Stuffy nose or nasal congestion is among the oldest and most common health complaints. It causes a lot of discomfort during sleeping hours. Sometimes, it is caused by a common cold, whereas at other times, it could be a symptom of another health problem, like a sinus infection.

Nasal congestion irritates and results in mood swings. A runny nose, sinus pain, mucus build-up, and swollen nasal tissues mark it. It is annoying for older adults and children, but nasal congestion can be serious in infants with difficulty breathing. Read on to find out what causes nasal congestion and possible treatment methods.

How is Nasal congestion caused?

Minor illnesses like colds, flu, and sinus infections could cause this condition. When the nose becomes inflamed, it is called congestion. According to the National Institutes of Health, congestion caused by illnesses improves within a week or so. Congestion taking a little longer time indicates an underlying health issue. Explanations for long-term nasal congestion are given below:

• Hay fever
• Allergies
• Chronic sinusitis
• Environmental irritants
• Chemical exposures
• Tumours that are benign or noncancerous, causing blockage if they grow in nasal passages
Nasal congestion can also occur during women’s pregnancy and begins mostly during the end of the first trimester. This congestion could be a cause of hormonal fluctuations or an increased blood supply during pregnancy. The changes that appear may then affect the nasal membranes, causing them to be inflamed, dry, or bleed as well.

Nasal congestion treatment

There are several ways to clear congestion. One can take medications for nasal congestion as prescribed by a doctor. But the best way to treat this common problem is by using home remedies. If done properly, home remedies for nasal congestion can easily cure the problem. Here is a list of the best remedies that may provide relief to the symptoms of nasal congestion.

Remedies for nasal congestion

• Garlic- Using garlic is one of the best home remedies to relieve nasal congestion. Its antiviral and anti-fungal properties effectively fight respiratory infections that cause congestion. To use this, try to boil two or three garlic cloves in a cup of water and add one-half teaspoon of turmeric powder it. Try to drink it daily as this is a good way to clear congestion. If not satisfied, try to eat fresh garlic clove, which would help relieve stuffiness and discomfort.

• Apple cider vinegar—Apple cider vinegar can also help clear a stuffy nose. It is rich in several nutrients, which are good for our overall health and immunity. Mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and a single spoon of honey in a cup of warm water. Make sure to drink it at least two or three times a day for the most effective results.

• Steam inhalation– Steam inhalation is one of the most popular home remedies many people choose to clear their congestion. It works as a natural expectorant for reducing nasal congestion and lubricates the irritated respiratory tract. Trying this for two to four times a day may bring some relief. For this, you should try to add one tablespoon of crushed carom seeds to boiling water and then inhale the steam. You can also try peppermint essential oil in boiling water and inhale. But remember, steam inhalation is not recommended for young children due to the risk of scalding. Those suffering from high blood pressure, heart conditions, or central nervous system disorders and pregnant women should also maintain a distance.

• Warm water– In a stuffy nose, a balanced flow of mucus is required in nasal passages, which can be easily achieved with the assistance of warm water. Warm water helps make the nasal passages moist and prevent dryness. You can try using a humidifier to help open up clogged passages. Another way is to put a hot shower on for a few minutes, which would build up steam in the bathroom. Breathe the soothing vapors or repeat this twice or thrice daily to recover completely. Another option is placing a washcloth on the face completely soaked in warm water. Leave it on the face for 10-12 minutes and repeat several times a day for quick results.

• Herbal tea– Having hot herbal tea helps in the thinning of mucus clogging nasal passages. Also, the herbs present in herbal tea are so good that they flush out all the toxins from the body, thereby giving us double benefits. So it’s a very simple remedy; you need to drink a cup of herbal tea a few times a day to help clear off the congestion that bothers you. Peppermint tea is another good option for nasal congestion as its menthol largely helps open up the nasal passage.

• Fenugreek– Fenugreek has rich anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great natural ingredient for reducing congestion. It also helps cleanse mucus membranes, and the heat and moisture from it further help thin the mucus. To enjoy the fenugreek tea benefits, you just need to mix one or two tablespoons of crushed fenugreek seeds in a glass of water. Boil the solution and then strain and drink it. Try to repeat this for at least two or three times in a day for better results. Pregnant women should not take this as it may stimulate uterine contractions.

The above-mentioned remedies are good, easy, and effective for reducing nasal congestion, but sometimes, home remedies do not seem enough to relieve congestion. This is particularly true when symptoms are caused by another health condition. In this case, one needs to have proper medical treatment for nasal congestion, especially when the condition becomes painful.
Treating nasal congestion

If the conditions mentioned below occur, it means you must see your doctor immediately:
• Congestion lasting for more than ten days
• Congestion followed by high fever lasting for more than three days
• Green nasal discharge followed by sinus pain and fever
• Weakened immune system and asthma
• Recently had to face head injury and now having a bloody nasal discharge
After a proper examination, the doctor will be able to determine the cause of the chronic nasal discharge and prescribe the best treatment plan to resolve problematic symptoms. Treatment for nasal congestion may include over-the-counter prescription medications to alleviate symptoms.

Medications for nasal congestion

• Oral antihistamines for treating allergies like loratadine and cetirizine
• Antihistamine that contains nasal sprays like azelastine
• Nasal steroids like mometasone or fluticasone
• Antibiotics usually for infections like sinusitis
• Some over-the-counter or prescription-strength decongestants like Sudafed
Also, keep in mind that if there are tumours or nasal polyps in the passage of the nose or sinus that keep mucus from draining out, surgery can be done to remove the tumours as prescribed by the doctor. So always remain protected and keep your immunity strong so that you lead a healthy, happy life.