How to Treat Nasal Congestion

Most people think that nasal congestion comes from too much mucus inside your nasal passages. But most nasal congestion comes from the passages becoming inflamed and narrowed. This makes it harder for air to pass through and in turn makes it harder to breathe. There are many different medications on the market that can help nasal congestion, and some other options as well.

Things You'll Need

• Saline nasal spray
• Vaporizer or humidifier
• Chicken soup, hot tea and broth
• Large pillow
• Decongestant spray
• Antihistamine

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Instructions

• 1

  Spray a gentle saline nasal spray into your nasal passages. This will help thin out the mucus inside your passages. This will also clean the passages and make it easier to breath. If you have a runny nose, this may not be the best option.

• 2

  Place a vaporizer or a humidifier in your bedroom. Increasing the humidity in the room you spend most of your time in will help bring down swelling and break up any mucus in the passages ways. You can also sit in a steamy room, such as the bathroom with the hot water running.

• 3

  Drink plenty of fluids. This should include hot tea, broth and chicken soup. There are more options, including water, but these fluids are most commonly used. Drinking water and other fluids will help flush out your system, but hot liquids will work like a humidifier and break up any mucus buildup.

• 4

  Use a large pillow to prop yourself up at night. This will help you sleep better, because lying down normally makes congestion worse. Sleep will help your body work harder to fight off the problem.

• 5

  Use decongestant spray and/or antihistamines. This should be your last resort, after more gentle cures have failed. If you are using a decongestant spray limit use to no more than 3 times per day, unless the package instructions direct otherwise. Read all package directions for warnings of side effects. If you are using an antihistamine, be aware that it will probably cause drowsiness, so do not drive after you've taken it.