By Rita Ghelani
A blocked nose can be one of the most frustrating symptoms of a cold and stop you sleeping, making you feel groggy and even more run-down. But our resident pharmacist Rita Ghelani shares her advice for fast relief.
1. Drink lots of fluids
By drinking lots of fluids you can prevent drying up of mucus in the nostrils and keep the throat moist. This helps to break up congestion, so it can be cleared away from the back of the nose more easily. Try to drink at least 8-10 glasses of fluids each day. Warm drinks are more soothing for the throat.
2. Try some steam inhalation
Steam inhalation is one of the best ways to help relieve the symptoms of a stuffy nose. Steam helps to loosen up mucus in the nostril, so it is easier to clear away when blowing your nose. It is easy and cheap to do – just hold your head over a container of hot water and breathe slowly through your nose.
MORE: THIS IS THE BEST WAY TO BLOW YOUR NOSE
3. Blow your nose often
Blowing your nose is much better that sniffing the mucus back up into your nostrils. The best way to blow your nose is to press a finger over one nostril whilst blowing gently to clear the other. Blowing your nose physically removes infected mucus from the nasal passages and aids your body to recover quicker from a cold and congestion.
4. Use a saline nasal spray
Saline nasal sprays such as Sterimar help to break up the congestion in the nose, as well as helping to remove bacteria and viruses that may be causing the infection. Saline nasal sprays and drops are safe to use for children too.
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5. Try a drop of eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus oil has been a popular remedy for nasal congestion for generations. It produces a temporary sensation of clearing the nasal passages. You can use a few drops eucalyptus oil on a tissue or on to your pillow to help whilst you are sleeping. Eucalyptus oil can also be added to hot water for steam inhalation.
6. Visit the pharmacist
If your blocked nose persists and you need a medication to help you breathe more easily, then ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable decongestant. Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine andphenylephrine can be used to provide short-term relief for a blocked or stuffy nose. They are available as tablets, sprays, liquids and are often found in cold and flu products in combination with paracetamol or ibuprofen. Check with you pharmacist as it which product is most suitable for you.
(via NetDoctor)
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