How to Cure a stuffy nose

Nasal congestion occurs when you have a cold or allergies that cause your nasal passages to swell and accumulate mucus, making it harder for you to breathe. This condition not only makes you uncomfortable, but also makes your body visibly tired. But fortunately, we have many ways to treat a stuffy nose when we have an unfortunate cold or allergy. The article below shows you how to treat a stuffy nose with natural methods or by taking medicine.

Table of Contents

Quick Cure

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/a/a1/Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-1-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Clear-Nasal-Congestion- Step-1-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/a1/Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-1-Version-2.jpg/ v4-728px-Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-1-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Blow your nose. The fastest way to clear the nose is to push the mucus out. With this method, you should carry a pack of tissues or a lot of handkerchiefs with you when you go out to work.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/92/Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-2-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Clear-Nasal-Congestion- Step-2-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/92/Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-2-Version-2.jpg/ v4-728px-Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-2-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Eat spicy food. Have you ever eaten too much mustard and got tear gas in your nose? That’s because spicy foods can thin mucus and clear your nose, even if it’s temporary. When you have severe nasal congestion, you should try the following foods:

Spicy peppers
Chilli or mustard
Spicy Ginger
Methi . County
Onions or garlic?

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/d8/Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-3-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Clear-Nasal-Congestion- Step-3-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/d8/Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-3-Version-2.jpg/ v4-728px-Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-3-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Apply an ointment containing peppermint to your nose. A topical spray containing evaporative mint will temporarily relieve a stuffy nose and help you breathe easier for an hour or two. Apply a small amount of wax to the upper inner edge of the nose, the mint flavor will be effective in a moment.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/f/f8/Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-4-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Clear-Nasal-Congestion- Step-4-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/f8/Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-4-Version-2.jpg/ v4-728px-Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-4-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Keep your head upright. You can use a few pillows to support your body lying higher at night, do not lie flat on the bed, so the stuffy nose will be better. While this won’t clear your nose, it will help you feel more comfortable and breathe easier.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/5/5f/Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-5-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Clear-Nasal-Congestion- Step-5-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/5f/Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-5-Version-2.jpg/ v4-728px-Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-5-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Massage the sinuses. This is a folk remedy for nasal congestion without using drugs or stimulants, just use your fingers to massage yourself, very simple but effective. Here are three massages that you can do at home, at work, or in public.

Place two index fingers on either side of the eye sockets, just above the nose and below the lashes. Begin massaging the sinuses around the nose by moving your fingers in an outward circle. Do this movement for 20 to 30 seconds.
Place two index fingers just below the eyes and continue to rotate in an outward circle to massage the sinuses around the eyes. Do this movement for 20 to 30 seconds.
Finally, you put two thumbs on either side of the cheekbones, rotate two fingers in an outward circle to massage the cheekbones. Continuously rotate two fingers for 20 to 30 seconds. Repeat the above massage until the sinuses have cleared significantly.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/9c/Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-6-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Clear-Nasal-Congestion- Step-6-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/9c/Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-6-Version-2.jpg/ v4-728px-Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-6-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Place the warm cloth on your face. Dip a clean towel in warm water and wring it out until the towel is just damp but not soggy. Sit down and place the towel over your face for a few minutes. A warm washcloth can help you feel more comfortable and clear your nasal passages.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/c/c9/Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-7-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Clear-Nasal-Congestion- Step-7-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/c9/Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-7-Version-2.jpg/ v4-728px-Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-7-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Take a hot shower. The hot steam will pass through the lungs and into the nasal cavity, loosening the mucus and clearing the stuffy nose.

The Natural Method

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/b/bc/Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-8-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Clear-Nasal-Congestion- Step-8-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/bc/Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-8-Version-2.jpg/ v4-728px-Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-8-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Use steam to loosen mucus. If you have a lot of time, in addition to taking a hot bath, apply a steam treatment to treat nasal congestion. For centuries, nasal steaming has been the mainstay of treatment for many people around the world when they have a stuffy nose.

Put 3 cups of water in a pot and cook until it boils, then remove the pot of boiling water from the stove.
Put some chamomile tea in a pot of hot water (optional).
When the steam cools down so you can move your hands back and forth across the pot without getting burned, pour water into the bowl.
Be careful with the hot steam when putting your face above the bowl of water, cover your head with a towel and inhale deeply. If you can’t breathe in through your nose at first, breathe through your mouth.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/2/22/Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-9-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Clear-Nasal-Congestion- Step-9-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/22/Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-9-Version-2.jpg/ v4-728px-Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-9-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Hydrate the body! Drink water or juice as much as possible. If you want to get rid of a stuffy nose quickly, you should drink 6-8 glasses of water, because water strengthens the immune system and reduces swelling inside the nasal cavity.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/7/71/Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-10-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Clear-Nasal-Congestion- Step-10-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/71/Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-10-Version-2.jpg/ v4-728px-Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-10-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Use a humidifier. A humidifier (generally steam) is recommended as a treatment for a stuffy nose, because dry air irritates the walls of the sinuses, making them worse. ^{[1] X Research Sources} Doctors recommend humidifying the air.

