Constantly stuffy nose: causes, treatment, home methods. Complex use of medications

At any time of the year and in any weather, a stuffy nose brings a lot of trouble. Typically, accompanying signs of the disease are general weakness, drowsiness, and sometimes fever or headache. A runny nose is not the only cause of nasal congestion. Therefore, it is important to find out the causes of the disease before treatment. How to remove nasal congestion at home? We will tell you about different methods.

Why is my nose stuffy?

There are a lot of diseases that cause nasal congestion: from a common cold with a runny nose to malignant tumors. The cause of difficulty breathing can even be the structural features of certain organs.

Colds.
Diseased adenoids.
Deformation of the nasal septum.
Allergic dermatitis.
Congenital abnormalities of organ structure.
Granulomatosis.
Tumors of the nasal sinuses.
Foreign body in the nasal passage.
Polyps.

In most cases, during nasal congestion, damage to the mucous membrane occurs. Therefore, an important part of treatment is to free the nasal passages from irritants. But first you need to be thoroughly examined to find out the cause of the disease. We will tell you how to cure nasal congestion at home.

Cure nasal congestion

We start with an examination. Visit an otolaryngologist, take all the prescribed tests and find out the cause of your problem.

Complex treatment is usually required. That is, sprays and drops alone will not be enough. This approach to treatment can even be harmful. But you can’t do without these funds either. And in addition to sprays and drops - aerosols, ointments, antihistamines, herbal medicine and much more. Remember that not all remedies can be used to treat nasal congestion during pregnancy.

Medical procedures will also help in treatment: inhalations, blockades, polypotomy, conchotomy, laser treatment, resections, Sollux, UHF and others.

The main method of treating a runny nose and nasal congestion is saline rinsing. With the help of preparations containing salt, the nasal sinuses are cleaned. This way their patency is restored. To do this, you can use ready-made salt solutions with sea water or prepare them yourself.

Let's take a closer look at the nasal treatments available at home.

Choosing a remedy for nasal congestion

Salt solutions. Sea salt is used to prepare the solution. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water. You can suck in the solution through your nostrils one at a time. But it is more convenient to use a pipette. It is recommended to pass the solution down your throat rather than blow it out of your nose. Such procedures are quite suitable when treating nasal congestion in a child. And you can repeat the washing five times a day.

Warming up. You need to be careful when carrying out these procedures: heating is not recommended at high body temperatures. It cannot be done in the presence of purulent processes.

Various materials or products are used to warm the nose. For example, you can pour regular table salt into a fabric bag and heat it. Apply to the sinuses for 5-10 minutes. You can also warm it up with boiled chicken eggs while they are warm. It is believed that eggs can draw disease out of the human body.

Sprays, drops, aerosols. These drugs can be bought at the pharmacy. Their choice today is very wide; it is better to consult a doctor which drug will help you. After all, they can be vasoconstrictive, antibacterial and antiallergic.

Most drops are divided into children's and adults. Sprays are usually not prescribed for children under three years of age. The convenience of modern drugs is that the use of pipettes is not required. Both sprays and drops are packaged in convenient bottles. Do not use drops and sprays for a long time: they are addictive and dry out the nasal mucosa.

Antihistamines. These are remedies for allergic nasal congestion. Typically, people experience allergy-related breathing difficulties seasonally. For example, during the flowering of some plants (poplar, nettle and others). In this case, nasal congestion is accompanied by a runny nose and lacrimation.

Suprastin, loratodine, ketotifen and others are prescribed as antihistamines.

Inhalations. Inhalations are an excellent way to clear the sinuses. You can do such procedures using pine extract, eucalyptus or other essential oil. It is better to do inhalations before bedtime. Boil some water in a saucepan. Add oil or extract. Breathe the steam. Another inhalation option is steam from boiled potatoes.

Perform inhalations for 5-7 minutes. Breathing will immediately become much easier. After inhalation, it is advisable to put drops that suit you into your nose.

Folk remedies for treating nasal congestion:

Oil drops. Before rinsing your nose with salt water, you can put homemade drops into your nose. To do this, take half a glass of olive oil and a tablespoon of valerian root. Mix. Insist for a week. Place two drops in each nostril. Do not use for more than a week.

