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Tips to Avoid Nasal Congestion

Nasal congestion occurs when the blood vessels in the nasal passages become inflamed. This leads to swollen membranes, which cause the feeling of a stuffy nose. While there are many medications available to treat nasal congestion, preventing it can help you to avoid the discomfort associated with this condition. You can avoid nasal congestion by avoiding foods and beverages that thicken mucus, increasing the humidity in your home and avoiding allergens and irritants.

  1. Foods and Beverages

    • Some foods cause the body to begin producing more mucus, which can cause or worsen nasal congestion. According to Memorial Hospital in Towanda, Pennsylvania, chocolate, coffee and dairy products can increase mucus production. Avoid these foods if they tend to cause nasal congestion. Thinning the nasal secretions can help to prevent uncomfortable nasal congestion. Drink at least eight glasses of fluid each day, per the recommendation of health professionals from Shippensburg University. The best choices are water, natural fruit juices, chicken broth and herbal tea.

    Humidity

    • Increasing the humidity in a dry room can help to prevent nasal congestion. According to Memorial Hospital, there are several ways to increase the humidity in a room. Take a hot shower and breathe in the steam to help loosen congestion and thin nasal secretions. If you want to add humidity to a room such as a bedroom or living room, buy a vaporizer that will release moisture into the air. If you are at work and unable to take a hot shower or add a humidifier to the room, make a hot beverage such as tea or broth. Cup your hands over the mug and breathe in the steam.

    Allergens and Irritants

    • Medical professionals at the University of Rochester cite allergies as one of the main causes of nasal congestion. Foods, chemicals and airborne irritants cause the body to produce too much histamine, which causes a runny nose and watery eyes. If you have known allergies, avoid substances that trigger an allergic response. If your occupation exposes you to industrial chemicals, dust or other pollutants, wear a mask when you work to prevent allergens from causing nasal congestion. Daily allergy medication may be necessary to help prevent nasal congestion associated with allergic rhinitis and allergic sinusitis. According to Dr. Alan Greene, a clinical professor of Pediatrics at Stanford University School of Medicine, antihistamines can be taken to prevent nasal congestion and relieve other allergy symptoms. Brand name antihistamines include Benadryl, Allegra, Claritin and Tavist.

      Shippensburg University health professionals advise that anyone who has problems with nasal congestion quit smoking immediately. Smoke is an irritant that can cause the blood vessels in the nasal passages to swell, leading to the uncomfortable feeling of nasal congestion. Smoking cessation tools such as nicotine gums and patches may be helpful if you find quitting difficult on your own. Discuss your options with your doctor so you can pick a cessation technique that is appropriate for your medical condition.

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