If you don’t have or don’t want to buy a real humidifier, you can make a rudimentary one yourself, using items you already have at home. Bring enough water to a boil in a large saucepan, turn off the heat, and place the pan somewhere safe in the room. The steam rising from the pan will humidify the air in the room. Repeat again if necessary.
If using a humidifier, it should only be used at a moderate level to be most effective. If the machine is operated a lot, the environment in the room becomes too humid and turns the room into a tropical forest. So all you need is some moisture in the air.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/6f/Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-11-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Clear-Nasal-Congestion- Step-11-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/6f/Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-11-Version-2.jpg/ v4-728px-Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-11-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Make your own saline solution to wash your nose. Saline water acts as a washing solution without the use of drugs. Add a teaspoon of salt to a cup of water and stir until dissolved. Then put the saline in a dropper and start putting a few drops in one side of your nose while tilting your head back. Next, you squirt all the solution that has been dropped into the nose out and repeat the same for the other nose.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/85/Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-12-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Clear-Nasal-Congestion- Step-12-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/85/Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-12-Version-2.jpg/ v4-728px-Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-12-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Clean the nasal cavity with a specialized washing bottle. For some people, nasal irrigation is an immediate cure for sinus symptoms without the need for medication. ^{[2] X Research Source} Nasal lavage works on the principle of thinning mucus and pushing it out of the nasal cavity.

All nasal irrigation bottles are sold with instructions for use. In general, you will initially prepare a wash by mixing half a liter of slightly warm (sterilized) water with 1 teaspoon of salt. Then pour the brine solution into the wash basin.
Tilt your head at a 45-degree angle and insert the spray tip of the can into the upper nostril. You start pumping saline into the upper nose, the solution will follow through the nasal cavity and out through the lower nostril. If the salt water drips down your throat, spit it out. Blow your nose and repeat the same procedure for the other nostril.
How often should you wash your nose? People with severe sinusitis or allergies feel very good if they wash their noses daily. ^{[2] X Source of Study} Therefore, if condition improves, nasal irrigation three times a week is recommended.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/9d/Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-13-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Clear-Nasal-Congestion- Step-13-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/9d/Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-13-Version-2.jpg/ v4-728px-Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-13-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Do exercise. Although this is the last method you want to choose, the truth is that exercise will help your body recover. The easiest way to cure a stuffy nose is to do twenty push-ups and remember to breathe through your nose. The brain knows when it needs more air, so it signals to reduce swelling inside the nose and thin mucus.

Solution Take medicine

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/4/46/Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-17.jpg/v4-460px-Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-17. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/46/Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-17.jpg/v4-728px-Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step- 17.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Use over-the-counter decongestants. You can buy nasal decongestants at your local drugstore, and there are several forms available today:

The main ingredients in the sprays are naphazpine (Rhinex), oxymetazpine (Cpdi-B), or phenylephrine (Ppydexa, Sinex, Rhinall). ^{[1] X Research Source}
The tablet contains phenylephrine (Panadp, Sudafed PE, Sudogest PE) and pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, Sudogest). ^{[1] X Research Source}
Don’t use the spray for more than three days because nasal congestion can get worse. Also, you should not take the medicine for more than seven days without consulting your doctor. In general, you should follow the instructions for using your over-the-counter medication.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/01/Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-18.jpg/v4-460px-Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-18. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/01/Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step-18.jpg/v4-728px-Clear-Nasal-Congestion-Step- 18.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Use an antihistamine. Medicines containing antihistamines and other anti-allergic drugs can relieve nasal congestion. You should choose an antihistamine that also contains a decongestant to treat a runny nose and sneezing with mucus or pain caused by increased sinus pressure. Try these natural antihistamines:

Nettle. Some doctors recommend freeze-dried stinging nettle, which has the ability to reduce the amount of histamine produced by the body. ^{[3] X Research Sources}
Horsetail is also an effective source of antihistamines. Europeans have long used this plant to treat skin diseases. ^{[4] X Source of Research} Their leaves can be crushed to make poultices, or taken as extracts to make oral tablets.
Another good source of antihistamines is basil. Put a few sprigs of basil in a pot of boiling water and inhale the steam rising, the antihistamine in basil will help limit the amount of histamine that the body produces, thereby reducing nasal congestion. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

