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Ways to Cure a Stuffy Nose

A stuffy nose can be annoying. For many people who like to breathe through their nose rather than their mouth, it can be unnerving. A stuffy nose can even make some people feel claustrophobic. Stuffy noses can occur for several reasons. Some people suffer from allergies. Very often they can be due to a cold or illness. Here are some helpful tips to help rid yourself of your stuffy nose, or at least lessen the stuffiness so that you can breathe easier.

  1. Medications

    • Stuffy noses can be caused by bacterial infections, viral infections, allergies and sinusitis. Depending on the cause, there are different medications that can help alleviate the problem. If the stuffy nose is due to a bacterial infection, your doctor will probably prescribe an antibiotic to help get rid of the infection. Corticosteroid sprays are also prescribed. These are steroid nasal sprays that help to shrink the membranes in the nose to relieve the stuffiness. Another good way to help a stuffy nose is to take an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen. Taking it as soon as your nose gets stuffy helps reduce the swelling of the nasal tissues. A decongestant can also be helpful. Decongestants help thin the mucus in the nose and make it easier to drain. If your stuffy nose is related to allergies, your doctor may put you on an antihistamine.

    Homepathic Treatments

    • There are some good tips for using homeopathic treatments. One idea is to gargle with warm salt water. Salt water will flush out thick mucus and destroy bacteria that may be causing the stuffy nose. You should gargle with a 1/2-tsp. of salt mixed with warm water every day. Taking Vitamin C every day is important for fighting illness and building your immune system. Eucalyptus oil has long been recognized as a homeopathic treatment for stuffy noses. You can add the oil to your humidifier to aid in better breathing, or if you choose, rub it on your chest to help loosen congestion in your chest and nose. Moist heat treatments--such as putting a warm, moist towel over your face--can help loosen mucus in your nasal passages.

    Healthy Living for Nasal Congestion

    • Many times, stuffy nose problems can be caused by lifestyle. For instance, smoking is a big irritant for noses. Lots of people who smoke get stuffy noses regularly, sometimes due to the smoke irritating the sinuses. People who tend to blow their nose a lot may blow too hard. You should always blow your nose gently. Blowing your nose hard damages the tissue inside the nose and can cause more inflammation. Using a humidifier regularly can help moisten the nasal passages and makes breathing easier and less painful if your nose is inflamed. A good tip for good nasal care is to not use over-the-counter nasal sprays. These can not only become addictive, but they can actually have the opposite affect of what you want. These sprays are known to contain a chemical called, oxymetazoline, which actually damages the nasal lining, causing cases of chronic sinusitis. And of course, if someone is sick, try to avoid being around them. Germs are often airborne and can be easily transferred from one person to the next. Finally, wash your hands often. This is one of the best preventions against the germs that may cause a stuffy nose.

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