A stuffy nose or a running nose is a common problem for many during winter. This creates difficulty in breathing and thereby enhances stress.
This nose congestion occurs when your nasal mucosa swells, narrowing the airway path. This is due to inflammation caused by allergens like pollen, dust, or cold air.
In people with other serious disorders like heart problems, lung infection, and diabetes, this nasal congestion will further intensify the suffering. For them, it is important to get rid of it to avoid complications.
You can find nasal decongestant medications containing xylometazoline and Oxymetazoline for instant relief. These are α- adrenergic receptor agonists and can lead to addiction and other side effects over time.
Also, you cannot use these medicines in children below 6 years of age.
Hence, we recommend natural methods to combat nasal congestion and a few remedies.
How to get rid of a stuffy nose
1. Natural medicines
If you reside in the US, you can try these natural medicines for efficient relief.
If you are outside the US, you can take bresol and septilin medications. These can be used in both children and adults.
These medicines are herbal-based with anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties.
2. Use socks for your feet
Cover the lower part of the legs to prevent and also get rid of the stuffy nose fast.
Try to cover your feet with loose socks all day, even during the night at sleep. This will provide great relief.
Do not wear warmer clothes on the top and lighter clothes on the bottom. Try to wear more warm clothes to the bottom or balance.
Our body’s blood circulation maintains uniform body temperature in all parts from head to toe.
If your feet or legs are kept cold, the circulation tries to manage the cold there. So if limbs are cold, blood flows there, leaving the nose and respiratory tract in the topless warmth.
If the limbs are kept warm, blood keeps more warmth on the top and relieves cold and nasal congestion.
Please try it once if you have a sensitive respiratory system. You will notice a remarkable change.
3. Drink warm water
If the weather is cold and you have a cough besides a stuffy nose, drink hot water. The water should be heated sufficiently to drink.
Drinking warm water provides instant relief to the problem of sore throat, cough, and blocked nose.
4. Steam inhalation
This is a quick remedy for a stuffy nose. You can boil water and add some turmeric powder or any balm containing menthol or eucalyptus oil.
Take a bowl of boiled water, put a pinch of balm in it, cover yourself with a blanket over the bowl, and inhale the steam for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat it twice a day for relief.
5. Tips for Bed
Apply balms with essential oil to the nose, chest, and throat region.
Sleep in such a way that legs are away from windows or air entry points in the room. Also, ensure to cover up your legs with a thick blanket. Do not leave the legs open while you cover the body above.
Also, wearing loose-fitting socks on your feet and covering your lower body helps you get awake without a stuffy nose.
6. Use a mask
When going out, use a mask on the nose. This will prevent any dust and pollens from getting in, leading to allergies.
If one has respiratory insufficiency, it might be hard to breathe with a mask. They have to rely on single-layered cloth like a handkerchief in such cases.
7. Have hot food as a diet at regular intervals.
Go for lighter foods like milk and eggs. Try avoiding non-veg and oily foods.
Non-veg food, though rich in protein, can trigger infections.
Oily foods make the nasal tract susceptible to cold and inflammation.
Also, have freshly prepared food, preferably warm. Avoid refrigerated foods and cold beverages.
8. Avoid curd (yogurt) and other fermented foods.
They add up to the running nose and stuffiness.
This may be due to microbes in them. It also enhances the possibility of catching a cold.
If you already have a cold and even stuffy nose, try to stop having curd, and you will find relief.
8. Use a room heater:
Use a heater in case of severe cold or low temperatures. But while doing so, consume enough amounts of water.
This helps keep you hydrated, or else you will feel dehydrated and add up to stuffiness.
9. Keep the room and surrounding dust-free.
Any amount of dust particles will enhance the allergy in the nasal tract, causing stuffiness.
10. Empty nostrils
When there is coryza (running nose) or catarrh (nasal secretion), it is better to sneeze out to keep the nose clear instead of sniffing it back.
This keeps the nostril clear and free from blockage to breathing.
11. Have a bath with tap water
Use tap water for baths in summer instead of hot or cold water.
This enhances the body’s resistance to colds.
If you bathe with hot water, it feels comfortable as it removes inflammation, lethargy, and body pains. It is suitable for a healthy lifespan, too.
But as per homeopathy, for those with frequent colds.
All the above methods on how to get rid of a stuffy nose can be done at home or in an easy & quick manner.
References:
- Millions Suffer From Addiction to OTC Nasal Sprays
- Doctor: How can I break my nasal spray addiction?