Cold, germ infection, allergy, chronic sinus infection, medication side effects, deviated septum, etc. may cause nasal congestion. If it is caused by a cold or viral infection, it usually gets better on its own in 1-2 weeks. However, if the following symptoms occur, please seek immediate medical attention.
1.No relief even after 5 days of using home remedies.
2. nasal congestion occurring at the same time every year
3. accompanied by fever and facial pain.
4.The nasal discharge is sticky green or yellow in color.
5.Nasal congestion disturbs sleep or causes snoring.
I. How to relieve nasal congestion by yourself?
1.Use humidifier: Every year in October to May in the bedroom to use a humidifier can make the nose better breathing. It is recommended to choose ultrasonic vaporizer, because it is not easy to breed mold. But whichever humidifier you choose should be cleaned regularly. You can clean the humidifier every week after diluting a spoonful of bleach with 1.14 liters of water.
2, use saline nasal spray: over-the-counter nasal spray can effectively relieve nasal congestion. If you need to use it every day, you can also make your own salt water: put a spoonful of salt into 198.4 ml of water. This way you can use the saline nasal spray whenever you need it.
To learn how to rinse your nose more visually, see the video: Nasal rinsing
3. Inhale moist, hot air: Nasal steam not only moisturizes a dry, clogged nose, but also creates your own “steam machine”. You can boil a pot of water, cover your head and the pot with a towel, and inhale the steam released by the hot water through your nose, 3-4 times a day for about 15 minutes each time. But make sure your face is at least 46 cm away from the water to prevent burns.
4, take medicine: taking over-the-counter cold medicine may be able to relieve nasal congestion. Oral decongestants also have the same effect. But antihistamines can only treat symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose. You can also take both of these medications if necessary. But do not take cough suppressants, drying agents, antihistamines, decongestants and painkillers at the same time.
5. Don’t overuse decongestant spray: Only clear nose and other allergy-like nasal congestion can be self-treated at home. But the use of over-the-counter decongestant sprays should not exceed 5 days. Because if overuse instead will make your nasal congestion worse.
6, check the medication: some medications, such as receptor blockers, antihypertensive drugs and high doses of estrogen can trigger nasal congestion. It is recommended to take all the medications you are taking to your doctor and consult him if you need to change them.
7. Don’t eat sweet food: Eating sweet things, especially chocolate may make the nasal mucosa swell. So don’t eat sweet food until the nasal congestion gets better.
8.Eat some red pepper: putting red pepper in the cooking helps to relieve nasal congestion. Because the active ingredients in red pepper can increase the secretion of mucus in the nose, thus it can clear the mucus by running the nose.
9, exercise: If you only have a cold and no fever or flu symptoms, doing moderate intensity exercise can relieve nasal congestion. In addition, exercise can also prevent another cold. Research shows that 4 hours during and after exercise can strengthen the immune system (poke here for more ways to boost resistance).
10.Take a hot bath: Taking a hot bath after exercise helps to warm the whole body and promote blood circulation in the nose, thus relieving nasal congestion.
11, do not drink alcohol: do not drink beer, white wine and sweet wine when you have a stuffy nose. Because the tyramine and tannin produced by the fermentation of these wines will make the nose more swollen as well as block the sinus tube. In addition, red wine is worse than white wine, but distilled spirits to trigger the problem is smaller.
12, drink tea: ephedrine is a good nasal vasoconstrictor, the general tea contains this substance. But if you have high blood pressure or heart problems do not drink this type of tea, because the role of ephedrine is similar to a mild stimulant. Others are advised to drink two cups a day until they feel better on it.
Second, allergies caused by nasal congestion how to do?
1, do not contact allergens: If you work outdoors, you can not avoid contact with ragweed. But you can keep your cat out of the bedroom. It is recommended to find your own allergens and not to contact them as much as possible.
2.Take medication: Your doctor may prescribe a variety of medications to relieve allergy-induced nasal congestion, including: antihistamines, decongestants, prescription-based nasal sprays (sodium cromoglycate) and steroidal nasal sprays.
3.Allergy vaccination: If the allergy-induced nasal congestion is severe and prolonged, your doctor may recommend an allergy vaccination to desensitize your body.
4.Don’t drink dairy products: About 10% of patients with chronic nasal congestion may be allergic to milk. It is recommended to try not to drink dairy products for 2 weeks, and then see if the symptoms of nasal congestion are relieved.
3. What should I do if there is a blockage in my nose?
If there is an obstruction in the nose, it can be removed surgically.
1. Removal of nasal polyps: Nasal polyps are thin membranes in the sinuses that have grown into the nasal cavity. In most cases, the doctor can remove it in the office.
2. Correcting the septum: If the nose has ever been hit hard, nasal congestion may be caused by a bent or deviated septum. The septum is the cartilage between the two nostrils. Doctors can often correct a deviated septum with a septoplasty.
The information provided in this article may help relieve your discomfort, but it is not a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment by your doctor. The information provided is for informational purposes only. If you suspect you have a medical condition, please seek immediate professional treatment.