Do you have Sniffles? 6 ways to quickly relieve nasal congestion

But a few minutes isn’t so bad, right? If the right treatment can help you breathe easier, it may be worth your time. Here, learn 6 ways to unclog your nose faster and say goodbye to stuffy noses.

6 ways to relieve nasal congestion as quickly as possible

Here’s what experts say you should do when you need to unclog it now.

1. Nasal decongestant spray

Over-the-counter (OTC) nasal decongestant sprays, such as Afrin ($10) or Zicam ($11), will give you the fastest results. “Topical nasal decongestants provide immediate relief from nasal congestion,” says Dr. Huang. Cons: If you use it for more than a few days, it can make your nasal congestion worse, leading to a cycle of having to use more sprays. Therefore, “it should be used sparingly and only for short periods of time,” he added.

If you’re dealing with long-term nasal congestion due to allergies, steroid nasal sprays like Flonase ($16) or Nasacort ($17) are good choices. “It’s effective after a few weeks of daily use, and it’s safe for long-term use,” Dr. Huang says. However, it may take more than two weeks for full effects to be seen.

2. Nasal irrigation

Want a home remedy for stuffy nose? Rinse your nasal passages with a saline-filled neti pot ($10), squeeze bottle ($10), or bulb syringe ($7) and you’ll see it within minutes. Your nose should open. “Nasal irrigation with a neti pot or copious amounts of saline mechanically flushes pollen and environmental irritants from the nasal mucosa,” says Dr. Huang.

Learn how to use a neti pot with tips from Dr. Huang and the Mayo Clinic.

Make a homemade brine by mixing 1 to 2 cups of distilled or boiled water and 1/2 to 1/4 teaspoon non-iodized salt. (Boiled or distilled water does not contain bacteria that can cause nasal infections. Boil the water for at least 5 minutes and let it cool to room temperature before using.) Add the mixture to the neti pot. Pour and squeeze the bottle. , or a bulb syringe. Lean over the sink (one ear facing the sink and the other toward the ceiling) and pour half of the solution into your upper nostril. Let it drain from the lower nostril. Switch sides and repeat.

3. Steam

Steam (also known as warm, humidified air) loosens mucus in the nasal passages and relieves nasal congestion. But it’s not as fast or effective as nasal irrigation, Dr. Huang says.

If you want to try it out, there are several ways to do it. Turn on your shower or bath, close the bathroom door, and hang out for 10 to 15 minutes, breathing in the steam. Alternatively, fill a large bowl or pot with steam, cover your head with a towel, and sit with your head over the bowl (being careful not to burn your face).

If both sound boring to you, there are personal steam inhalers that you can apply to your face while doing other mostly hands-free things (like watching TV or reading). We recommend trying the Vicks Portable Steam Inhaler ($36).

4. Hot drinks

Drinking a hot drink slowly will also give you steaming time, although not as much as the method above. That said, you also get the bonus of important hydration when you’re full. “Being well hydrated can thin the mucus in your nose and sinuses,” says Dr. Huang.

Drinking chicken soup, hot water, or herbal tea can help soothe your sinuses when you’re sick, so choose what feels best to you, suggests Dr. Huang. Caffeinated drinks like coffee, green tea, and black tea can make you pee more often, which can lead to insufficient hydration.

5.Menthol

Menthol, a cooling compound found in cough chest rubs like Vicks VapoRub ($6), does not relieve nasal congestion, notes the Mayo Clinic. But I feel like I can breathe a little easier when I do that. “Menthol acts on nasal membrane receptors, creating a cooling sensation in the nose. People who use menthol may experience a sensation of improved nasal breathing due to this effect,” says Dr. Huang. explains.

You can feel the effect by massaging your breasts. However, be careful not to ingest it or apply it to wounds. The main ingredient, camphor, can cause side effects and toxicity if absorbed in large quantities. (This is why it’s best to avoid using it on children under 2 years of age.) Also, be sure to wash your hands after performing a chest massage. Contact with eyes can cause serious irritation.

6. Spicy food

Assuming you have an appetite for three-alarm chili or extra-spicy curry, eating spicy food can make your nose runny and stuffy for a few minutes. (That’s thanks to capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their spiciness.)

That being said, this may not be the best choice when dealing with colds or allergies. Capsaicin causes inflammation, which causes your sinuses (and sometimes your eyes) to leak. When you are sick or congested, the area is already inflamed. This can lead to further irritation of the nose and throat. So save your burrito for when you feel better.

When should you seek medical attention for a stuffy nose?

Minor traffic jams that last several days can often be dealt with at home. However, severe or long-lasting symptoms usually require contacting your health care provider. According to the Mayo Clinic, watch out for other symptoms as well, including:

Nasal congestion that lasts for more than 10 days High fever Yellow or green nasal discharge (especially if accompanied by pain or pressure) Facial pain Bloody sputum