Get insights on how to get rid of a stuffy nose instantly. A condition known as nasal congestion, stuffiness, or obstruction to nasal breathing is a problem that has been affecting people since time in memorial. Some people may just ignore the condition while others usually take it as a source of great discomfort to their well- being.
Stuffy Nose Symptoms
When you are having a stuffy nose, it may be accompanied by numerous other symptoms. Let us look at some of them here:
- It is often that you also experience sneezing and a dripping nose.
- Nasal congestion can as well result in severe headache in some people.
Addition symptoms to be keen for since they may signal something more serious than a stuffy nose include:
- green mucus draining from the nose
- facial pain
- pain in the ear
- headache
- fever
- coughing
- chest tightness
People who get some of these symptoms above should take as an important factor visit their doctor immediately to ascertain if a bacterial infection or any other complication.
Stuffy Nose Causes
Nasal congestion is a problem that is well – known and a good number of people in your surrounding could be suffering from it as we post now. Nasal congestion may occur when the blood vessels inside the nose become inflamed and the nasal tissues swell up clogging the nostril. Excess mucus drainage may also be accompanied with this problem.
In a number of occasions, nasal congestion is a problem that will get you temporarily. So what causes that stuffed up nose feeling? Some of the following conditions can cause you a stuffy nose:
- Infection
- Viral infections
Usually a common cold which is caused by a viral infection is one of the most common triggers of a stuffy nose. There are several viruses that can cause a cold, with the rhinovirus being the most common.
An average adult person can suffer a common cold two to three times per year if with a poor immune system. These viral infections are more often in childhood because immunity often strengthens with age. A cold is caused by one of many viruses, some of which are airborne, but most are transmitted through contact.
Once the virus is absorbed by the nose, it causes the body to release histamine, (a chemical which dramatically increases blood flow to the nose) which results to nasal tissue to swell. This inflames the nasal membranes causing it to be congested with blood and produce excessive amounts of mucus that block the nasal airway. Antihistamines and decongestants can help relieve the symptoms of a cold, but no medication has been proven to cure it yet. Otherwise, time is what is needed to get rid of the infection.
- Bacterial infection
During a viral infection, the nose has poor resistance to bacteria, which is why infections of the nose and sinuses often will present itself after a cold. When the nasal mucus turns from clear to yellow or green, it usually a sign of bacterial infection taking place. In case you experience this, it is a good option that you go seeing your medical provider for examination and treatment.
- Acute sinus infections
It produces nasal congestion and thick discharge. Pain may be felt in cheeks and upper teeth, between and behind the eyes, or above the eyes and in the forehead, depending on which sinuses are involved.
- Chronic sinus infections
They may or may not cause pain, but usually are accompanied by nasal obstruction and offensive nasal or postnasal discharge. Some people develop polyps which appear as fleshy growths in the nose from sinus infections, and the infection can spread to the lower airways, leading to a chronic cough, bronchitis, or asthma. Usually, acute sinus infections generally respond to antibiotic treatment; chronic sinusitis may require surgery.
- Vasomotor Rhinitis
Rhinitis means inflammation of the nose and nasal membranes whereas Vasomotor means pertaining to the nerves that control the blood vessels. Membranes in the nose have an abundant supply of arteries, veins, and capillaries, which expand and constrict at their normal activities. Normally these blood vessels are in a half-open state. But when a person exercises vigorously, adrenaline levels goes up. This causes constriction of the nasal membranes so that the air passages open up and the person breathes freely.
The opposite takes place when an allergic attack or a cold develops. During a cold, blood vessels expand, membranes become congested, and the nose becomes stuffy, or blocked.
- Allergic rhinitis
This is a very common condition in human beings. According to research findings from great organizations, this is a condition that most of the Americans are affected from. Allergy is an exaggerated inflammatory response to a substance which, in the case of a stuffy nose, is usually pollen, mold, animal dander, or some element in house dust. Pollen may cause problems during spring, summer, and fall, whereas house dust allergies are often most evident in the winter.
Allergic rhinitis occurs when your body’s immune system overreacts with a substance that is usually not harmful. Common triggers of allergic rhinitis are pollen, dust, and pet dander. A part from a stuffy nose, other accompanied symptoms may include sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes. It has not yet been proven why some people develop allergic rhinitis, but having a family history of allergies is one of the risk factors.
- Occupational rhinitis
It is almost similar to allergic rhinitis. It usually occurs when someone has a reaction to a substance in their work environment. Symptoms resulted from it may include stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and coughing. People who work in chemicals, wood dust, and grain areas may be at an increased risk of developing this condition.
