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How to Get Rid of a Stuffy Nose Quick at Home

Stuffy noses are caused by swollen mucus membranes brought about by a cold, a viral infection or an allergic reaction. Because they're so uncomfortable, you usually want to get rid of them as quickly as possible. A number of home remedies can accomplish the task, keeping you from having to consult a doctor. One of the most effective is a neti pot, an Indian invention used to irrigate the nostrils and clear out the mucus membrane. You can also use less exotic methods, though they don't always act as quickly.

Things You'll Need

  • Neti pot
  • Warm water
  • Kosher salt
  • Bowl
  • Towel
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Instructions

  1. Neti Pot

    • 1

      Fill the neti pot with 8 oz. of lukewarm water mixed with 1/2 tsp. of kosher salt.

    • 2

      Lean over your bathroom sink and turn your head to the side.

    • 3

      Place the end of the neti pot in one nostril (the higher one) and carefully tilt your head so that the solution flows into your nose. You want the solution to flow through the higher nostril and out the lower nostril into the sink.

    • 4

      Wait until the entire solution is emptied, then refill the neti pot with the solution, turn your head in the other direction and repeat the process with the other nostril.

    • 5

      Exhale through your nose into the sink and blow your nose with a Kleenex.

    Other Remedies

    • 6

      Take an over-the-counter decongestant or anti-allergy pill if your stuffy nose stems from an allergy. They tend to work fairly quickly and are available at any drug store or pharmacy.

    • 7

      Eat food with a lot of spices, such as chili peppers. They cause your nose to run, which loosens up the mucus and helps you clear your nasal passages.

    • 8

      Expose yourself to humidity. Dry air exacerbates a stuffy nose and humidity helps moisten the nasal passages. If you suffer from a chronic stuffy nose, run a humidifier in your home (taking care to use only purified water in it). For more immediate results, eat a bowl of chicken soup or fill a bowl with hot water and drape a warm towel over your head as you lean in and breathe in the steam. The best results for fast relief entail a bath or hot shower, which not only creates humidity, but helps stimulate the blood flow in your body as well.

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