Aloe and Kalanchoe juices. These plants are considered true home healers. Squeeze the juice from the leaves of the plant. Place 2 drops into your nose. The procedure is quite painful: the juice will burn the mucous membrane. For children, dilute the juice by half with water.

Honey is also often used to treat the nose. This is due to its healing and softening properties. If you don't have allergies, put drops of honey in your nose. For children you need to make a honey solution.

Onions and garlic will help relieve nasal congestion. Inhale the aroma of these plants. Gradually the smell will become more pungent.

Fat tail or lamb fat used to treat colds. It also helps with nasal congestion. Melted fat is used to lubricate the nasal sinuses from the inside. Use cotton swabs for this. You can put small tampons with fat. Fat relieves inflammation and swelling of the nose.

Medicinal herbs. Decoctions of various herbs are used for treatment. For example, you can use chamomile, St. John's wort, nettle, mint and many other herbs that have antiseptic and softening properties. Decoctions are taken orally and used as nasal drops.

Treatment of nasal congestion is often very difficult and time-consuming. Do not use one drug for a long time. Use different treatment options.

You can relieve a runny nose, nasal congestion and other symptoms at home using simple remedies, methods or some pharmaceutical drugs.

Best Home Remedies

A runny nose can cause significant discomfort, especially when it is accompanied by nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing and headaches.

1. Salt water

Crush dry thyme into powder using a mortar or other method.
Gently inhale thyme powder to catch its scent for a few minutes several times a day

Another recipe:

Heat a little thyme oil over low heat.
Use a dropper to place 1-2 drops into your nostril.
Wait a minute for the oil to be absorbed, then apply the drops to the second nostril.

To use garlic, which has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, you need to follow these steps:

Boil 3 cloves of garlic in 1 glass of water for 3-5 minutes.
Strain the solution and then add sugar to sweeten it before using.
Use twice a day.

You can also eat a small piece of garlic 3 times a day or take garlic supplements regularly. The latter are now available in most health food stores.

7. Pharmaceutical drugs

If symptoms are too bothersome, you may consider the following over-the-counter medications:

Antihistamines: These medications work by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical responsible for symptoms such as runny nose and sneezing that accompany colds and allergies.
Decongestants: Also help relieve symptoms of a runny nose. They are available in the form of oral syrups and tablets, such as pseudoephedrine, and nasal sprays, such as oxymetazoline and phenylephrine.

There are now many products that combine antihistamines and decongestants.

How to get rid of a runny nose quickly?

A runny nose will go away in most cases within a week or so, even without further treatment. To get rid of it faster, you need to take measures aimed at reducing the secretion of mucus in the nose and removing any infections, irritants or allergens.

How to eliminate a runny nose in an hour?

Sometimes a runny nose strikes at the most inopportune moment and you have no more than an hour to be in shape, for example, when a business meeting, date, or interview is planned.

The best option in this case would be antihistamines to block the action of histamine, which is the main cause of a runny nose, as well as combination drugs that contain antihistamine and decongestants.

Many medical websites recommend using steroid nasal sprays as a first aid treatment for allergic rhinitis. There are also combination medications containing steroids and antihistamines, such as Dymista which contains azelastine (an antihistamine) and fluticasone (a steroid).

How to get rid of a runny nose overnight?

You might consider drinking a cup of ginger or herbal tea, followed by a hot bath or shower and ointment before bed.

Also run a humidifier while you sleep to increase the humidity level in the room. It's a good idea to add an extra pillow to help you sleep with your head elevated.

How to get rid of congestion?

Nasal congestion occurs when the blood vessels in the nose become inflamed as a result of infection or exposure to allergens and irritants.

Decongestants

They help fight swelling in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, effectively improving breathing. Available in the form of tablets and syrups and nasal sprays.

Phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine are the two most commonly used decongestant medications.

Nasal sprays include oxymetazoline phenylephrine as the active ingredient. According to WebMD, sprays may work faster than oral tablets and syrups, but their use should not last more than 3 days. It is not recommended to take tablets and nasal sprays at the same time.

1. Massage

Acupressure is quite effective in treating nasal congestion and runny nose.

Gently press on the corners of your nose. Repeat ten times. In addition to relieving congestion and runny nose, massage therapy can also help relieve headaches that often accompany colds and allergies.

