Performing nasal irrigation, inhaling eucalyptus steam, and massaging the cheekbones are simple, natural, and effective measures that help to clear a blocked nose.
A blocked nose, also known as nasal congestion, can be caused by simple conditions like the flu or respiratory allergies, or by more serious situations such as prolonged use of nasal decongestants or changes in the structure of the nose. Discover the main causes of a blocked nose.
Therefore, when symptoms persist, it is important to consult a general practitioner or an ENT specialist to assess the causes of the blocked nose and to indicate the most appropriate treatment.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not discontinue any treatment without first consulting a doctor.
11 tips to unblock your nose
The main ways to unblock a nose are as follows:
1. Perform nasal washes
Nasal irrigation can be performed with a needleless syringe to remove excess nasal mucus and thus help to clear a blocked nose.
To perform a nasal rinse, simply dissolve 1 tablespoon of salt in a cup of water and fill a syringe or nasal irrigator. Then, place the syringe or irrigator in one nostril and inject the salt water, allowing the liquid to flow out the other nostril. Repeat the same process in the other nostril.
Another way to rinse your nose is to use a pre-prepared 0.9% saline solution.
2. Inhale the eucalyptus vapor
Inhaling eucalyptus vapors is an excellent way to clear a blocked nose. Furthermore, it causes no discomfort and can also be used by children. The steam thins secretions, and the eucalyptus has a decongestant effect, which helps to clear a blocked nose.
To perform the inhalation, simply dissolve 3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil in a bowl with 500 ml of boiling water and inhale the steam for about 5 minutes, placing a towel over your head to keep the steam inside.
3. Humidify the air
Humidifying the environment helps keep the airways hydrated and reduces local irritation, making it a good option for relieving discomfort and facilitating the removal of secretions.
To humidify the house, it is advisable to place buckets or basins of hot water in the room, take a hot bath or use an electric air humidifier.
4. Drink 2 to 3 liters of water per day
Drinking water helps to thin secretions and facilitate their elimination, thus improving breathing. In addition, it is advisable to drink teas with decongestant properties, particularly those made with eucalyptus or mint.
5. Consume foods rich in vitamin C
Vitamin C is known to boost and strengthen the immune system, helping the body recover more quickly from colds and flu, the main causes of a stuffy nose. Discover the top foods rich in vitamin C.
6. Take a hot bath
Hot steam helps to thin nasal mucus, making it easier to remove when blowing your nose.
7. Apply a warm towel with mint
Applying a warm, mint-soaked towel to the face relieves nasal symptoms thanks to its expectorant properties. Discover the main benefits of mint.
8. Perform nebulization
Nebulization is an excellent way to clear a blocked nose. Inhaling steam helps keep the airways hydrated and loosens secretions, making them easier to eliminate.
To do this, use an electric nebulizer and add 5 to 10 ml of 0.9% saline solution to the nebulizer cup. Sit comfortably, put on the nebulizing mask, and inhale the vapor deeply and slowly for about 20 minutes or until the saline solution is used up.
9. Drink hot teas
Drinking hot teas, such as ginger and garlic tea or mint tea, can help relieve the symptoms of a stuffy nose. These teas have decongestant, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that thin nasal secretions and make them easier to clear. Furthermore, drinking hot tea helps keep the body properly hydrated.
An alternative to teas is to eat hot meals such as soups or broths.
10. Raise the head of the bed
A good way to relieve the symptoms of a stuffy nose overnight is to elevate the head of your bed. Lying down increases blood flow to the nose and makes it harder for nasal secretions to drain down the throat, which can worsen nasal congestion.
To raise the head of the bed, a bed support, concrete blocks, solid wood or old books, for example, can be used.
11. Massage the cheekbones
Massaging the cheekbones with a tablespoon of vegetable oil and 2 drops of essential oil of mint, eucalyptus or lavender, for 5 minutes, helps to loosen secretions and improve nasal congestion.
How do you clear a baby’s blocked nose?
Due to the small diameter of babies’ nostrils, it is common for their noses to become blocked, causing discomfort and difficulty breathing. There are some natural ways to clear a baby’s blocked nose:
- Use saline solution to perform a nasal wash;
- Gently massage from the top of the nose downwards;
- Place a pillow under the mattress so that the baby’s head is higher than its feet to facilitate breathing;
- Perform a nebulization with 5ml of physiological saline, for 20 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day.
If the environment is too dry, it is recommended to use humidifiers or leave a damp towel in the baby’s room, avoiding buckets to prevent accidents.
Eucalyptus essential oil should not be used on babies and children under 12 years old as it can cause allergies and shortness of breath.
When should medication be taken?
Taking medication to clear a blocked nose should only be done on medical advice, especially when natural remedies have failed to relieve the situation.
Among the remedies that may be indicated to clear a blocked nose are antihistamines such as bronpheniramine and chlorpheniramine, as well as decongestants such as phenylephrine, oxymetazoline, and pseudoephedrine, which can be used nasally or orally.
It is important to remember that nasal decongestants should only be used under the supervision of a doctor, as they can worsen nasal congestion due to the rebound effect, characterized by the appearance or reappearance of symptoms that were absent or controlled during treatment.