No one likes a stuffy nose — not parents and definitely not their kids. A stuffy nose can ruin an otherwise perfect day. Not only are pockets full of tissues, but one's brain probably also feels foggy, and now breathing must be done through the mouth, which can be a challenge since we're always masked up these days. It's so unpleasant that it begs repeating: A stuffy nose is a mood killer.
Apparently, having a stuffy nose doesn't necessarily mean nasal passages are boogered up. It actually is caused by inflamed blood vessels in the sinuses, and that can be due to having something such as a cold, allergies, or even the flu. This is why even though someone blows and blows, that person still ends up with a stuffed nose again a little while later.
So, what's a person to do? With soccer practice, deadlines, and everything else going on, we can't just go through life with an unpleasantly stuffed nose. Here are 17 foolproof, easy ways to ease a stuffy nose so parents can do what needs to get done.
Use a Humidifier
A humidifier can help relieve a stuffy nose with the touch of a button. The machine is the must-have item for someone dealing with a stuffed nose from COVID-19, a cold, or even seasonal allergies. The humidifier works because it vaporizes water so the air becomes more moist. When that's the case, swollen blood vessels can relax a little, and the mucus in the nose thins out. With that comes a much easier time breathing.
Put a Compress on It
A warm compress held up to the forehead can help widen the nasal pathways and loosen up the mucus that's causing such unpleasant congestion. Let the compress sit for about 15 minutes before going to bed or going about the day. It's also a great comfort for anyone who has sinus pressure or a headache while dealing with the stuffy nose, too.
Get Steamy
Steam can help clear up sinuses — but it's not necessary to get in the shower to make that work. Instead, boil some water, pour it into a bowl, cover the head with a towel and breathe in the steam! This works great when a break from the stuffy nose is needed. It has the added benefit of being great for the skin, too.
Use a Neti Pot
A neti pot, which is like a small teapot for the sinuses, can help loosen and wash out mucus from nasal airways. To do this, mix warm, distilled water with salt and baking soda to flush out all the gunk. Trust us, it sounds scarier than it actually is, and those who try it will feel better afterward! Of course, it's important to chat with doctor to make sure there's nothing contradicting its use or any other essential advice from the expert.
Get Ginger
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that could help a stuffy nose. Add some to tea or boil some to help make a warm compress to sit on the face for about 15 minutes. This can help break up the mucus. Also try breathing in the steam from the pot while the water is boiling for some extra help. Just don't get too close.
Take a Hot Shower
There's nothing more relaxing than a steaming hot shower, huh? The steam and hot water from a shower can help loosen up any congestion in the nose and reduce inflammation, which ultimately helps make it easier to breathe. Even if there's zero desire to have a shower, even sitting in the bathroom with the door shut while warm water runs can help as a makeshift humidifier.
Sip Peppermint Tea
Although it's always good to hydrate when feeling under the weather, peppermint tea might have some properties to help clear the nose, too. Peppermint contains menthol, which helps thin out mucus and that's one of the best ways to help a stuffed nose and get to feeling better faster. Those who are mint fans will enjoy the taste, which is a bonus.
Get Spicy With It
Turn up the heat by noshing down on some spicy food. Go for red pepper flakes, spicy ramen, or cayenne pepper to help break down the mucus. Those who are real daredevils can even try eating a tiny bit of wasabi for a major sinus clearing, but don't say there was no warning about its hotness.
Sleep on the Back
We have all experienced the kind of torture that is sleeping with a stuffed nose. Insider recommends those with stuffed-up noses sleep on their back so the mucus can drain out instead of clogging up (which happens when side sleeping). Consider adding another pillow for propping for maximum drainage.
Don't Blow
This might sound counterintuitive, but those with stuffed noses should try to hold off on blowing every other second. According to Harvard Health Publishing, blow through one nostril at a time — and as gently as possible. Forcing a blow can irritate nasal passages and cause even more congestion. No thank you.
Hydrate
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate is the key to clearing a stuffed nose. By consuming lots of fluids, the mucus will thin out and make it easier to drain. Sounds gross, but it actually works. And by drinking lots, we mean even more than the typical eight glasses of water per day that's recommended. Sure this may mean having to run to the bathroom every hour, but being able to breathe a little easier is totally worth it.
Consume Soup
Not only will the steam from the hot soup help clear up a stuffed nose, but the right soup will also help keep the hydration levels up which makes fighting off a cold much easier. It's a win-win for the sufferer and a lose-lose for the stuffed nose and all it takes someone's favorite soup. Search for recipes that include anti-inflammatory ingredients such as ginger, garlic, and turmeric for an added immunity boost.
Try a Menthol Cough Drop
Remember when we said mint and menthol can help with a stuffed nose? Those who are on the go and need some quick relief from a nose that isn't working should try popping a menthol cough drop into the mouth. The reason it works is the same concept as rubbing some Vick's VapoRub on the chest.
Use a Saline Solution
A saline solution of a small amount of salt and distilled water can easily flush out excess mucus and provide some relief. Of course, it's best to check in with the pediatrician to run it by them to make sure it's OK for our child. Generally, parents could use a small bulb syringe if they're helping out a child or try one of those handy-dandy saline sprays.
Give a Face Massage
Getting a quick facial massage can help provide some sweet relief from the pressure that we often feel inside our sinuses when we're all stuffed up. Apply some pressure to the area on the bridge of the nose between the eyes. This will increase circulation and help break up the mucus, which can make things much more comfortable.
Prop Up the Head
While some people may find more comfort laying on their backs in bed when they have a stuffy nose, for others that might not be the best trick. If that hasn't been working, try adding few pillows under the head so you sleep more elevated than usual. This small elevation can help make breathing a little easier while sleeping. And we all know every little bit of extra sleep helps, too.
Enlist the Power of Garlic
We know that strong smells can help push through a stuffy nose, but when it comes to garlic, there's some evidence it may be beneficial in preventing colds or reducing the severity of symptoms. One study found that people who ate "aged garlic extract" each day during cold and flu season had shorter colds.
*Disclaimer: The advice on CafeMom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