2. Steam and humidity

Dry air provokes and aggravates nasal congestion. One effective remedy to eliminate this problem is a humidifier. In addition to this, you should take a hot shower for 10 minutes, actively inhaling the steam.

You can also do steam inhalations (possibly with the addition of essential oils) by bending over a container of water and covering yourself with a towel. Steam helps thin mucus in the nose and remove allergens and irritants.

3. Spicy food

Helps in removing mucus from the nasal passages.

4. Warm compress

To treat a runny nose that accompanies congestion, you can apply warm compresses. You need to moisten a towel in hot water and place it on your face.

5. Ointments

A study from the Penn State College of Medicine found that cold ointments provided symptomatic relief from cough, runny nose, and congestion when used in children over 2 years of age. The ingredients they contain, namely menthol, camphor and eucalyptus, are believed to be responsible for the positive effects.

Runny nose and cough

1. Salt water rinse

Gargling with salt water is beneficial for runny nose and cough because it helps reduce the accumulation of excess mucus in the throat, which makes coughing easier.

Add a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water and stir.
Rinse for 5 minutes.
Repeat 2-3 times a day until symptoms go away.

2. Honey

Due to its strong antibacterial and antiseptic properties, honey is a powerful remedy for runny nose, cough and sore throat.

Mix 2 tablespoons honey, ¼ spoon lemon juice and a pinch of cinnamon powder in a cup. Add hot water and drink the mixture. Repeat 2-3 times a day.
Add 1 tbsp to a glass of warm water. a spoonful of honey and about 3 drops of lemon juice. You need to drink the mixture while it is warm, twice a day.

3.Jaggery

Add a pinch of pepper to a cup of water, boil for twenty minutes and a little sugar, then a little cumin before drinking the mixture.

4. Medicines

In addition to the above home remedies for runny nose and cough, you can take medications that contain antihistamines, decongestants, or a combination of both. In addition to these, there are cough suppressants such as dextromethorphan and antitussive expectorants such as guaifenesin.

For a runny nose and cough it will also be useful:

sleeping with your head elevated to reduce mucus buildup;
drinking large amounts of hot liquids, including tea, soup, water, etc.;
garlic (described above);
ginger (also explained earlier).

Runny nose and sneezing

If a runny nose is accompanied by sneezing, WebMD recommends taking antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), loratadine (Claritin), and cetirizine (Zyrtec).

But they may make you drowsy. Driving and operating complex machinery should be avoided. Antihistamines can also cause dry mouth, eyes, and nose. It is advisable to drink plenty of water when taking them.

In addition to medications, you can use folk remedies:

1. Peppermint oil

The antibacterial properties of peppermint oil help reduce sneezing. Simply add 5 drops of peppermint to a container of boiling water and then inhale the resulting steam.

If nasal congestion does not go away, what should you do in this case? What processes in the body can provoke the development of the problem? How to relieve nasal congestion at home? What drugs can alleviate the condition? All this will be discussed in our publication.

Causes

Snot, nasal congestion - such a condition often indicates the development of inflammatory processes to which the tissues of the nasopharynx are exposed. The problem should not be ignored. Indeed, in the future this can lead to serious complications. To determine what treatment should be used in certain situations, it is worth considering the causes of nasal congestion in adults and children. Among these it is worth noting:

Presence of a chronic nature.
The body's reactions to exposure to allergens.
Passion for using tobacco products.
The presence of neoplasms in the tissues of the nasopharynx.
Decreased protective functions of the body.
Congenital obstruction of the airways.
Work in enterprises with an increased level of health hazards.

What to do if nasal congestion does not go away? What to do? First of all, you need to determine the objective cause of the phenomenon. Here you cannot do without a visit to the otolaryngologist’s office to conduct the appropriate studies.

Sinusitis

The cause of nasal congestion in adults is often chronic sinusitis. In this case, the problem can be eliminated only by using an integrated approach to treatment. Therapy should be aimed at eliminating pathological processes and restoring the normal outflow of mucus from the nasopharynx.

In most cases, drug treatment along with traditional methods and physiotherapy makes it possible to cope with the trouble of sinusitis. If such therapy does not produce results, a puncture is often performed, with the help of which the nasopharynx canals are pierced. However, the latter solution is resorted to only in extreme cases.

