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How to Clear a Stuffy Nose
Blow your nose gently.
Too much force can make the problem worse.
Take a decongestant, or an antihistamine if you have allergies.
Flush your nostrils with a saline nasal spray.
Take a steamy shower.
Drink plenty of liquids.
Drape a warm, wet washcloth over the bridge of your nose.
If you're still suffering, try home remedies like a vapor rub, spicy food, or massaging
your nose with soap.
See a doctor if you are still stuffy after a week, or if you develop new symptoms.
1 Take it easy when blowing your nose.
If your nose is stuffed up but not dripping, or mucus isn't coming out easily when you
blow your nose, don't force it.
Your impulse may be to blow your nose � hard � until you expel some mucus, but it's best
if you leave the tissues alone.
Only blow your nose when it is running.
Blowing hard repeatedly will make the delicate membranes inside your nostrils get more inflamed,
and can quickly lead to increased stuffiness.
It seems counter-intuitive at first, but you really will feel better if you use tissues
less.
2 Take an over-the-counter decongestant or antihistamine.
Depending on the cause of the stuffiness, you might be able to find some relief in widely
available medications.
Here's what to choose: If you have a cold, pick up a decongestant.
Decongestants will ease the swelling and inflammation in your nasal passages, leading to easier
breathing.
You can take them orally, as a pill, or use a decongestant nasal spray.
Be aware that decongestant nasal sprays are only recommended for three consecutive days
of use; oral decongestants such as Sudafed can be taken for up to seven days.
If you're suffering from allergies, such as hay fever, get an antihistamine.
If allergies are at the root of your problem, an antihistamine will both relieve congestion
and take care of other symptoms, like sneezing.
Be aware that some antihistamines can cause sedation.
Look for non-drowsy options to take during the day and wait to drive or use heavy machinery
until you see how the antihistamine affects you.
3 Use a saline nasal spray.
Saline nasal sprays are simply salt water in a convenient applicator � no medications
or drugs are included.
The water will soothe the inflammation in your nose, as well as flushing out any mucus
or bacteria.
Buy the spray, or make your own spray.
You can purchase sterile saline sprays at most drug stores.
Or, if you own a nasal aspirator or bulb syringe, make your own by mixing 1/4 teaspoon of salt
with 1 cup warm, sterile water.
Lean over a sink, with the tip of your nose is pointing toward the drain.
This position allows the water to easily run out of your nose.
Slowly spray the saline into one nostril at a time.
If you're using a bulb syringe, squeeze it a little to evacuate the air, dip it into
the saline solution, and release the bulb.
Squeeze the bulb again to put the solution into your nostril.
Allow the solution to drain from your nose completely before spraying again.
Use the saline solution two to three times a day.
Check out How to Use a Neti Pot for an alternate way to irrigate your sinuses with saline solution.
4 Use steam to ease congestion.
The moisture and heat from steam will ease the inflammation and help you breathe easier.
The good news about this method: you can do it as often as you need to, including running
a humidifier constantly until you feel better.
Take a steamy shower.
Close the bathroom door so that no steam escapes and turn the water temperature up.
If you don't want to bathe, simply get the shower going and inhale the steam as it fills
the bathroom.
Inhale the steam from a boiling pot of water.
Bring the water to a gentle boil, and carefully lean over it to breathe in the steam.
(Just make sure you don't burn yourself!)
Run a humidifier or vaporizer.
This can be especially helpful while you're sleeping.
Make sure you follow the instructions for cleaning the unit, as mold can easily grow
on humidifiers, which will only make your symptoms worse.
5 Stay hydrated.
Drinking plenty of fluid will thin out any mucus in your nose, making it easier to expel.
The extra moisture in your system will also soothe irritated nasal passages and prevent
sinus blockages.
Some people find it helpful to drink warm fluids when they're congested.
Consider herbal teas, broths, or soups.
6 Put a warm compress over your nose.
Wet a washcloth with water that's as hot as you can stand, lie down, and lay the cloth
over the bridge of your nose so that it covers your sinuses but leaves the path to your nostrils
clear.
Rewet the washcloth when it starts to feel uncomfortably cold.
It might take a few rounds of reheating the washcloth for you to feel any benefit, so
be patient.
Try using a compress while you do something relaxing, like listening to music or watching
TV.