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This article was co-authored by Monica Kieu, DO, FACS and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Dr. Monica Kieu is a board certified Otolaryngologist and Specialist in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Kieu received a BS in Anthropology from the University of California, Riverside and earned her medical degree (DO), with honors, from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona. She then completed her residency in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Michigan State University/Detroit Medical Center, where she served as chief resident. Dr. Kieu also completed a prestigious fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Toronto. She is a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American Osteopathic Colleges of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and the American Rhinologic Society. Dr. Kieu was recently named one of LA’s Top Docs by Los Angeles Magazine.
There are 16 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
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When you have a cold or when your allergies are acting up, we know you're looking for any way to get rid of the nasal congestion that comes along with it. The inside of your nose swells up when it's irritated and gives you that stuffy feeling, but there are so many effective home remedies for you to try. Keep reading for all of the best things you can do when you're stuffed up so you can start feeling better again.
Things You Should Know
- Blow your nose gently to get rid of loose mucus. Be sure to stay hydrated and rest to speed up your recovery.
- Breathe in moist air by inhaling steam, taking a hot shower, or running a humidifier in your home.
- Try rinsing out the mucus using a saline spray or Neti pot.
- Take an over-the-counter decongestant to help alleviate swelling in your nose. If congestion is caused by allergies, use an antihistamine instead.
Steps
Clear Your Sinuses With This Expert Series
Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat kind of nasal spray should I buy to clear my congestion?
Monica Kieu, DO, FACSDr. Monica Kieu is a board certified Otolaryngologist and Specialist in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Kieu received a BS in Anthropology from the University of California, Riverside and earned her medical degree (DO), with honors, from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona. She then completed her residency in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Michigan State University/Detroit Medical Center, where she served as chief resident. Dr. Kieu also completed a prestigious fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Toronto. She is a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American Osteopathic Colleges of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and the American Rhinologic Society. Dr. Kieu was recently named one of LA’s Top Docs by Los Angeles Magazine.
Board Certified OtolaryngologistIf allergies are causing your congestion, try an over-the-counter nasal steroid spray, such as Flonase. If it's not allergies, talk to your doctor about your treatment options. -
QuestionWhy does one side of the nose get more congested than the other?
Marsha Durkin, RNMarsha Durkin is a Registered Nurse based in Waukegan, Illinois. With over 15 years of professional experience, she works both as a nurse and a Laboratory Information Specialist for Insight Hospital and Medical Center. Marsha received her Associate's Degree in Nursing from Olney Central College in 1987.
Registered NurseThis could depend on whether you sleep on your side at night, causing one side of your nose to be more congested and not able to drain. Usually, it is the side you are sleeping on. Try making yourself sleep on your other side periodically. -
QuestionI have my nose dripping even when I take hot food, milk or coffee. Can it be corrected by laser LTS or by any other surgery?Marsha Durkin, RNMarsha Durkin is a Registered Nurse based in Waukegan, Illinois. With over 15 years of professional experience, she works both as a nurse and a Laboratory Information Specialist for Insight Hospital and Medical Center. Marsha received her Associate's Degree in Nursing from Olney Central College in 1987.
Registered NursePlease see a doctor for consultation regarding sinus solutions by laser or surgery.
Video
Reader Videos
Tips
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Avoid drinks with caffeine and alcohol since they can dehydrate you and make you feel more congested.[18]Thanks
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Stay away from pools and chlorinated water since it could make your congestion feel worse.[19]Thanks
Tips from our Readers 
- Eat hot soup, like chicken noodle soup or pho, to loosen up any mucus.
- I find that eating something spicy helps relieve my stuffy nose.
References
- ↑ https://medicine.uq.edu.au/article/2017/06/health-check-what%E2%80%99s-right-way-blow-your-nose
- ↑ https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/congestedbaby
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/sinus-infection/about/
- ↑ https://www.nhsfife.org/media/35666/steam-inhalation-leaflet.pdf
- ↑ https://www.lung.org/blog/can-you-exercise-with-a-cold
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/sinus-infection/about/
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003049.htm
- ↑ https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2000/1215/p2695.html
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/rinsing-your-sinuses-neti-pots-safe
- ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/health-wellness/vicks-vaporub-is-the-love-justified-a2637443413/
- ↑ https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/700childrens/2018/01/humidifiers-for-respiratory-infections-are-they-helpful-or-harmful
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/decongestants/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/21223-antihistamines
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17980-nasal-congestion
- ↑ https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2014/10/cold-flu-or-allergy
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003049.htm
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/sinus-infection/about/
- ↑ https://uhs.princeton.edu/health-resources/common-illnesses
- ↑ https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/21/4/652
About This Article
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
If you need to clear nasal congestion, apply a warm compress to your face, take a hot, steamy shower, or use a humidifier to loosen up the mucus. Over-the-counter decongestants and antihistamines are easy options that can help with sniffling, sneezing, and sinus pressure. You can also try irrigating your nasal passages with a neti pot, which may offer some quick, much-needed relief from your sinus symptoms without the use of medications. For tips on using essential oils to treat congestion, read on!
Reader Success Stories
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"I have severe nasal congestion, and I felt like I was going to die of suffocation, so I got onto wikiHow, searched, "how to get rid of congestion", and found this. Now I have no problem breathing."..." more
