How to get rid of a stuffy nose quickly

Findings in the International Journal of General Medicine show that nasal congestion can trigger fatigue, brain fog, and sleep disturbances that seriously interfere with daily activities. A professor of otolaryngology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine recently told Woman’s World how to get rid of a stuffy nose quickly and naturally.

Over-the-counter medications can have disadvantages. According to a 2000 study in the British Medical Journal, even antihistamines that are classified as non-sedating can cause drowsiness. Additionally, experts in the journal Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America found that using nasal decongestant sprays for more than three to five days can cause nasal congestion to recur, making nasal congestion worse.

When it comes to oral decongestants, the Food and Drug Administration recently proposed removing the decongestant phenylephrine from products because it has been shown to be ineffective. Taking the decongestant pseudoephedrine in liquid or tablet form can cause an increase in blood pressure and blood sugar.

Ahmad Sedaghat, MD, PhD, FACS, director of the Division of Rhinology, Allergy and Anterior Skull Base Surgery in the College of Medicine’s Department of Otolaryngology, said there are drug-free ways to get rid of nasal congestion and breathe easier. Here’s what he recommends:

“Nasal rinses with a saline solution can help clear the nasal passages, thereby relieving congestion,” said Sedaghat, a sinus specialist.

A 2007 study in JAMA Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery found that saline rinsing even relieved chronic nasal congestion within two weeks. Nasal wash bottles that come with premade saline packs can be purchased at drugstores or online.

For For on-the-go relief, Sedaghat recommends using a saline nasal spray if necessary.

Another easy way to get rid of a stuffy nose naturally is to activate key pressure points. Press the tip of your tongue firmly against the roof of your mouth and then release it. Now press a finger firmly between your eyebrows. Repeat these tongue and brow movements for 20 seconds. It manipulates the crushing bone in the nasal cavity and causes it to clear blocked sinuses.

Click here to read the full Woman’s World article on how to get rid of a stuffy nose.