Are you dealing with nasal congestion? This all-too-common issue is often uncomfortable and inconvenient. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to help alleviate nasal congestion at home without waiting for it to go away on its own. Here is a look at the causes of nasal congestion and some remedies you should consider.
What's Causing My Congestion?
Nasal congestion occurs when fluid builds up in the nose, causing a feeling of
stuffiness and sometimes swelling,. The nasal passages can feel �blocked� even when there is not much mucus in them, and breathing through the nose can be hindered. Simultaneously, the blood vessels in and around the nose become inflamed.
A variety of causes exist for nasal congestion. Most common among them is the presence of an infection, either mild or more-than-mild. Per
mayoclinic.com, the types of infections that frequently lead to nasal congestion include the common cold, the flu, and sinusitis (a sinus infection). Seasonal allergies are another frequent cause, as well as stress, thyroid disorders, sleep apnea, and other issues. If another health issue is causing your nasal congestion, then treating that issue is very important.
Remedies for Nasal Congestion
Eucalyptus oil is an essential oil that can be useful both in alleviating the stuffiness that occurs with nasal congestion, and in potentially killing some of the germs contributing to the issue, per
medicalnewstoday.com. There are few different ways to use it; Adding a few drops to hot water and gently inhaling the steam can work. Applying eucalyptus oil to a tissue and inhaling some gently from that can work as well.
Inhaling steam might bring relief to the nasal passages, per
emedihealth.com. The warm moisture, while inhaled, might help relieve the inflammation and congestion occurring in the nose, and also help to lubricate the nasal passages so that mucus can be easily expelled. Gently inhaling some purified hot or boiling water for a few minutes at a time is worth the try. Adding some aromatic herbs or essential oils may enhance the effects.
Drinking tea is a soothing and enjoyable measure that might bring some relief, per
everydayhealth.com. There is no scientific evidence to support tea as being effective for relieving nasal congestion, but many people swear by it. The aroma and warmth of herbal tea help some feel that their symptoms lighten up during and after drinking it. Green tea and chamomile tea are two common types of tea that those with nasal congestion might benefit from.
Apple cider vinegar, combined with warm water, is often used to treat nasal congestion, per
commonsensehome.com. Like tea, both the powerful aroma and the warmth of this mixture can help to loosen up the nasal passages. Some like to add lemon juice or cayenne to the mixture to increase its potency.
The use of a neti pot can help relieve symptoms by encouraging the production and expulsion of mucus, per
medicalnewstoday.com. A saline solution, consisting of salt and water, is allowed to gently enter through one nostril and out the other using a neti pot. This is a method that has long been used to treat nasal congestion. If you use this method, be sure to clean the pot before using.
Applying a warm compress to the nose and surrounding area can help promote blood flow, and reduce inflammation of the blood vessels in the area, per
emedihealth.com. It can also help loosen up mucus so that it's easier to get rid of. Applying warm water to a towel, ringing it out, and laying back with this on the bridge of your nose for a few minutes at a time could do the trick. Do this one to two times per day.
