Tis the season to be jolly… but tis also the season of the flu! Whether you’ve got the flu or just a common cold, they all come with a bunged up nose. There are few things more annoying than a nasal passage that simply won’t function as it should. If you’ve found yourself googling ‘ways to unblock a nose’ you’re probably at the last straw… you’ve come to the right place.
Hot Bath or Shower
When your nasal passage is congested, hot steam can help to unblock the congestion. When this happens mucus will drain from the nose, but a runny nose is better than a blocked nose. It might be more annoying and you might get through an obscene amount of tissue! However, breathing should improve temporarily. It’s not a fix, but it will help for a few hours.
Rule Out Allergies
Although it might seem obvious that you’ve got a cold, it could be worth taking an antihistamine to rule out the chance of allergies. If you’ve got a runny or blocked nose but no other symptoms of cold, then this is a real possibility. You can develop allergies at any point in your life, so just because you’ve never had any previous allergies doesn’t mean you’re safe!
Try a Humidifier
That’s a humidifier (not a dehumidifier) just to confirm! The added moisture can assist in thinning the mucus in the nose. You can pick up a reasonably priced humidifier from somewhere like Amazon. Use a humidifier with caution. If humidity levels become too high they can make you sick. Dirty humidifiers can also be hazardous because they are breeding grounds for bacteria. If you have any respiratory-related health issues you should consult a doctor before using a humidifier in your home.
Water, Water & More Water
Stay well hydrated throughout any cold or flu symptoms. Drinking plenty of water also helps to thin out mucus and clear the nasal passageway. When the mucus things it reduces pressure in the sinuses and this also results in less irritation.
Peppermint Tea
The menthol in a peppermint tea could help to relieve that feeling of stuffiness and clear the way. Menthol is actually a chemical and the oil in peppermint leaves can also be antiviral. If that doesn’t work, at least it tastes good and warms you up on a Winter’s evening.
Saline Nasal Spray
This is essentially just salt water in a nasal spray applicator, so you could make your own saline solution to save money. Lean over a sink or bath when you pour the solution in to your nose. This way it can easily drain back out. Doing this three to four times a day should help clear a blockage by thinning the mucus.
Stop colds before they happen by looking after your health all year round. We recently shared some ideas to beat the Winter sniffles before they strike, so check out this post if you’re reading for prevention! After all, that’s the best solution.