How to Relieve Reverse Congestion

Everyone experiences congestion at one point or another. Some people only get congested when they have a cold, sinus infection or the flu. Other people deal with congestion more often due to allergies. Congestion that clogs the head and the ears is never fun to experience. It can result in sinus pressure and sinus pain that can be downright uncomfortable and make sleep nearly impossible. Fortunately, congestion usually improves within a week. In the meantime, there are ways to relieve congestion.

Things You'll Need

• 8 oz. container
• 6 oz. warm water
• 1 tsp. table salt
• 1 tsp. baking powder (optional)
• Tissue
• Nasal syringe
• Hot liquids
• Humidifier or vaporizer

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Instructions

Nasal Irrigation

• 1

  Salt water

  Add 6 oz. of warm water, 1 tsp. of regular table salt and 1 tsp. of baking soda (optional) to an 8 oz. container.

• 2

  Mix the contents thoroughly. The mixture should look cloudy, with no lumps.

• 3

  Place the nasal syringe into the container, and slowly pull the plunger towards you so the syringe fills with solution.

• 4

  Tilt your head to one side and place the tip of the syringe gently in the upper nostril.

• 5

  Push the plunger to start the flow. The solution should go in the upper nostril, through the sinus cavity of the nose, and drain out the lower nostril.

• 6

  Tissue

  Gently blow the nose, and repeat on the other side.

Other Congestion Relief

• 7

  Hot tea

  Get plenty of fluids. Drinking hot tea or eating hot soup will help the mucus in the nasal passages loosen up.

• 8

  Use an air humidifier or vaporizer to increase the humidity in the air. More moisture in the air will make it easier for congestion to loosen up.

• 9

  Shower steam

  Inhale steam to help loosen up congestion. Turn on the hot water in the bathroom or boil a large pot of water the stove and breathe in the steam. Do this three or four times a day if needed.

• 10

  Vacuum carpets often. Nasal irritants get trapped in the fibers of carpet. Dust, pet dander and pollen can get deeply embedded into the fibers and cause congestion for people allergic to these irritants.

• 11

  Washing machine

  Thoroughly clean all bedding. Sheet as well as other bedding material should be washed frequently. Pillows, comforters and mattresses should be washed or vacuumed every other month. Dust mites, pet dander or other allergens can get trapped in mattresses and cause congestion.