When nasal congestion does not go away with sinusitis - what to do? In order to alleviate the condition, you can resort to the use of the following pharmacological drugs:

"Amoxicillin."
"Augmentin".
"Macropen".
"Azithromycin".
"Fluimuchil."
"Guafenisin".
"Mukodin."

Due to the effect of taking the above remedies, purulent discharge from the nasopharynx and mucus are thinned out. The presented drugs do not make it possible to completely cure sinusitis. However, they significantly speed up the healing process.

Allergy

The response to contact with allergens is the activation of immune defense. The body tries to get rid of irritants. This is often accompanied by nasal congestion. As the body fights allergens, the urge to sneeze occurs and mucus accumulates in the nasopharynx.

If allergic nasal congestion is observed, to eliminate the problem, you must first identify the irritant and then eliminate contact with it. In cases where exposure to dust suspended in the air causes blockage of the respiratory tract, it is necessary to abandon carpeting, use a broom and vacuum cleaner less often, and limit yourself from interacting with textile materials. You will also have to remove down pillows and feather beds, replacing them with products with silicone filling.

If you have a food allergy, to eliminate the effect of nasal congestion, it is important to exclude foods that can cause harm from your diet. If you experience abnormal reactions of the body to cosmetics, you should switch to using mineral products. Often the reason is the use of household chemicals. An alternative to the latter can be regular soap, baking soda, and other folk cleaning products.

Taking antihistamine medications will also help relieve nasal congestion due to allergies. The most accessible of these products is calcium chloride, which can be purchased cheaply at any pharmacy. If the body has adapted to the active substance, it is worth using new generation antihistamines.

Cold

Nasal congestion most often develops with a cold. Causes a negative effect on the body of pathogens of viral infections. Blockage of the airways by mucus secretions occurs when pathogenic microorganisms begin to multiply in the epithelial tissues of the nasopharynx. Against the background of such processes, inflammation occurs. Mucus accumulates in the respiratory tract, which is required to remove waste products of infectious agents from the body.

How to quickly break through a stuffy nose when a cold develops? It is necessary to blow your nose more often, and also to provide conditions for a speedy recovery. At first, it is important to adhere to strict bed rest, regularly ventilating the room.

The effect of congestion in the respiratory tract can be eliminated by taking medications whose active ingredients effectively combat viral and bacterial infections. We are talking about medications containing components such as phenylephrine, pheniramine. These substances not only destroy pathogenic microorganisms, but also have a constricting effect on blood vessels, which helps eliminate swelling and unblock the sinuses. The combination of such medications with paracetamol makes it possible to relieve the three main symptoms of a cold, namely: fever, accumulation of mucus in the nasopharynx and headache.

Drops for nasal congestion

Which nasal drops are most effective? Among these, the following drugs deserve special attention:

"Nazivin" - the main advantage of the product is the possibility of safe use by both adults and children. Thanks to the optimal combination of active ingredients in the drug, the risk of side effects is reduced.
"Nazol" is an extremely effective remedy for nasal congestion, which should be used when developing a cold, acute rhinitis or sinusitis. The only contraindication is a ban on the use of the drug for the treatment of children under 6 years of age.
"Nazol Advance" is a remedy for nasal congestion based on safe components of plant origin. The composition of the medicine includes camphor oil, eucalyptus, menthol. The excipient is propylene glycol. The drug perfectly removes the effect of dry nasopharynx and soothes irritated mucous membranes.
"Naphthyzin" - drops for nasal congestion, suitable for adults and children. The product makes it possible to relieve swelling of tissues in a short time in cases where blockage of the respiratory tract occurs under the influence of bacterial and viral infections.
"Sanorin" - the main active ingredients in the product are: petroleum jelly, boric acid, eucalyptus oil. These components not only eliminate the effect of nasal congestion, but also fight the main causes that cause colds. Side effects when using the drug are extremely rare.
"Tizin" - such drops for nasal congestion make it possible to quickly cure a runny nose. The presented medicine effectively removes swelling of the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx. It is recommended to use the product in cases where other drugs do not produce results. However, drops are not recommended for the treatment of runny nose in children under 7 years of age.

What drops can pregnant women use for nasal congestion?

A safe solution for pregnant women when the airways are blocked by mucus are vasoconstrictor medications. Medicines in this category do not harm the developing fetus. After their use, nasal breathing becomes easier for a short time. The effect can last for a long time.

