Ever felt like you couldn’t breathe properly because your nose was all stuffed up? This discomfort, medically known as nasal congestion or nose congestion, arises when the pathways in your nose swell up or get inflamed. Thanks to troublemakers like allergies, sinus infections, colds, and the flu, nose congestion happens! It’s a nuisance that can make breathing a task, invite the uninvited guest – snoring, and rob us of peaceful sleep.
What Causes Nose Congestion?
The actual cause behind this stuffiness traces back to an accumulation of mucus in the nasal passages or an inflammation of the blood vessels there. There could be swelling in the nasal tissues too. Culprits are usually viral infections, your body mistaking harmless substances (like dust or pollen) as threats (allergies), or weird nose structures. External irritants can also be blamed for making your nose act up.
Hot Water Steam
Inhaling steam is an age-old remedy to tackle nose congestion. Simply boil water, take it off the stove, lean over it, and cover your head with a towel to keep the steam in check. A few minutes of steam therapy can work wonders in melting away the mucus and opening up your blocked nose.
Saline Rinse
A saline nasal rinse involves a little ‘shower’ inside the nose using a saline solution to drive out allergens and mucus. You could use ready-made solutions from the market or create your own using distilled water and salt. All you do is tilt your head, pour the solution into one nostril, and wait for it to flow out the other.
Warm Compress
A warm compress can help kiss goodbye to a stuffy nose. Drench a washcloth in warm water, squeeze out excess, and place it over your nose and sinuses. Do this a few times each day to improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation.
Elevation While Sleeping
Sleeping with an elevated head prevents mucus from piling up in your nose. Just sidestep stuffiness by using an extra pillow or raising the end of your bed, making sure your head’s higher than your heart while you snooze.
Stay Hydrated
Keeping your body hydrated ensures that your mucus remains thin and nasal passages hydrated. Chug enough water throughout the day to ward off congestion and maintain your respiratory health.
From now on whenever you experience nose congestion or suffer from blocked nose, make sure to take the above tips into consideration.
