Congestion can cause snoring, interrupt your breathing and even make running around Laurel Park feel impossible. Decongestants are one effective way to improve congestion temporarily, but you can’t take them for more than a few days, as prolonged use can worsen your stuffy nose.
Let’s examine a few ways to minimize congestion at home and what to do if it persists.
At-Home Congestion Relief
A few ways you can minimize congestion without medication include:
- Nasal irrigation. Using a Neti pot or other irrigation system, flush your sinuses with a warm water saline solution. With your head over a sink, start by tilting your head toward your shoulder and pouring the solution into the upward-facing nostril. Keep your head tilted until the solution has drained out of the other nostril. Repeat on the other side and blow your nose. Some solution may trickle into your throat. Do your best not to swallow any of the solution.
- Warm compress. A warm compress reduces nasal and sinus inflammation, allowing congested mucus to drain. Soak a damp rag in medium-hot water and drape it over your nose, cheeks and brow line.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Fluids help thin mucus, allowing it to drain. Drink plenty of water, herbal tea and fruit or vegetable juices.
- Run a humidifier. Dry air can irritate and inflame the nasal and sinus tissues, leading to congestion. Run a humidifier to add a little extra moisture to the air. You can try sleeping with one in your bedroom.
- Sleep with your head elevated. Sleeping with your head elevated helps promote mucus drainage, ideally minimizing congestion and the associated snoring. With less snoring, you’ll feel more rested, and your partner will thank you.
What To Do for Long-Lasting Congestion
Long-lasting or frequently recurring congestion is likely the result of an underlying condition, including but not limited to:
- Allergies
- Sinus infection
- Environmental irritants (smoke, dry air, etc.)
- Nasal polyps
- Deviated septum
- Ear infection
Our ENT specialists can identify and treat the underlying cause of your congestion to bring you lasting relief. Contact Midwest ENT Centre to schedule your appointment today.