A stuffy nose — also known as nasal congestion, reports the American Academy of Otolaryngolog — is a common discomfort. According to the academy, there are four causes of "nasal obstruction": infections, abnormalities, allergies and inflammation. Many people may have all of these factors or just one; it really depends on each individual.
A Few Solutions to Nasal Congestion
So what can you do to make yourself less stuffy? Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia explains that the following are a few "home care" options:
- Over-the-counter medicines;
- Drinking more liquids;
- Using a humidifier or vaporizer in the home.
Over-the-counter medicines include decongestants and antihistamines. Decongestants are useful as they help relieve stuffiness by reducing the size of the blood vessels within the nose's lining. However, Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia warns that decongestants can make you feel even stuffier — the recommended amount of time to take it is approximately three days. On the other hand, antihistamines may be favourable too, as they help reduce the amount of mucus. But read the labels and speak to your doctor — some are known to cause drowsiness.
Not to mention drinking extra liquids, which includes hot herbal teas and soup, may encourage the break-up of mucus, causing you to breathe better. A vaporizer or humidifier could be beneficial to you, too. They increase humidity in your surroundings, and just like sipping a hot liquid, can relieve stuffiness by thinning the mucus.
Aromatherapy Can Also Relieve a Stuffy Nose
Visit your health store and ask about aromatherapy solutions for better breathing. Aromatherapy, such as adding eucalyptus oil into water or a humidifier, will not only clear up your breathing, but also make your home smell wonderful.
Work Out
Exercising is considered a natural decongestant, says Alexander C. Chester, M.D. in the Doctors Book of Home Remedies II. Walking is one example that can help clear up your nose because it helps increase blood circulation.
When to Seek Professional Help
Take note that there will be situations where you'll need to seek the help of a doctor. If you have these symptoms with a stuffy nose, your doctor could give you the proper advice:
- Swelling, especially around the forehead, nose or cheeks;
- Vision is blurry;
- Coughing, especially if it lasts for more than 10 days;
- Throat pain.
Overall, know that you don't need to settle for breathing troubles. If you do not have any worrisome symptoms, visit your drug or health store for a decongestant or antihistamine. Try drinking a hot tea or soup to break up mucus and turn on a humidifier. Not to mention, give aromatherapy a try and work out more often, which in turn can increase blood circulation and help you breathe.