The optimal medications for pregnant women to take when developing a runny nose are:

"Vibrocil."
"Dolphin".
"Pinosol".
"Sanorin".
"Grippferon".
"Flixonase".
"Vibrocil."

In addition to vasoconstrictors, pregnant women can also use drops intended for rinsing the nasopharynx. The safest and extremely effective drug presented is Aquamaris. This medicine includes purified sea water. Salty liquid makes it possible to flush out pathogenic bacteria from the respiratory tract and feel relief faster.

How to relieve nasal congestion in a child?

Blockage of the nasopharynx in a baby can become quite a serious problem. This is especially true for babies. Because children at an early age are not able to talk about the nature of the problem and experience discomfort when breathing through their mouths.

If your child's nasal congestion does not go away, you should use a saline solution. The product is prepared as follows. Take a quarter of a teaspoon of salt. The substance dissolves in half a glass of warm boiled water. The composition must be used to flush out mucus accumulations from the respiratory tract. To do this, you need to place the baby in a horizontal position and tilt his head back. Place a few drops of saline solution into each nostril and then wait for about a minute.

There are other ways you can help your child. The baby needs to be placed on his stomach so that mucous accumulations begin to flow out of the nasopharynx. Then you should roll the scarf into a cone and thoroughly clean the child’s nostrils. You can also use a syringe. The air should be squeezed out of the device, then inserted into the nasal passages and gently press on the rubber body.

Inhalations

What inhalations should I do for nasal congestion? First, you can try using a proven method. It is necessary to boil the potatoes in their skins, then mash until a paste forms. A few drops of eucalyptus extract should be added here. Next, you need to cover your head with a towel and start inhaling the vapors of this composition.

A good alternative to the above option is boiled water, in which a few tablespoons of honey should be dissolved. To unblock a stuffy nose, it is enough to inhale such vapors for 15-20 minutes.

Inhalations with propolis seem to be a fairly effective solution. You can use a pharmacy alcohol tincture containing this substance. It is enough to use about 40 grams of propolis per liter of boiled water. You need to breathe over the container, covered with a thick blanket.

Warming up your feet

How to relieve nasal congestion at home? A good method is to use hot foot baths. Here's how it works:

Prepare a towel in advance.
Fill a large basin with a small amount of warm water. Add a few tablespoons of mustard powder to this.
Place your feet into the container and gradually add boiling water from the kettle as the liquid cools.
As soon as the feet are thoroughly steamed, they are thoroughly dried with a towel. Then they put on warm socks, go to bed and carefully wrap the body with a blanket.

The procedure is most effective in unblocking a stuffy nose if performed shortly before going to bed. In situations where it is not possible to steam your feet, you can alternatively resort to warming up with mustard plasters.

Compress

Using a hot compress can potentially unblock a clogged nose. For these purposes, it is necessary to moisten a towel in boiled water. Alternatively, you can wrap boiled potatoes in the material. The product must be placed in the area of the bridge of the nose. If the towel has cooled down and no positive changes are observed, it is worth repeating the procedure.

Drinking plenty of fluids

What to do if nasal congestion does not go away? Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day can help relieve the condition. This solution makes it possible to make the structure of the mucus accumulated in the nasopharynx more liquid. The solution will help the body better cope with its removal from the sinuses. A particularly effective option is drinking hot drinks. This could be aromatic herbal tea, all kinds of soups and broths with lots of spices that will help clear your nose and free your breath.

Aromatics

If nasal congestion does not go away for a long time, you should use warming balms, gels or ointments. We are talking about products containing menthol, eucalyptus oil, and camphor. One of the most affordable solutions is the use of the well-known “Star” balm. The substance must be applied near the nasal passages. After some time, breathing will become easier.

It is worth noting that aromatic substances are not able to eliminate the root cause of nasal congestion. Such remedies only temporarily relieve symptoms. Therefore, this approach to eliminating the problem still cannot be done without complex treatment.

Aloe juice

One of the most effective, proven solutions for combating nasal congestion is aloe juice. The substance has a bitter, rather unpleasant taste. However, such discomfort can be tolerated for several days. After all, this is exactly how long it will take to eliminate the problem when regularly instilling the product into the sinuses.

