Do you wake up every morning feeling like a ton of bricks dropped on your chest, and you cannot breathe through your nose? Or perhaps you have been blowing your nose all day, and you are almost running out of tissue boxes at home. We feel you, we do.
Nasal congestion, sometimes dubbed as stuffy nose or rhinitis by health professionals, refers to the inflammation of the linings of the nasal cavity. It is a prevalent symptom caused by anything that could possibly irritate or inflame the nasal tissue – such as common cold, environmental irritants, pregnancy, stress, or even underlying health conditions like allergies, acute sinusitis and sleep apnea.
Individuals experiencing nasal congestion tend to suffer from stuffy or runny nose, sinus pain, mucus build-up or swollen nasal tissue. It can also be accompanied by other side effects such as headache.
Nasal congestion can affect your quality of life and ability to perform everyday activities. While the symptoms usually settle on their own, there are some home remedies that can help relieve them faster.
1. Invest in a Humidifier
Experts have agreed that adding humidity to the air with a humidifier is generally a good way to ease some of the discomfort of nasal congestion. The humidifier converts liquid water to water vapour, increasing the humidity of an indoor space. At the same time, the water vapour counteracts dryness in the nose and alleviates irritated tissues and swollen blood vessels. Aside from that, it also helps to thin the mucus in your sinuses, making it easier to clear from your nasal passages.
2. Take Warm Showers
Another technique of soothing nasal congestion would be to take warm showers. The steam from a warm shower adds moisture to the air, consequently helping to thin out the mucus in your nose and reduce inflammation.
3. Steam Therapy
Next, you might also want to consider filling up a large bowl with warm water. This is the most widely used home remedy for ages, as the moist air is believed to help loosen the mucus in the nasal passages and improve nasal obstruction.
Grab a towel, lean over the bowl, cover your head with the towel and take deep breaths through your mouth and nose.
4. Stay Hydrated
By now, it is clear that moisture is your friend if you suffer from nasal congestion. Not just moisture in the air, but adequate hydration can, too, thin the mucus in your nose and help the mucus membrane function right. It will also help to prevent stagnant mucus from building up in your sinuses and lungs – so be sure to keep a bottle or two close at hand.
5. Use a Nasal Spray or Nasal Decongestant
Besides making changes to the environment around you, you can also focus on keeping your nasal passages and sinuses moist by getting a nasal spray or nasal decongestant. These products work by shrinking the blood vessels and tissues in the sinuses, allowing more air to flow through.
Depending on your application preference, you can choose one with a spray mechanism like our Sato Nazal Spray or a pump type applicator like our Sato Nazal Spray Pump. Both products are formulated with active ingredients to bring fast relief to Singaporeans suffering from stuffy or congested nose. Nasal sprays can reduce inflammation, such as that caused by allergies. Examples include fluticasone (Flonase Allergy Relief, Flonase Sensimist Allergy Relief), budesonide (Rhinocort Allergy) and mometasone (Nasonex).
Don’t Let Nasal Congestion Get in Your Way
Nasal congestion can be a significant hindrance in your daily life, but these simple techniques may just be the answer to your way out of it. Complement them with a healthy diet and plenty of rest, and you will find yourself breathing easy again in no time.
