Sinus congestion, which refers to the swelling of the inner lining of the nasal cavity, can cause discomfort and sometimes even pain. Nasal congestion not only makes breathing difficult but is often accompanied by sinus pressure and pain. The inflammation of the nasal cavity can be triggered by various factors, including exposure to allergens, irritants, as well as infections from viruses, fungi, and bacteria. Everyday substances such as pet dander, polluted air, smoke, and dust can also lead to nasal congestion.
Nasal congestion and sinusitis are among the common reasons why people in the United States visit hospitals, and they are also major causes for doctors to prescribe antibiotics. However, it's important to note that antibiotics are only effective for bacterial infections. Since most cases of nasal congestion are caused by irritants or viruses, home remedies can usually help relieve the symptoms.
Nasal congestion is typically caused by mild irritants or viruses and will often resolve on its own. At home, there are several methods we can use to alleviate nasal congestion symptoms and sinus pain.
A saline rinse, which involves flowing a saline solution through the nasal cavity, can relieve nasal congestion without the need for medication. You can either purchase saline rinse products from the store or make them at home.
When making a saline gargle solution at home, mix 3 teaspoons of non - iodized salt with 1 teaspoon of baking soda and store it in a clean, sealed container. When you're ready to clear your sinuses, add 1 teaspoon of this mixture to 8 ounces (1 cup) of warm distilled water or boiled water.
After preparing the mixture, follow these steps for the saline rinse:
Use a soft rubber - bulb syringe, such as a baby nasal bulb, or a neti pot, which is a device that looks like a small teapot.
Suck the salt solution into the bulb.
Tilt your head down over the sink and turn it to the left.
Slowly squeeze about 4 ounces of the solution into your right nostril. The solution should flow out of your left nostril.
Turn your head and repeat the process on the left side.
Adjust your head position if necessary to prevent the solution from flowing into the back of your throat or ears.
After finishing, gently blow your nose to prevent the solution from entering your ears and causing discomfort.
You can perform the saline rinse several times a day. When making the saline rinse solution, be sure to only use distilled water, sterile water, or water that has been pre - boiled. Tap water for direct drinking may contain bacteria and other microorganisms, which can cause serious infections in the nasal cavity.
Yoga breathing is a deep - breathing exercise that may be an affordable and risk - free way to treat nasal congestion. Research shows that regularly practicing the Bhramari Pranayama (a humming breathing technique) in combination with traditional treatment methods for chronic nasal congestion is more effective than using traditional treatment methods alone.
Here's how to incorporate the humming breath into your daily routine:
Start in a comfortable sitting position, such as sitting cross - legged on the floor.
Relax your face and jaw, and inhale and exhale as deeply as possible through your nose.
Place your index fingers on the ear cartilage to block out any noise or sound.
Take a deep breath in and, as you exhale, make a humming sound. (Keep your ears covered.)
Continue this process for at least six breathing cycles.
Practice this breathing method twice a day, for at least 15 minutes each time.
Oregano oil is well - known for its antibacterial activity, as well as its antiviral and antifungal properties. It can also help clear the sinuses. Here's the best way to use essential oil to relieve nasal congestion:
Fill the sink with hot water or use a pot of hot water.
Ensure that the water temperature is low enough to be harmless to the skin; overly hot steam can scald the skin.
Add a few drops of oregano essential oil.
Cover your head with a large towel and place it over the water to form a tent.
Take several deep breaths.
Overall, the US Food and Drug Administration generally regards oregano oil as safe (GRAS). However, if you're allergic to oregano, you should not inhale it. Although rare, there have been some reports of oregano causing skin allergic reactions.
Medical staff often recommend using steam to relieve nasal congestion, but research results on the effectiveness of this treatment method are inconsistent. If you want to try steam therapy to improve your symptoms, the safest way is to turn on the hot water in the shower and sit in the bathroom to inhale the steam.
You can also inhale the steam from a bowl of hot water. However, be careful as overly hot steam can cause burns. Experts suggest inhaling steam two to four times a day to achieve results.
If you suffer from chronic nasal congestion, you may want to try complementary therapies, which offer additional benefits compared to standard treatments. Many of these methods focus on the mind - body connection, such as tai chi, yoga, and acupuncture.
For example, research indicates that acupuncture, along with taking supplements like capsaicin (a pepper extract), bromelain, and celandine extract, may be effective in treating congestion.
One study found that acupuncture is more effective than traditional therapies in treating chronic congestion. Acupuncture can also improve symptoms, enhance the quality of life, and has no serious side effects.
However, complementary therapies are usually used in conjunction with traditional therapies, and there is limited research on the effectiveness of these therapies alone. It is recommended that you consult a healthcare professional to determine which therapy is suitable for you.
Finding ways to thin or loosen nasal mucus can help drain it and relieve symptoms. Here are some other home treatment methods you can try when you have a stuffy nose:
Apply a warm compress or a wet towel to your face several times a day.
Avoid flying during congested traffic if possible.
Drink plenty of clear liquids such as water.
Avoid sudden temperature changes.
Keep your head elevated, especially when sleeping.
Use a humidifier in your room while sleeping.
Try applying tape on your nose to expand the nostrils and make breathing smoother.
Both over - the - counter (OTC) and prescription medications may help relieve nasal congestion. Some medications for treating nasal congestion are as follows:
Decongestants: OTC spray nasal decongestants such as oxymetazoline (Afrin) or phenylephrine (Sudafed) should be used with caution. These medications can provide quick relief from nasal congestion initially, but using them for more than three days may exacerbate congestion and lead to dependence.
Antihistamines: Unless your nasal congestion is caused by allergies, antihistamines may not help relieve your symptoms.
Nasal Steroids: If you have polyps (small benign growths on the inner lining of the nasal cavity), your healthcare provider may recommend using nasal steroid sprays to reduce sinus swelling and relieve symptoms. These sprays are usually used for 8 to 12 weeks.
Painkillers: Painkillers do not relieve nasal congestion but can help alleviate the pain caused by sinus pressure and nasal congestion. Usually, ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help relieve pain.
Antibiotics: If a bacterial infection causes nasal congestion, your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics. These medications cannot treat viral infections. When taking antibiotics, be sure to follow the dosage instructions and complete the entire course of medication, unless otherwise advised by your healthcare provider.
Remember that many OTC medications contain multiple ingredients. Read each label carefully to ensure you don't overdose on medications. Additionally, consult your healthcare provider to find out which medications are suitable for you, especially if you have underlying health problems.
Nasal congestion can usually be relieved by home remedies, but occasionally complications may occur. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible:
A fever that lasts for three to four days.
Severe symptoms such as facial pain or severe headache.
Symptoms that not only do not improve but worsen.
Symptoms that persist for 10 to 14 days without disappearing.
Symptoms that cannot be resolved by OTC medications, such as headache.
Swelling of the forehead, eyes, sides of the nose, or cheeks.
Noticeable changes in vision or blurred vision.
Nasal congestion (including sinus pain and pressure) can be very uncomfortable. You can try various methods at home to relieve these symptoms. For example, using a saline rinse or practicing deep breathing has been proven to help relieve nasal congestion.
Certain medications may also help reduce sinus pressure and relieve nasal congestion. If your symptoms continue to worsen, or if you experience fever, pain, or swelling, you should seek medical attention immediately.
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