How to Keep a Nose Clear

It can be challenging during the winter months to stay healthy with flu season in full swing. Spring and autumn also pose a threat as allergies can lead to cold-like symptoms. Keeping your nasal passages clear is the common goal. Not only will you breathe easier, you will also eliminate the byproducts of sinus drainage, such as sore throat and congestion. Some methods are proactive and others are reactive, but they all promote comfort and better health.

Instructions

• 1

  Use an antihistamine. This is more of a preventive technique, as the idea is to stop your sneezing and runny nose before it clogs your nasal passages. These work by blocking your histamine receptor sites. In essence, they tell your body that the allergen that is making you sneeze is OK and there's no need to force it out. There are many over-the-counter as well as prescription antihistamines on the market. They are most effective when they are taken with regularity, even without immediate symptoms, according to WebMD.com.

• 2

  Use decongestants, and experiment to find the ones that work for you. They reduce swelling and improve airflow through your nose, but they have the opposite effect of antihistamines in that they keep you alert.

• 3

  Opt for a nasal spray. They are comparable to histamines with effectiveness, but without as many side effects. This is because many of them use steroids, which effectively reduce inflammation of your nasal cavities. They come in antihistamine and decongestant varieties, depending on what ails you. However, they should not be used for more than three days because this could actually increase congestion, according to WebMD.com.

• 4

  Purchase a neti pot. It's a teapot-shaped device that works by irrigating your nasal passages and thinning out the mucus with salt water. It has long been a staple of Eastern medicine, and it is gaining popularity in the United States, reports WebMD.com. Make sure that you are comfortable with pouring fluids into your nose, as this is how the brine solution is applied. Side effects are minimal, with about 10 percent of users experiencing mild nasal stinging or irritation.