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How to unclog the nostrils naturally

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on

Nasal congestion often presents as a symptom of other health problems, such as a sinus infection , better known as sinusitis. Also, it can be caused by allergies or a simple cold. Apart from the discomfort to breathe, and the headaches that it can cause in some cases, having blocked nasal passages does not pose any health risk.

Normally, home remedies can be used to unclog the nostrils naturally. However, if you experience this congestion chronically or for long periods of time, it is advisable to visit a doctor to get adequate treatment, depending on the cause that generates it. At FastlyHeal , we tell you how to unclog your nostrils naturally.

Causes of nasal congestion

The nasal passages become clogged when the tubes become inflamed and fill with fluids . Mild illnesses are the common cause of this condition. An infection or the flu can congest the nasal passages. Normally, the congestion clears up in a week. If the discomfort persists, it is likely due to one of the following causes:

  • Allergies
  • Hay fever .
  • Non-cancerous growths, called nasal polyps, or benign tumors in the nasal passages.
  • Chemical exposures.
  • Environmental irritants.
  • Long-lasting sinus infection, known as chronic sinusitis.
  • Deviated septum.

It is also possible that during pregnancy, the nasal passages become blocked, mainly in the first trimester. Hormonal changes and the increase of these in the bloodstream, can affect the nasal membrane causing dryness, inflammation and bleeding.

How to unclog the nostrils naturally?

For many years, various natural methods have been used to successfully decongest the nasal passages , without having to resort to medicines that normally have side effects on the body. These procedures are worth trying as they are effective and allow us to limit the use of drugs:

Use a humidifier

Steam can relieve sinus pressure and pain. Humidifiers increase the humidity in a room slowly. The results are not immediate, but they provide long and continuous relief from this discomfort. If you are asthmatic, you should ask your doctor if you can use this technique.

Saline atomizer

Increasing moisture in the nasal passages can help relieve nasal congestion. For this purpose, there is no better way than to spray the nostrils. Saline sprays, available without a prescription, not only help thin mucus and reduce inflammation, but they also help remove excess fluid from your sinuses.

Acupressure

Press your tongue against the top of your mouth and place a finger between your eyebrows and apply pressure. Hold it for about 20 seconds and your sinuses will begin to drain. When pushing your tongue against the roof of the mouth, don’t point to a specific point, but push up against the top. When you let it go, you should start to feel a little movement in the back of your throat. It’s a very simple trick that gets the job done. Also, you can try simultaneously pressing where the brows start from the inside out. These points, known in acupuncture as B2, are used in the treatment of sinusitis.

Pot of Neti

Another way to drain your sinuses is to use a pot of Neti. These gadgets are designed to help remove mucus and fluids from the nasal passages. Basically, the end of the spout is placed in a nostril by tilting the head until the water inside the pot flows into the nose. Make sure to keep it clean and make sure you are standing in the shower or over the sink, as the water will come out the other side. This technique removes pollen and other allergenic agents, as well as fluids that obstruct the passage of air. The solution used is a combination of 8 ounces of distilled water and 1/4 teaspoon of salt that is boiled and allowed to cool. It comes from the body cleansing system of yoga, known as Neti.

Stay hydrated

Almost all fluids can help you stay hydrated when you are sick. Water, sports drinks, and even juices help thin mucus in the nasal passages, flush fluids out of the nose, and decrease pressure on the sinuses. Less pressure means less inflammation and less irritation.

When to go to the doctor for nasal congestion

Sometimes home remedies are not enough to relieve a stuffy nose, particularly if the symptoms are caused by another health condition. In these cases, medical treatment is needed , especially if there is pain and the condition interferes with your usual activities.

If you experience any of the following conditions, consult your doctor without hesitation:

  • Congestion for more than 10 days.
  • Congestion accompanied by a high fever for more than three days.
  • Green nasal discharge with sinus pain and fever.
  • Weakness of the immune system, asthma or pulmonary emphysema.

In these cases it will be necessary to treat the underlying disease that is causing the congestion as a symptom. If the root problem is not eliminated, the nostrils will remain blocked.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to How to unclog the nostrils naturally , we recommend that you enter our Ear, Nose and Throat category .

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