Tea tree oil

Treating the sinuses with tea tree oil is another effective traditional medicine method for combating the effect of respiratory congestion. The presented substance produces an excellent therapeutic effect, since it slows down the activity of pathogenic microorganisms that multiply on the mucous membranes. Destroying pathogenic bacteria with the help of tea tree oil makes it possible to relieve tissue swelling and reduce the volume of mucous discharge from the nasopharynx.

In what situations should you consult a doctor?

It is necessary to seek the services of a specialist if a chronic runny nose develops. In this case, treatment involves the use of physiotherapeutic procedures. The most effective solution here seems to be unblocking the nasopharynx using laser action. The solution makes it possible to relieve tissue swelling, reduce the amount of mucous secretions, and significantly ease breathing after the first procedure, even if the runny nose has reached an advanced stage.

If the cause of constant nasal congestion is allergic rhinitis, you cannot do without the help of an allergist and otolaryngologist. The first doctor will determine the allergen, the impact of which on the body causes the development of a pathological process. The second will draw up an effective treatment program and select the optimal pharmacological drugs.

It is also necessary to contact an otolaryngologist when nasal congestion has been observed for several weeks in a row and is accompanied by the discharge of an abundance of mucus from the nasopharynx. If at the same time there are severe headaches, a stinging effect in the eyes, the appearance of pus in the sinuses of the nasopharynx, such manifestations indicate the development of a severe runny nose. In this case, the doctor is obliged to prescribe potent drugs, as well as a set of physiotherapeutic procedures. This approach will avoid more serious complications.

Finally

So we found out what reasons can cause nasal congestion, and also figured out what therapy should be used to eliminate the problem. Finally, it is worth noting that most of the solutions indicated in our publication provide an opportunity to eliminate discomfort only temporarily. To truly get rid of airway blockage, it is important to see a doctor who will conduct the necessary research and determine the root cause of the pathological condition.

A stuffy nose is a clear sign of an incipient cold. Some people try to suppress inflammation at the first sign of its appearance, others can live for years and constantly use medications. It is not recommended to stay with constant swelling of the mucous membrane and clogged nasal passages and sinuses for a long period. Various serious complications can be provoked, up to. Therefore, you need to know how to relieve congestion when symptoms appear.

The most common causes of congestion

Long-term congestion inside the nasal passages is the main symptom of an attached viral or infectious disease. This condition is most often provoked by a common cold or cold, and may also be a secondary sign of a previously acquired disease.

To determine the cause of swelling of the nasal passages, it is necessary to identify the factors that affect the occurrence of the problem:

polyps in the sinuses
chronic nature of an infectious or viral disease
changes in hormonal levels
due to trauma, a deviated septum occurred
constant exposure of the body to allergens
endocrine system ailments
decreased protective function of the body

Polyps do not cause congestion in the way we are used to thinking of it. They form on the wall and begin to gradually grow, blocking the passage of air. The result is a feeling of difficulty breathing.

The loss of free breathing can be influenced by hormonal imbalances. Often pregnant women or women in menopause suffer from this factor. This period is characterized by strong.

The causes of a runny nose can be harmless situations:

insufficient amount of vitamins in the body
dry, hot indoor air, especially in the morning
bad environmental situation

Dealing with these causes is quite simple. If you have vitamin deficiency, it is recommended to take a course of vitamins. Dry air usually occurs either in hot summers or during the heating season. The way out of the situation is simple - humidify the room.

The environmental situation cannot be corrected. In this case, in order to eliminate nasal congestion, you will have to change your place of residence.

It is difficult to independently identify the exact cause of heavy discharge. Therefore, you need to visit an otolaryngologist. Only a doctor can determine the problem based on x-rays and tests, and also recommend effective treatment.

5 best procedures to get rid of nasal congestion

Having identified a problem due to which it is impossible to breathe deeply, the doctor prescribes effective therapy.

If polyps or a deviated septum are detected in the thickness of the nasal passages, medication treatment is not effective. To eliminate the defects, surgical intervention must be resorted to.

In all other cases, the 5 best procedures are used to get rid of congestion:

massage of acupuncture points
complex treatment using medications
short wave ultraviolet irradiation
inhalation

The following ingredients are prepared for washing:

Boiled water, cooled to a certain temperature. You can use running (tap) liquid, but before use, pass through a filter - 220-250 g.
Salt – table salt, sea salt. The type of salt has no effect on the effect of the event - 1/3 tsp. or 2 - 2.3 g.

