Colds: 6 home remedies to quickly clear your nose

A runny nose or nasal congestion occurs when the tissue in the nasal cavity swells due to inflammation of the blood vessels. It’s usually caused by a cold, flu, or sinus infection and usually clears up within a week. Other causes of this condition are allergic rhinitis or other allergies, excessive use of certain nasal drops or sprays for more than 3 days.

The best home remedies for stuffy nose.

It is important to avoid medications such as nasal sprays as they can cause what is known as “rebound congestion”, a rebound effect that can occur after regular use of decongestant sprays, as the sprays nasal sprays have less effect on the nose than sensitive drugs.

So it is recommended to try some home remedies to fix this problem. The most representative are the following: rhinitis, rhinitis of pregnancy or vasomotor rhinitis.

Steam

Inhalation of aromatic vapours, especially eucalyptus, is highly recommended as it contains compounds with antispasmodic, relaxing, expectorant and pest-fighting properties.

It can be purchased at a pharmacy or prepared at home. If you choose the second option, mix 250 ml of hot water with 3 g of salt and a pinch of baking soda. It should be taken 3-4 times a day.

Drinking water

Water is essential to dilute and facilitate secretions and thus improve breathing. It can also be drunk as a tea, especially those with decongestant properties like eucalyptus or peppermint. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends drinking 1.5 to 2 liters of water a day.

Hydrate the environment

Using a humidifier at home can help moisten the tissues of the airways, making them less irritating. It also relieves discomfort and facilitates the evacuation of mucus secretions.

hot compress

Apply a warm, moist compress to the face several times a day. It should be placed on the nose and forehead and will immediately relieve pain and inflammation in the nostrils.

Tape

Duct tapes, although not a home remedy, can be purchased at pharmacies and are excellent to widen the nasal walls and thus facilitate breathing.

It is important to see a doctor if you experience the following symptoms:

Nasal congestion with swelling of the forehead, eyes, sides of the nose or cheeks, or blurred vision. No more sore throats and white or yellow spots on the tonsils or elsewhere in the throat.
Nasal discharge that smells badly comes from only one side or is not white or yellow in color. A cough that lasts more than 10 days or produces greenish-yellow or gray mucus. Runny nose after a head injury.

If symptoms persist for more than 3 weeks seek medical attention.