Nasal congestion is a very common problem that is generally caused due to a change in the weather. However, there could be other possible reasons for the same too. At times, it can also act as a symptom of a potential sinus infection. You can recognize nasal congestion if you experience any of the following:
- Stuffy nose
- Runny nose
- Sinus pain
- Mucus building
- Swelling of the nasal tissue
Nasal congestion can also be caused due to an allergy. In such a case, you can take allergy medicine for instant relief. There are different home remedies too for nasal congestion, which can be tried out too.
However, if the congestion lasts long, you should immediately visit a doctor. This might be a symptom of Sinus, which might need immediate medical attention.
Causes of Nasal Congestion
Common cold, flu, and sinus infections are the most common causes of nasal congestion. It generally takes around a week to get better. Some of the significant reasons for nasal congestion are:
- Sinus infection or chronic sinusitis
- Allergies
- Irritants present in the environment
- Exposure to different chemicals
- Deviated septum
A sinus infection is similar to a common cold. However, the symptoms of a sinus infection last for about ten days. In case you have Chronic sinusitis, it will take about 12 weeks for the symptoms to go.
People use some of the best decongestants to get relief from nasal congestion. Different home remedies can be used for quick and effective relief. Also, if you have sinusitis, and it is causing nasal congestion, you cannot cure it by taking antibiotics.
Remedies For Nasal Congestion
You can opt for several home remedies in this case. These remedies are generally right at your disposal. You have to be aware of these home remedies.
Some of the common remedies are:
1. Using Humidifiers
Humidifiers are becoming popular, given the various uses it can be put to. These humidifiers add moisture and warmth to the air. This might help in soothing the inflamed nasal passages and giving immediate relief.
2. Saline sprays
Saline sprays work for people belonging to all age groups except babies. Saline sprays keep the cilia healthy and fresh. It also helps in curing nasal congestion.
3. Consume a lot of water
It is essential to flush the virus or the allergens out of your system. Therefore, it is vital to consume a lot of water. Try drinking about 80 ounces of water in a day.
4. Add moisture to your surroundings
Moisture keeps your sinuses hydrated. It is imperative to keep the sinus hydrated as it relieves pressure. A lot of people use humidifiers for this.
Saline nasal sprays also serve the same purpose. Alternatively, you can also use a vaporizer and take steam using hot water. It will keep the congestion under control.
You can opt for a hot shower, or you can breathe in some damp air. Alternatively, you can cover your head and a bowl of hot water with a thick towel and breathe the damp air. Make sure that your face is at least 10 inches away from the bowl.
5. Consume food with antibacterial properties
To fight nasal decongestion and Sinus, you need to add antibacterial food to your diet. You can have ginger and onions along with your food. You can also use them while preparing curries.
You can also have a ginger tea. A few drops of honey will make the tea more effective. This will help you in keeping off sinus.
6. Use oils
Eucalyptus oil is known for being great when it comes to opening up the sinus by decongestion. The oil also helps in clearing up the mucus build-up. The cineole present in the oil helps people suffering from acute sinusitis.
Eucalyptus oil can be applied either on the forehead or the chest. You can also inhale it by adding a few drops in the diffuser. You can also rub the oil on your tongue and then have water.
7. Neti Pot
Using a neti pot is the best way to go about the nasal irrigation process. This process helps in easing out all the symptoms of the sinus. A neti pot can also be used by the people who are suffering from chronic sinus.
The pot has to be filled with saline solution. Then, you just have to insert the spout of the neti pot into one of your nostrils. Post that, pour the solution slows down the nostril.
The neti pot should be thoroughly washed and sanitized after every use. Make sure that you use distilled water as the water is going inside your body through the nostrils. Water that is not filtered might make your condition worse.
8. Medications
Trying home remedies is the best way to go about things. However, there is no surety if these remedies will work or not in the case of critical sinus. In that case, you must immediately visit the doctor.
The doctor would recommend you some over the counter medicines which might provide you with immediate relief. Some of these decongestants narrow down your blood vessels and give comfort to your body.
Medications should always be prescribed by the doctor. Don’t take any medicines on your own except the universal ones who have widely accepted usages. The pain arises due to the pressure that gets built up in the nasal passage.
9. Warm compressions
Moist and warm heat is known to work wonders in case a sinus infection comes into the picture. You can wrap your nose with damp towels. You can also use some more damp towels to cover your nose, eyes, and cheeks.
These damp towels would ease your pain, and your face would feel lighter and better. Also, the nasal passage is cleared by the heat, which is applied to the nose.
Conclusion
Sinus can be bothering. It plays with your productivity. Therefore, make sure that you keep yourself protected from any externalities that can trigger your sinus infection.
You can keep yourself off smoking. Also, you can use a clean humidifier to keep the air moist in your room.