The components are combined and thoroughly mixed until smooth. One of the important factors is temperature - it should be at least 36 degrees, almost identical to body temperature.

If you lower the water temperature, this procedure can provoke the opposite effect. Instead of washing and eliminating the green mucus, the mucous membrane will cool, to which it will respond by increasing secretions.

At elevated concentration temperatures, blood capillaries expand. The result is sinus congestion, increased mucus secretion, and nosebleeds.

The washing procedure is not particularly difficult. The main thing is that you should never draw the solution into yourself. Washing is carried out by gravity from a small container. While pouring water into your nose, you should stop breathing and open your mouth, head turned to the right, up.

The liquid is poured in for 5-10 seconds until it begins to flow out from the opposite side. After this, blow your nose well without pinching your nostrils. Repeat the action with the other nostril.

During proper rinsing with a saline solution, the immunity of the nasopharynx increases, the number of secretory secretions in the nasal sinuses decreases, and mechanical elimination occurs by washing away pathogenic microflora from the walls of the nose.

Complex massage of acupuncture points

It is an effective way to relieve congestion and swelling in the sinuses. The principle of action is to activate the resources of internal organs aimed at the formation of biological processes. The latter help reduce and completely neutralize the inflammatory process, increase the protective properties of the body and improve blood circulation.

The action to normalize the respiratory process involves complex massage pressure on certain points on the human body. Pressing on places in the right order provokes:

Elimination of edema
Removing congestion
Improving well-being and general condition of the body
Improving quality of life
Stop snoring
Strengthening the muscles of the respiratory organ
Blocking the growth and development of adenoids in children
Increasing the effect of medications, as a result of which it will be possible to take smaller doses of medications

In order to achieve a positive result, it is necessary to carry out acupuncture massage not just once, but over a long period. Adults and children do not differ in dosage - 3 times a day, at least a quarter of an hour.

Complex use of medications

The easiest way to restore free breathing is to take several medications to treat a runny nose. For these purposes, the use of the following types of drugs is recommended:

Nasal in nature - quickly relieve swelling on the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx.
Medicines produced on the basis of oils, which contain a saline solution, gently envelop the upper layer of the epithelium inside the nasal passages and act as anti-inflammatory drugs.

Drops have a short period of action. They are designed to free the nose only for a few hours - from 3 to 12. In addition, there is often an addictive effect. Therefore, their long-term use is not recommended.

Products consisting of medicinal solutions and essential oils are prescribed only directly by the attending physician based on the identified diagnosis. Their spectrum of action is aimed at eliminating the problem of difficulty breathing by treating the resulting inflammatory process inside the nasopharynx.

Short-wave ultraviolet irradiation

To cure the disease that has arisen, doctors recommend taking medications to help. In this case, it is advisable to use ultraviolet irradiation.

Such exposure in medicine is divided into short-wave and long-wave irradiation. The second option is used to eliminate chronic skin diseases.

The result of this effect is the complete neutralization of viruses. At the same time, exposure to ultraviolet radiation increases immunity in the upper respiratory tract.

The only drawback of the procedure is the minimal penetration of waves - only 1 mm. Therefore, the device should be aimed directly at the organ in which inflammation occurs.

Inhalations

Inhalations are a very common method of therapy not only for children, but also for adults. can be carried out in the old-fashioned way - with potatoes or over a kettle with the addition of herbs or essential oils, as well as using nebulizers.

It is convenient and quick to carry out procedures with a nebulizer. They are available in several types - compressor, steam and ultrasonic. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

During use, you must follow a number of rules:

The procedure is carried out only 1.5 hours after the introduction of food
When treating a runny nose, it is recommended to inhale the supplied steam only through the nose.
During inhalation, you should never add boiling water, as this can cause a burn to the mucous membrane.

Nasal congestion is a condition that occurs periodically in 90 percent of the world's population. How quickly can he get rid of it? We will talk about this in this article.

In fact, nasal congestion is caused by inflammation of the epithelial linings and blood vessels in the organ, which blocks the air passages partially or completely, causing a person to breathe with difficulty using the mouth.

