We breathe tens of thousands of times a day because we cannot live without the oxygen we breathe in. When our main organ, the nose, from which we take this breath, is blocked due to many different reasons, we start to breathe through our mouth and let’s face it, this is not a very pleasant situation. While nasal congestion is a routine discomfort for all of us during the winter months, it can also be seen as an allergic reaction in some of us.
So what should we do, how do we get rid of nasal congestion the fastest? Depending on the ailment experienced, sometimes we need to go to the doctor and take medicine. However, there are some methods that we can open our nose by applying ourselves in simple blockages. However, we cannot expect all of these methods to offer an easy solution for everyone. Let’s take a closer look at what are the ways to open nasal congestion at home.
Let’s understand the case first; What is nasal congestion, what causes it?
Nasal congestion, also known as nasal congestion, is a condition in which the air channels in our nose are somehow closed or narrowed. This obstruction is generally caused by edema in the veins in the air duct. Of course, there is no such thing as a complete blockage of our nose, but the passing air is so little and the pressure created is so high that we feel as if we have really stuck something in our nose and blocked it.
One of the most common causes of nasal congestion is influenza-related upper respiratory tract infections. Another reason is seasonal, external factors or personal allergic reactions. Polluted air, cigarette smoke, and different chemicals can also block our nose by developing non-allergic rhinosinitis.
How long does nasal congestion last and when does it go away?
If it is not one of the symptoms of a major illness, nasal congestion is generally accepted as an innocent discomfort. Nasal congestion caused by an upper respiratory tract infection caused by the flu can last for 1 to 2 weeks. This period may vary depending on the intensity of the inflammation and the use of antibiotic drugs if prescribed by the physician.
Do not rush to the doctor immediately; Here are ways to clear nasal congestion at home
- nose massage
- Olive oil
- Mint oil
- Saltwater
- Lavender
- Ginger tea
- apple cider vinegar
- Steam
Nose massage:
In the case of nasal congestion, the sinuses and nasal flesh are generally swollen. In this case, even if the inflammation has decreased, the congestion may persist. Therefore, take some peppermint oil in your hand and massage your nose. If you take a deep breath by gently massaging your nose, your cheekbones and forehead, you will see that your nasal congestion is greatly relieved.
Olive oil:
If you regularly consume olive oil, which has been used for healing purposes since ancient times, your immune system will become stronger and you will overcome such infections more easily. Another little-known feature of olive oil is that it can be dripped into the nose. If you put a drop of olive oil in your nostrils before going to bed at night, you will both breathe easier and the antibacterial, antiviral and antimicrobial structure of olive oil will solve your inflammations. Be careful not to drip too little.
Mint oil:
Peppermint oil is the biggest enemy of nasal congestion, thanks to its pungent smell and antiviral and antibacterial properties. If you smell peppermint oil from time to time during the day, you will notice that your nose is opened thanks to its harsh smell. If your nasal congestion is caused by inflammation, adding a drop of peppermint oil to your nose will also open your nose, even if it hurts a little.
Saltwater:
The cloakless warrior of nasal congestion is salt water, as we all know. You can buy ready-made sea water from pharmacies, or you can make it yourself at home by adding a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water. If you clean your nose with this salt water several times a day, both inflammation will decrease and your nose will open.
Lavender:
Lavender is also good for nasal congestion due to its antiviral, antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Put dried or fresh lavender in a pot of boiling water and boil for another ten minutes. When you wash your nose with the remaining water after removing the lavender, you will see that both the inflammation is reduced and your nose is opened.
Ginger tea:
The tea you make using fresh ginger or ginger powder will loosen the mucous membrane and open the air channels in your nose. You can both drink ginger tea and wash your nose in its warm form.
Apple cider vinegar:
No, you’re not sniffing it. Add a tablespoon of vinegar to a glass of warm water and add honey if you wish and drink it while you are sick. Thus, both the mucus will be thinned and the bacteria will be destroyed. It is also possible to gargle with the mixture you prepared by adding a little more vinegar.
Steam:
Another method that is as effective as salt water against nasal congestion is steam inhalation. Take the boiling water in a large bowl. You can add peppermint oil or lavender oil if you wish. Then, cover your head with a towel, bend over this bowl and breathe deeply into the still smoking steam. Within minutes, you will feel that your nasal congestion is decreasing.
Ways to sleep with a stuffy nose:
- Keep your head elevated with a high pillow so that the mucus stays down and your nasal congestion is relieved.
- If you run a humidifier in your room, it will be easier to sleep.
- Drink lukewarm water often
- Soften mucus by taking a warm shower before bed.
- Take brine or sea salt.
- Enlarge your nostrils using a nasal strip.
When should you go to the doctor?
All these methods we have described are methods that you can apply at home for simple nasal congestion. If you have cough, weakness, high fever or similar in addition to nasal congestion, and if you do not have nasal congestion lasting longer than two weeks, you should definitely go to the doctor. Because nasal congestion can be a minor symptom of a much larger infection.
We talked about simple methods that you can apply by answering the question of what are the ways to open nasal congestion, which is a common ailment we all experience. What we describe is for informational purposes only. Do not forget that you should get the most accurate and specific information about nasal congestion from a specialist physician, as in all health issues.
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