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Six effective ways to combat nasal congestion
Many people believe that nasal congestion is the result of a mucus clot in the nasal passage. However, nasal congestion is actually caused by inflamed blood vessels in the sinus.
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Other than drugs such as decongestants, there are several ways to alleviate nasal congestion. (Shutterstock/File)
W
hen your nose is congested, breathing can be a challenge. Whatever the cause — allergies, a cold, or flu — breathing difficulties can make you feel weary and exhausted. Many people believe that nasal congestion is the result of a mucus clot in the nasal passage. However, nasal congestion is actually caused by inflamed blood vessels in the sinus.
“The nose has a broad valve of blood vessel tissues that opens and closes,” said Scott P. Stringer, MD, professor of Otolaryngology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and Director of Rhinology and Paranasal Sinus Committee of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. When the nose is irritated, the nervous system is also stimulated, causing the valve of the blood vessels to open, resulting in more blood flowing to the nose. This condition triggers swelling in the nasal passage, making it difficult to breathe.
Other than drugs such as decongestants, there are several other ways to alleviate nasal congestion.
Deactive AC and fan
Humid and warm air is the quickest way to overcome cold and nasal congestion. Breathing in humid air can relieve inflammation and swelling of the nose’s blood vessels. It also helps as a mucus thinner in the sinus. Alternatively, you can perform a facial sauna. Lean your face right above a bowl of hot water, hang a towel over your head until the bowl is covered completely, then inhale the steam for about 10 minutes. Repeat two or three times a day until you can breathe with relief.
(Read also: Children who suck their thumbs less prone to allergies: Study)
Drink lots of water
Warm water can help thin the mucus in the nasal passage and relieve pain due to a congested nose. For added variation, you can drink ginger tea, mint, or warm lemon tea with honey that contains antiseptic agents and natural decongestant to ease breathing.
Eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus oil, also present in many ointments and balms, can help thin the mucus in a congested nose. Just lean your head above a bowl of hot water mixed with a few drops of Eucalyptus oil. Hang a towel over your head until the bowl is covered, then inhale the steam for about 10 minutes. Eucalyptus oil is scientifically proven as a home remedy that can eliminate various kinds of bacteria causing nasal congestion, such as sinus infection.
Saline spray
Saline spray provides the extra humidity needed by a congested nose. It will thin mucus and relieve inflammation of nasal blood vessels. Saline spray is available at pharmacies. Many products also contain some decongestants. But before applying this kind of product, discuss with your doctor beforehand. Saline sprays that contain decongestants can have side effects if used simultaneously with other medicine and can also worsen the nasal congestion symptoms if used over three days.
Chew some garlic
Garlic contains antibacterial and antifungal agents, useful for curing various health issues, including nasal congestion due to fever and flu. Findings of a study in the UK show that participants who were given garlic supplements for 12 weeks in a row during flu season had lower frequency of getting flu than participants who were not given any. If the idea of chewing raw garlic may seem disturbing to you, you can try to sautee 1-2 cloves of garlic and add some vegetable or pasta. Or, you can add a couple of slices or mashed garlic into a bowl of hot water and steam your face for 10 minutes.
Nose massage
Massage either side of the nose near the tip of the eye using your right thumb and fore finger. At the same time, use your fingers and the heel of your left hand to massage your nape. (kes)
