How to Unplug a Plugged Nose

Allergies and colds can cause your nose to become stuffed up. Both cause minor discomfort and may affect your concentration toward daily tasks during daytime hours. At night, it keeps you from receiving a full night's rest. While congestion is inevitable during allergy and cold seasons, there are solutions that will provide temporary relief to get through the tough times.

Things You'll Need

• Two or three pillows
• Facial tissue
• Humidifier

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Instructions

• 1

  Blow your nose with facial tissue. Cover one nostril with the end of the tissue and exert nasal force to blow out mucus and other contaminants through the other nostril. Repeat with the other nostril. Do this daily until symptoms disappear.

• 2

  Prop two fairly firm pillows on top of each other. If you only have soft pillows, you may try stacking three pillows. As you lie down, the pillows will raise your head above your vertical body to help clear up congestion in your nose.

• 3

  Turn up the humidifier to increase moisture in your room. This is especially helpful during the nighttime hours, so that you can enjoy continuous nights of uninterrupted sleep.

• 4

  Ingest an antihistamine pill or gel cap to relieve your allergies. Many allergy medicines are designed to last up to 24 hours for every pill ingested. If possible, choose brands that promote non-drowsy relief so that your symptoms will be relieved without making you sleepy throughout the day. For congestion due to colds, try brands such as Tylenol Cold and Flu or Sudafed.