How to Treat a Stuffy Nose

• You can also simply turn on the hot shower and sit in the bathroom with the door shut.
• Try tapping your forehead and upper jaw (on both sides of your nose and above your eyebrows) to help break up the mucus, then blow your nose to clear it out.
• A cool mist humidifier can also help clear a blocked nose, so consider running one in your bedroom at night, if possible. Be sure to clean it weekly.

• Follow the instructions on the packaging. The usual dosage is 2-3 sprays every 2-3 hours.
• If you prefer not to buy a nasal spray, you can easily make your own at home. Mix ¼ teaspoon (1.5 g) of non-iodized salt with ½ cup (120 ml) of warm distilled or purified water. Draw the solution into a syringe and gently squirt a small amount into each nostril.
• Alternatively, you can use a neti pot to rinse your sinuses. However, never use tap water or a saline solution made with tap water in the neti pot, as tap water can contain bacteria or amoebas that may cause serious, life-threatening infections. Also, be sure to clean the pot thoroughly after each use.

• These strips are commonly marketed as anti-snoring products and are available at pharmacies and some supermarkets.

• You may need to heat the cloth a few times to feel the benefits, so be patient. Try applying it while you relax with music or watching TV.

Tip: To boost the effect, you can add a few slices of fresh ginger to the water before soaking the cloth. Ginger helps reduce inflammation and makes it easier to breathe through your nose.

• Only apply the oil to your neck or chest.
• Massage oils are generally not safe for children under the age of 2.

• Drink plenty of water while eating, and gently blow your nose after eating.
• You could also try a chicken noodle dish with some freshly chopped garlic to boost your immunity and clear your nose.

• If you have a cold, choose a decongestant. Decongestants help reduce swelling and inflammation in your nasal passages, making it easier to breathe. You can take these orally in pill or liquid form, or use a nasal spray. Note that nasal sprays should only be used for up to 3 consecutive days to avoid rebound effects, while oral decongestants can be taken for 5-7 days.
• If you have allergies, such as hay fever, antihistamines like Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra, or similar medications are a good option. These reduce nasal congestion and help with other symptoms, such as sneezing. Be aware that some antihistamines can cause drowsiness, so it’s best to find a non-drowsy version for daytime use, and avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
• Flonase and Nasacort sprays contain corticosteroids, which can also help if your congestion is caused by allergies. Corticosteroids work by reducing inflammation.

Note: Blowing your nose forcefully multiple times can worsen inflammation in the delicate nasal tissues, making the congestion worse. It might seem counterintuitive, but you’ll feel better if you use fewer tissues.

• Warm drinks can be especially effective in loosening mucus.
• Avoid sugary drinks like fruit juices or sodas as they lack essential nutrients and electrolytes. Sugar can also weaken your immune system.
• Stay away from caffeine, such as coffee, as it can lead to dehydration.

• If you're used to sleeping on your stomach or side, try sleeping on your back with your head elevated when you're unwell.

• If you need help with quitting smoking, consult your doctor.

• You can prepare saline solution at home by mixing ¼ teaspoon (1.5 g) of non-iodized salt with ½ cup (120 ml) of warm distilled or boiled water.
• If you're using tap water, be sure to boil it and let it cool before preparing the saline solution. Not doing so could allow bacteria or amoebas to enter your baby’s sinuses, and in rare cases, this could be life-threatening.

• Alternatively, you can twist a tissue corner and wipe inside your child’s nostril. Never insert a cotton swab into a baby’s nose.

• If you don't have a humidifier, you can run a hot shower and sit with your child in the bathroom (but not under the running water) to let the steam loosen the mucus for your baby.

Warning: Avoid using warm mist humidifiers as the heat can promote the growth of bacteria and germs, spreading them around the house.

• You can also use a bassinet to prop up your baby's head.
• Never use pillows to elevate your baby’s head, as this increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

• Remember that a bacterial infection can develop from a runny nose, meaning that initial congestion from allergies may turn into an infection. If this happens, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help you recover much faster than if you didn't take medication.
• In rare cases, the mucus may contain blood or appear red. You should see a doctor immediately.

• Fever above 38.5°C
• Sore throat
• Blocked or runny nose
• Swelling
• Headache
• Aches and pains
• Fatigue

• The doctor may advise you to continue caring for the baby at home.
• If your baby has a high fever over 38°C, make an appointment with the doctor on the same day or take your baby to the emergency room. Fever is a sign of infection, so it's best to be sure your baby doesn't need further treatment.

• If only one nostril is congested, try lying on the opposite side; this might help clear the blocked nostril.
• Try breathing fresh air. If you don't suffer from hay fever, sometimes this can provide relief.
• Rub coconut oil under your nose to moisturize dry, sore skin caused by blowing your nose. Coconut oil also has antimicrobial properties.
• If using essential oils, place a heating pad on your chest to allow the oils to reach your nose.
• Use saltwater. There's no need to measure the exact amount of salt—just sprinkle a little into a cup of warm water, but be mindful that too much salt can dry out your throat.
• Mix peppermint and eucalyptus bath salts in a bowl of steaming water. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam to clear your sinuses until the water cools.

• Be cautious when steaming, as boiling steam can cause serious burns.
• If you're making a saline nasal spray or using a nasal rinse bottle, make sure to use distilled or filtered water to prevent bacteria or amoeba contamination. If tap water is used, boil it and allow it to cool before preparing the solution.
• Avoid using warm mist humidifiers, as they can promote bacterial growth.
• Be aware that decongestant medications containing pseudoephedrine may be contraindicated for certain individuals.