- Pregnancy rhinitis
Pregnancy is usually accompanied by numerous complications on a woman’s body, and that can include the nose. During pregnancy, hormones including progesterone and estrogen go above the normal rate. The rise in these hormones along with increased blood flow can cause swelling of the mucous membranes inside the nose. This is usually visible with stuffy nose and sneezing.
Pregnancy rhinitis can occur at any time during pregnancy period. Symptoms will go away a short time after delivery.
- Atrophic rhinitis
It may present itself when there is thinning and hardening of the mucous membranes inside the nose. The thinning tissues make it easier for bacteria to grow and cause an infection in the nose. Crusts also appear as a result of this condition in your nose. This problem is most common in people who have had multiple nose surgeries.
- Structural abnormalities
- Deformed nasal septum and nose
The thin, flat cartilage and bone that divides the two sides of the nose and nostrils can as well result to this problem. These deformities are usually the result of an injury, which may have sometimes occurred in someone’s childhood. Research has it that 7% of newborn babies suffer significant nasal injury in the birth process. Nasal injuries may occur in both children and adults. If they obstruct breathing, surgical correction may be done to correct the problem.
- Enlarged adenoids
This is one of the most common known causes of nasal obstruction in children. Adenoid is a tonsil-like tissue which is located in the back of the nose, behind the palate. Children with this problem may experience noisy breathing at night and they are often heard snoring when they sleep. Children who are chronic mouth breathers may develop a sagging face and dental deformities as research has revealed. In this case, surgery can be done to remove the adenoids and/or tonsils.
- Nasal tumors and foreign bodies
These may be other causes of stuffy nose in this category. Children are usually involved with inserting small objects into their noses. If a foul-smelling discharge is observed draining from a child’s nostril, you should contact a doctor immediately for help.
In the early stages of these disorders, nasal stuffiness is temporary and can be reversed. It usually improves when the primary cause of the problem is corrected.
How to Get Rid of a Stuffy Nose Instantly
This problem can be uncomfortable; however it is nothing to worry about in most cases. There may be times when it is important that you see a doctor in this case, especially if symptoms don’t seem to be going away. The amount of time it takes for symptoms to improve may depend on the cause but most people recover from a cold in about 10 days.
Here are ways to get rid of nasal congestion instantly
- Hot shower
Take a hot shower before bed, or sit in the bathroom with the hot shower running, as the steam will help open up your sinuses. This will also help drain the mucus so you can breathe easier through your nose.
- Take a hot soup
You may take a hot chicken soup making sure that you don’t burn your mouth. Some studies have found that a hot soup contains a compound that can reduce swelling and help relieve cold and flu symptoms.
- Take some herbal tea
This can soothe a sore throat and loosen the gunk in your nose and lungs. Researchers at Cardiff University found that sipping hot drinks can give quick relief from runny nose, cough, and sneezing. When someone is sick, the body needs more fluid to fight off the infection. But avoid caffeine and alcohol as both can dry you out and zap the energy you need to feel better.
- Try a Nasal Rinse
This can be acquired from your local drugstore. It comes in a squeeze bottle. Or you can buy a neti pot kit, which looks like a little teapot. Both have a spout that goes into the nostril to rinse out mucus. This will help flush out mucus so you feel less stuffed up.
You can also make your own nasal rinse at your home. Just mix 3 teaspoons of iodide-free salt and 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a container. Scoop 1 teaspoon of the powder into 1 cup of lukewarm, distilled water and stir it until it is fine. This can still help.
How to Sleep with a Stuffy Nose
When you have a stuffy, runny nose, and sore throat, all you want to do is have a sleep. But that cannot happen if you can’t breathe well. However, if the condition persists, your blood vessels will lose their capacity to constrict, much like varicose veins. When you lie down on one side, the lower side becomes congested, which interferes with your sleep. It is helpful to sleep with the head of the bed elevated two to four inches to get some sleep.
- Also, raise your head. This is one of the best things you can do to get some sleep fast. Keeping your head elevated promotes your sinus drainage. You can add to your head an extra pillow, as your sinuses will stay clear and you won’t wake up in the middle of the night because of difficulty in breathing.
- Running the heater in winter dries out the air hence the air that enters your nose is kept dry. If you breathe through your mouth, you may wake up with a sore, scratchy throat.
- Also you can use a humidifier. You will breathe easier and sleep better. It might also help keep you in a better condition: A 2013 study found that raising humidity levels above 40% helped to lower the risk of people getting a cold flu.
How to get rid of a Blocked Nose in bed
Stuffed up nose may give you problems especially when you are in your bed. Regardless of the reason for your stuffed-up nose, there are easy ways to relieve it at the comfort of your bed. Here are some of the things you can do now to feel and breathe better.
