How to Get Rid of a Stuffy Nose:Treatments for Nasal and Sinus Congestion.

Stuffy noses and sinus congestion can make it difficult to focus at work, sleep at night, and enjoy daily life. Learn more about how to get relief from a blocked nose and get rid of this common cold symptom

What's causing my symptoms?

Nasal and sinus congestion is caused by excessive mucus accumulation or swelling of mucous membranes and blood vessels in the nose area, narrowing the nasal passageways. This results in the feeling of pressure, stuffiness, and reduced airflow in the nose. Common causes include, but aren’t limited to, colds and other infections, allergies, and environmental irritants.

Treatments for nasal congestion

Nasal saline products work by gently cleansing and moisturizing nasal passages and flushing dried mucus from the area. This works to get rid of cold symptoms, relieve stuffy noses, and help you breathe more easily.

How to use nasal sprays and rinses

hydraSense® saline nasal sprays and NetiRinse can be used up to 4-6 times a day to hydrate dry nasal passages. This can help to get rid of a stuffy nose, relieve sinus pressure, and help to reduce other symptoms associated with allergies and colds. They contain no medicated ingredients, are naturally sourced from seawater, and can be used without the fear of forming a habit or rebound congestion.

What’s the difference between nasal irrigation products?

Nasal saline products can vary by their delivery device, flow rate, and salt concentration.

Isotonic saline products (such as hydraSense® Daily Nasal Care) contain salt at the same concentration as your body, gently rinsing out mucus and restoring moisture.

Hypertonic saline products (such as hydraSense® Ultra Congestion Relief) contain salt at a higher concentration than the body which can draw out more fluid from a stuffed nasal passage to further relieve blockage.

When to consult a physician

It may be necessary to seek advice from a healthcare provider if:

·       Congestion symptoms persist for over 5 days or are worsening

·       Nasal discharge is yellow or green in color

·       You have a fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing

References

Rabago, D., & Zgierska, A. (2009). Saline nasal irrigation for upper respiratory conditions. American family physician, 80(10), 1117–1119.

Naclerio, R. M., Bachert, C., & Baraniuk, J. N. (2010). Pathophysiology of nasal congestion. International journal of general medicine, 3, 47–57.

Papsin, B., & McTavish, A. (2003). Saline nasal irrigation: Its role as an adjunct treatment. Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien, 49, 168–173.

Kanjanawasee, D., Seresirikachorn, K., Chitsuthipakorn, W., & Snidvongs, K. (2018). Hypertonic Saline Versus Isotonic Saline Nasal Irrigation: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. American journal of rhinology & allergy, 32(4), 269–279.