It is common to think that a stuffy nose is the result of having too much mucus in the nostrils. However, when this situation occurs it is due to the inflammation of blood vessels in the nasal sinuses.
These irritated vessels are usually triggered by a cold, flu, allergies or a sinus infection, according to information from the US National Library of Medicine. In these cases, the congestion usually disappears on its own in an average time of one week.
However, there are also other reasons that relate to nasal congestion. For example, allergic rhinitis, excessive use of some nasal drops or sprays bought without a prescription; nasal polyps, which are sac-like masses of inflamed tissue that line the nose or the paranasal sinuses and vasomotor rhinitis, that is, the one that is not allergic.
Some of the most common symptoms caused by nasal congestion include, for example, discomfort in the pharynx, which is usually what the discomfort begins with. Subsequently, congestion appears in the nose, accompanied by clear nasal fluid, which can later become thick and dirty.
The health portal Healthline proposes eight ways to relieve the symptoms generated by a stuffy nose, and they are the following:
1. Use a humidifier: This machine turns water into moisture that slowly fills the air, and breathing in this moist air helps soften irritated tissues and swollen blood vessels in the nose. Humidifiers also dissolve mucus in the sinuses.
2. Take a hot shower: The steam from the shower helps dissolve mucus and reduce inflammation.
3. Stay Hydrated: According to Healthline It is very important to drink plenty of fluids when the nose is stuffy. Beverages help dissolve mucus in the nasal passages, pushing fluids out and decreasing pressure in the sinuses. Less pressure means less swelling and irritation.
4. Use a saline spray: Improving hydration with a saline solution increases moisture in the nasal passages and helps dissolve mucus, which decreases swelling of the blood vessels and helps empty fluids from the nose.
5. Nasal wash: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends using distilled or sterilized water instead of tap water. To do this, the nasal wash nozzle is placed in one of the nostrils and once the water flows it will come out through the other. This process is carried out for one minute and then the side is changed.
6. Including tibia: A warm compress can help decongest by opening the nasal passages from the outside. To prepare it, first soak a towel in warm water. It is squeezed, then folded and placed over the nose and forehead. Heat provides pain relief and helps relieve inflammation.
7. Decongestants: Decongestant medications help reduce inflammation and minimize pain associated with irritated nasal passages. One of the recommendations is not to take a decongestant for more than three days without the supervision of a doctor.
8. Antihistamines or allergy medications: These medications may work if the cause of the congestion is the result of an allergic reaction. Both types help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, aiding in the decongestion process.