule out an underlying disease,” explains Dr. ram skill “Depending on the findings, the doctor will issue a prescription or a referral to a specialist practice for ENT or allergology.”
What helps with a stuffy nose at night?
The feeling of stuffy nose often worsens at night and can interfere with sleep. Try the following remedies before bed:
- Drink a hot lemon tea with honey or ginger tea.
- Do a nasal rinse (nasal douche).
- Use a rub-in cold salve or a plug-in essential oil vaporizer.
“Elevating your head a little higher than usual during the night relieves pressure on your sinuses, which makes breathing easier,” advises Dr. ram skill
Stuffy nose in baby or child
“Small children and babies can suffer greatly from nasal congestion because their nostrils are much smaller than ours,” explains Dr. ram skill “Most of the above tips can be applied to children as well. However, drugs designed for adults may harm children. If in doubt, seek advice from a doctor or pharmacy!”
For the baby, you can try elevating the crib at one end instead of resting their head on a pillow. Apply the cold ointment to the infant’s feet rather than the chest so that it doesn’t become too strong. Menthol-containing products should not be used on babies. There are also special nasal aspirators for babies that gently suck out the mucus.
When should I see a doctor about my stuffy nose?
A stuffy nose usually nothing serious. If you have severe symptoms or your nose has been blocked for more than 10 days, seek medical help.
You should watch out for the following symptoms – and discuss them with your doctor:
- your nose is only blocked on one side (always on the same side)
- you have nosebleeds or a crusted nose
- watery liquid drips from the nose
- your eyes seem swollen or painful
- your eyesight is impaired