- Use a humidifier
It provides a quick, easy way to reduce sinus pain and relieve a stuffy nose. The machine converts water to moisture that slowly fills the air, increasing the humidity in a room. Breathing in this moist air can soothe irritated tissues and swollen blood vessels in your nose and sinuses. Humidifiers also thin the mucus in your sinuses. This can help empty the fluids in your nose and return your breathing to normal. Put a humidifier in your room before sleeping to ease the inflammation causing your congestion.
- Use a saline spray
Take hydration one step further with saline, a saltwater solution. Using a nasal saline spray can increase the moisture in your nostrils. The spray helps thin the mucus in your nasal passages. This decreases the inflammation of your blood vessels and helps empty fluids from your nose. Numerous saline sprays are available over the counter.
Some saline sprays also include decongestant medication. Talk to your doctor before you begin using saline sprays with decongestants. They may actually make your congestion worse if used for more than three days. They can also cause side effects when used along with other medications.
How to Drain your Nose
Your nose is either plugged or like a leaky faucet, and your head feels like it as the opposite of the truth. It feels better to keep your eyes closed because they are always puffy and sore.
Sinus problems can be uncomfortable. However, there are effective way to drain your nose to alleviate the pain and discomfort of sinus issues.
How to drain your sinuses
It is not the most glamorous task, but you can flush your clogged nostrils with a neti pot. A neti pot is a container designed to flush mucus and fluids out of your nasal passages. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommend that you use distilled or sterile water instead of tap water.
Here is how to use a neti pot:
- Stand with your head over a sink.
- Place the spout of the neti pot in one nostril.
- Tilt the neti pot until water enters your nasal passage.
- Once the water flows into your nostril, it will come out through your other nostril and empty into the sink.
- Do this for about one minute, and then switch sides.
How to Stop a Stuffy Nose
From chicken soup to neti pots to over-the-counter (OTC) medications, there are all sorts of ways to help you on how to get rid of stuffy nose. You may consult your doctor for treatment if you have been congested for more than 2 weeks. If not, use these tips to breathe easier.
- Nasal Wash
Rinse the inside of your nose with a nasal irrigation kit or neti poti as mentioned above to soften, loosen, and wash out mucus and instantly relieve your stuffy nose. It can be acquired at your local drugstore. While you’re there, pick up some saline solution.
You will want to irrigate your sinuses while standing over a sink or basin to capture the liquid. Pour, spray, or squirt a liberal amount of the solution into one nostril while tilting your head so it flows out the other nostril. Do this with each nostril. It also flushes away bacteria and irritants.
- hydrated your self
Drink fluids and run a humidifier or vaporizer. Fluids and humidification help to thin mucous and drain your sinuses. They also lubricate your sinuses and keep your skin hydrated.
- Steam
Steam helps relieve congestion by loosening mucus. Give yourself a steam treatment using a bowl of hot water and a large towel. Add menthol, camphor, or eucalyptus oils to the water, if you like. Place the towel over your head so it falls along the sides of the bowl, trapping the steam inside. Most people do this until the steam dissipates. The steam from a hot shower can also work but is a less concentrated experience.
- Chicken soup
It’s not an old wives’ tale. A number of studies support the benefits of chicken soup in helping ease congestion. One 2000 study found that chicken soup reduces inflammation associated with sinus congestion and colds.
So what’s the secret? Scientists haven’t identified the active ingredient in chicken soup, but they speculate that the steam combined with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the soup’s ingredients are what help clear the sinuses.
- Warm and cold compresses
Rotating warm and cold compresses on your sinuses should also help.
- Lay back with a warm compress draped across your nose, cheeks, and forehead for three minutes.
- Remove the warm compress and replace it with a cold compress for 30 seconds.
- Do this two to three times.
You can repeat this process two to six times each day.
Decongestants
Over-the-counter decongestants can shrink these vessels and help you breathe easier. Check the label for the ingredients phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine. Decongestant nasal sprays work the same way. But be careful! Your nose can get even stuffier if you use them for more than 4 or 5 days in a row. Sometimes these products can make you nervous or irritable.
Peppermint
Peppermint and its main active ingredient, menthol, are natural decongestants and may even thin out the gunk in your chest. You’ll find them in many chest rubs and cough drops. You can also drink peppermint tea. Buy it from the store, or make your own: Steep 1 teaspoon of dried peppermint in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Drink a cup up to five times a day.
More references
- Tips for sound sleep when you have a cold: http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/cold-relief-6-sleep-tips-to-help-you-breathe-easier#1
- Treatments for stuffy nose: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/313808.php
- Home remedies for sinus drainage: http://www.healthline.com/health/cold-flu/remedies-for-sinus-drainage#introduction1