Things To Do When Seeing a Doctor

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/3/35/Improve-Blood-Sugar-Levels-Step-14.jpg/v4-460px-Improve-Blood-Sugar-Levels- Step-14.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/35/Improve-Blood-Sugar-Levels-Step-14.jpg/v4-728px-Improve- Blood-Sugar-Levels-Step-14.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Be prepared to answer many basic questions. There are many causes of a stuffy nose, and you won’t be able to cure it if you don’t answer honestly. Doctors often ask the following questions:

How long have you had a stuffy nose? If nasal congestion lasts more than seven days, seek medical attention immediately.
Color of mucus.
Other symptoms include aches, fever, cough etc.
Do you have any allergies?
Do you smoke. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/e/e5/Get-Rid-of-Mucus-Step-3-Version-3.jpg/v4-460px-Get-Rid- of-Mucus-Step-3-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/e5/Get-Rid-of-Mucus-Step-3- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Mucus-Step-3-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Your doctor may first give you antibiotics and other prescription medications. A stuffy nose is often a symptom of a cold or other infection. Therefore, the doctor always prescribes medicine to fight the infection.

Be sure to let your doctor know if you are taking any other medicines.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/7/7d/Decongest-Naturally-Step-28.jpg/v4-460px-Decongest-Naturally-Step-28.jpg”,” bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/7d/Decongest-Naturally-Step-28.jpg/v4-728px-Decongest-Naturally-Step-28.jpg”,”smallWidth” :460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Ready for endoscopy, which means the doctor will put a camera inside the nose to diagnose the disease. This method may sound a little scary, but the local anesthetic will make you feel no pain and the process is easy. They will insert a very small camera into the nasal cavity to look for swelling, deviation of the septum, or infection. If the stuffy nose persists after taking the medicine, you should be prepared for an endoscopy.

An alternative to endoscopy is x-ray, but this is expensive and impractical, but in some very severe cases it may be necessary.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/69/Get-Rid-of-Mucus-Step-5-Version-3.jpg/v4-460px-Get-Rid- of-Mucus-Step-5-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/69/Get-Rid-of-Mucus-Step-5- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Mucus-Step-5-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Refer to the method of thermo-electrode for the treatment of chronic nasal congestion. This is a very easy 15-minute procedure that aims to warm up the sinuses and open them up. Your doctor will give you a local anesthetic and within an hour the entire numbed area should no longer be felt.

They put two hot needles in the nostrils, but most of the patients felt no pain.
You need to wait 1-2 weeks for the stuffy nose to clear up.
If it doesn’t work the first time, you have to do it again a few weeks later.
This treatment is usually performed by an ENT doctor in their office, without the need for a hospital visit. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/5/54/Get-Rid-of-a-Cyst-Step-10-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Get- Rid-of-a-Cyst-Step-10-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/54/Get-Rid-of-a- Cyst-Step-10-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-a-Cyst-Step-10-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

You should understand that doctors only recommend surgery in very severe cases. If you have a severe infection or severe congestion, you may need endoscopic sinus surgery. They will insert a small camera into the nostrils to capture images to guide the surgeon, areas of infection will be removed or open blocked cavities in the nose.

Rhinoplasty patients never have to stay in the hospital, you will be sent home the same day.
Just a little pain and you should be back to normal in a week or less.
Additional treatment is sometimes required, but the success rate of surgery is quite high. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/a/a0/Cleanse-Your-Cpon-Step-10.jpg/v4-460px-Cleanse-Your-Cpon-Step-10. jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/a0/Cleanse-Your-Cpon-Step-10.jpg/v4-728px-Cleanse-Your-Cpon-Step- 10.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div> “}

Refer to laser nose twist surgery (LTS), which is less invasive and works faster. Nasal convolutions are internal structures that cause nasal congestion. The CO2 or KTP laser technology causes the nasal convolutions to shrink after 20 minutes. No dressing is required after surgery and you can return to work the same day.

The stuffy nose persists for a week after that before it goes away completely.
You will be given a mild local anesthetic, but no needles are needed.
The disadvantage of LTS method is the high cost, so not all clinics are equipped with this technology. ^{[9] X Research Source}

Advice

Don’t eat dairy products or chocolate, both of which cause more mucus to accumulate.
Avoid contact with chlorinated water. For example, the chlorine in pool water can irritate the mucous membranes and make a stuffy nose worse.
If you have a headache due to sinusitis, you can take pain relievers (such as Tylenp, Advil, etc.).
You can use nasal strips if you find it convenient, most drugstores sell nasal strips.

Warning

Don’t apply evaporative ointment to your nose if it hurts when there’s a draft, it can sting like a needle.

Steps