When your nose is blocked, all you want to do is blow it. However, nothing ever comes out. A blocked nose normally resolves itself, but the process can be sped up with a few simple tricks. Express.co.uk talks you through six ways to unblock your nose.
What causes a blocked nose?
There are a few reasons why you could have a blocked nose.
Normally, a stuffy nose is due to inflamed blood vessels in the sinuses.
These vessels normally become irritated by a cold, the fly, allergies, or a sinus infection.
There are a few easy ways to calm down these vessels and unblock your nose as a result.
READ MORE- Coronavirus symptoms: Signs in the nose of a COVID-19 infection
READ MORE
-
Coronavirus symptoms: Warning symptoms found in the nose
Stay hydrated
Topping up on water throughout the way will ease a congested nose.
Keeping fluids flowing will help to thin the mucus in your nose, and push the fluids out.
Less fluids means less pressure on your sinuses, and this means less inflammation.
Try drinking a warm herbal tea, fresh juice, and cold water.
Hot shower
A hot shower should clear your nose temporarily, and here’s why.
The steam from a shower should thin out the mucus and take down inflammation.
This should allow you to breathe properly through your nose for a short while.
If you don’t have time for a shower, you could steam your face in a hot sink.
Fill the sink with hot water, hover your face over the sink, and place a towel over your head.
You will feel hot, but relax and take in deep breaths of the steam.
Take care not to burn your face on the hot water or steam, though.
DON’T MISS…
Hay fever: Do you have these seven symptoms? [INFORMER]
How to sleep when you have a blocked nose: Tips from sleep expert [EXPLAINER]
Cold and flu symptoms: Simple home remedy [INSIGHT]
READ MORE
-
Hair loss remedy: Why is my hair falling out?
Warm compress
Another trick that involves warm water is using a warm compress.
Soak a towel or flannel in warm water and squeeze the water out again.
Place the damp towel over your nose and forehead, and allow the nasal passages to open up.
The temperature will ease pain and help to relieve inflammation of the nostrils.
Humidifier
Purchasing a humidifier will keep stuffy noses at bay.
A humidifier converts water to moisture, and the moisture fills the air. This makes the air more humid.
Moist air is better for a blocked nose than dry air, so a humidifier could soothe your irritated tissues and swollen vessels.
Humidifiers also thin the mucus in your sinuses, helping to empty the fluids in your nose. This should allow you to breathe easily again.
Keep your humidifier in your room to ease the inflammation while you sleep and relax.
Decongestants
Try a decongestant medication to reduce the swelling and ease pain.
You can opt for a nasal spray decongestant, or a pill decongestant.
An example of a nasal spray decongestant is Sinex.
Most nasal decongestants are available to buy over the counter without a prescription.
However, common decongestant pills, like Sudafed, include pseudoephedrine.
Because of this, they will be kept behind the pharmacy counter.
Antihistamine or allergy medicine
Your stuffy nose could be down to an allergy, so you might want to try taking an antihistamine or allergy medicine.
Both types of medication will reduce swelling and decongest your nose.
Check with your GP to see which medication is suitable of you.
There are even medications which combine both antihistamine and allergy medicine.
Source: Read Full Article