Common causes of congestion

Most often caused by colds, flu, and allergies. Less commonly, a person may have more serious problems, in particular. Difficulty breathing also occurs in long-term smokers, people in rooms with very dry air, and those who use medications with certain side effects.

Nasal congestion is just a symptom, therefore, in the process of getting rid of this problem, it is necessary to either correct the lifestyle, naturally after a high-quality comprehensive diagnosis of the situation and determining its true causes.

5 procedures to get rid of nasal congestion

The procedures below are highly effective and safe for patients.

Rinsing the nose with saline solution

The procedure involves cleansing the sinuses and nasal passages using solutions. Most often in this case the classic is used salt water in the proportion of a teaspoon of salt per 500 milligrams of liquid. For convenience, a special Neti teapot is used, which allows you to effectively pour the solution into one of the nostrils without spilling it past.

Steam inhalation

The famous “grandmother’s” method is simple and straightforward - a pan of potatoes or a bowl of boiling water is placed in front of the patient, he leans towards the container, covers himself with a towel and breathes in the hot vapors released. When performing the procedure, you must take precautions so as not to get burned and sit for no more than 3-5 minutes.

The inhaled vapor moisturizes the mucous membrane and helps overcome nasal congestion.

Eating hot and spicy foods

Garlic, very hot dishes, chili pepper - all these ingredients can temporarily “break through” the nasal passages and provide free breathing, although not for long, because they have no therapeutic effect.

Oil drops

To create homemade drops, you will need a tablespoon of crushed valerian root and half a glass of olive oil. The indicated ingredients are thoroughly mixed, filtered through cheesecloth, the liquid is poured into a vessel, which is hidden in a dark place for 12 days. You need to instill the product 2 times a day, 2 drops in each nostril - morning and evening. Before using such a prepared preparation (20 minutes before), it is advisable to drip a couple of drops of Kalanchoe juice into the nostrils - this will help to sneeze properly and clear the sinuses before the main procedure.

Hot compress of chamomile tincture

Soak a terry towel in very hot chamomile tincture (2 teaspoons per glass of water) and place it folded on the bridge of the nose. Keep the compress until it cools down, repeat the procedure 2 cycles twice a day.

Boiled onion teas

One of the oldest ways to get rid of nasal congestion is boiled onion tea. In a liter saucepan you need to put two peeled and chopped medium-sized onions, bring the broth to a boil, then add a few teaspoons of sugar and drink a glass three times a day. According to traditional healers, nasal congestion will go away in a few days.

Drops for nasal congestion

If the etiology of the problem of nasal congestion has not been fully identified, then the use of antiviral, antibacterial, antiallergic and complex complex drops is prohibited until a complete diagnosis of the problem has been completed and its cause has been identified. In this case, you can use vasoconstrictor drugs and moisturizing liquids.

The first relieve swelling, make breathing easier and thin out snot, if any. Moreover, their effect is temporary (from 3 to 8 hours depending on the type of the main active ingredient), and the period of use is limited, up to a maximum of ten days. Otherwise, rhinitis medicamentosa may develop and dependence on decongestants may occur.

The most popular and effective drops of this type are Xylometazoline, Naphthyzin, Nazivin. If the above drugs are used for children, then adult dosages will not be suitable - it is advisable to purchase drugs with a special, more diluted concentration.

The second type of drops is moisturizing. It is advisable to use them after vasoconstrictors; the timing of use and dosage are not limited. Moisturizing drops effectively reduce inflammation of the mucous membranes, have an enveloping and anti-allergic effect, while moistening the epithelium, which has been overdried by decongents, which will not cause irritation in the future.

The most popular drugs in this group are Salin, AquaMaris.

Useful video

Vasoconstrictor nasal drops. Doctor Komarovsky

When should you go to the doctor with nose problems? Live healthy! Elena Malysheva

Question answer

What is the fastest way to clear nasal congestion?

The fastest way is to drip vasoconstrictor drops into the nose (Rinazolin, Naphthyzin, Xylene, etc.). The effect will be noticeable in a few minutes, although in this case you will not receive any treatment, since the above-mentioned group of decongestants removes the symptom, but not the problem, and only for a certain time (up to eight hours). You can use vasoconstrictor drugs for no more than ten days in a row.