Whether you get congestion from a common cold or allergies, having a stuffy nose and sinus pressure can really hinder your day.  Luckily, if you want an alternative to medications, there are plenty of easy and natural remedies for congestion relief.

Get Steamy:

  • Running a hot shower for several minutes so that steam builds up in the bathroom can help open clogged nasal passages.
  • If you do not want to take a shower, another alternative is to get a washcloth and run it under warm water, then lay it on your face. Breathing in the warm vapors will alleviate the nasal congestion. Keep the washcloth on for 10-15 minutes or until it cools. It will help to repeat this several times daily.
  • To provide all day relief, you can also use a humidifier. When the air inside your house is too dry, the mucus in your sinuses won’t flow properly. A humidifier will add more moisture into the air, so your sinuses won’t dry out.

 

Try a Nasal Rinse:

While nasal irrigation systems may look intimidating it is worth a try because it has been shown to alleviate congestion, facial pain and pressure.

  • The way a saline nasal irrigation system like a neti pot works, is that it thins mucus and helps flush it out of the nasal passages.
  • When using a saline rinse, it is important to use distilled, sterile or boiled water that has cooled to lessen chance of infection.

 

Stay Hydrated:

  • It is easy to forget to hydrate when you are feeling stuffed up, but one of the easiest remedies is to just stay hydrated. Increasing fluid intake especially drinks like warm decaffeinated tea, will thin out mucus in your sinuses and nasal passages, allowing relief from facial pressure.

 

Apply Hot & Cold Packs:

  • To provide relief from throbbing sinuses on your face, it is recommended to apply both hot packs and cold compresses.
  • For the best relief, use a hot pack on the face for three minutes and then a cold compress right after for 30 seconds. Repeat this for three times per treatment, two to six times a day.

 

Blow Your Nose:

  • I know this seems like an easy one, but we often don’t realize we aren’t blowing our nose as much as we should. Instead of sniffling mucus down your throat, make sure you blow your nose.
  • It is important to make sure you are blowing your nose right. If you blow too hard, you can send mucus back to your ear passages, potentially causing an earache. For best results place one finger over one nostril at a time and be gentle.

 

Pile Up Your Pillows:

  • To provide relief of nasal congestion at night, it is essential to keep your head slightly raised.  If you can make sure you sleep with plump pillows or add another pillow under your head to keep it raised.
  • This trick prevents the congestion from going down to your lungs which can lead to an annoying cough later.
  • If sleeping with multiple pillows is too uncomfortable, you can place extra pillows between the mattress and box spring for a more gradual slope.

 

The information provided is for general interest only and should not be misconstrued as a diagnosis, prognosis or treatment recommendation. This information does not in any way constitute the practice of medicine, or any other health care profession. Readers are directed to consult their health care provider regarding their specific health situation. Marque Medical is not liable for any action taken by a reader based upon this information.