Nasal congestion is definitely one of the most irritating conditions to suffer from, for no matter how hard you try to blow it, it won’t open up. If try too hard, it only make it worse by making you dizzy or headache. The methods and advice in this article will hopefully teach you how to get rid of congestion and help you breathe a little easier.

10 Steps to Get Rid of Congestion

Since nasal congestion is so annoying, here we list top 10 methods on how to get rid of congestion.

1. Determine Root Causes

If you truly want to know how to get rid of congestion, you should find out its causes. Nasal congestion can be caused by cold, flu, pet dander and food allergies. Also, if you are surrounded by cigarette smoke, this discomfort can occur. Therefore, take temperature to see if you’ve got a fever.

2. Drink Enough Water

Water is the source of our lives. Drink water can help to solve lots of health issues, including the question about how to get rid of congestion. Don’t drink cold water though, but try to keep it lukewarm or hot. If you’re not so keen on drinking hot water, make some tea. For more flavor, you can also add some honey to your water. Water helps your body flush away all toxins and irritants from your system.

3. Try a Hot Towel

• Get a clean towel and dampen it with lukewarm water.
• Fold it hot-dog-style and put it in the microwave for about 10-30 seconds until it is warm.
• Put the towel along the bridge of your nose and keep it there for about 7 minutes (until it feels cold).
• Blow your nose and lay down on your back for about 10 minutes.

4. Steam the Nose

• Boil a pan of water and remove the water into a large bowl, or you can fill a basin with hot water.
• Put your head over the hot water. You can also add 1 or 2 drops of eucalyptus or camphor oils into the water.
• Place a towel over your head to make a semi-closed space.
• Inhale the steam for 5 to 10 mins.

5. Perform Nasal Lavage

• Prepare 2 cups of warm water and half tbsp. salt.
• Add the salt into the warm water and stir it until dissolved.
• Stand at the tub or sink and inhale the salt water into your nasal passage, only one passage at a time.
• The water can run down your throat, remember not to swallow it and try to let it run through nose.

6. Massage Nostrils

• Take your index fingers and rub small circular motions on each corner of your nostrils.
• Don’t push too hard down; keep the pressure of your fingers moderate.
• Your nostrils should be almost closed when performing this method.
• Do about 25 circular motions on each nostril and then blow your nose.

7. Sweat It Out

Despite what people think, exercising when you’re suffering from symptoms of cold and flu will not make you feel worse! Sure, you need to get a lot of rest but exercising also helps increase your immunity. When you feel like you’re coming down with something, exercise for 30mins or so – enough to clear you’re your sinuses. This is another reason why people who exercise regularly only need a couple of days to recover while people who don’t will end up suffering for longer.

8. Try Spicy Toppings

Spicy toppings are a great way to relieve yourself of congestion and help clear your sinuses. If you can’t find wasabi, hot peppers are a good alternative with the same effect.

9. Take Vitamin Supplements

Vitamins A, B and C are great to fight against nasal congestion. Vitamin C is one of the most popular types of vitamins to help fight against flu/cold symptoms and boost your immunity. Vitamin A helps soothe any swelling and vitamin B helps your body build a better defense system against illness. By taking all three vitamins at breakfast, you’ll feel the effects do their magic on your congestion and other harmful organisms in your body.

10. Improve Daily Habits

• Get enough sleep. Sleep is a remedy for most illnesses and diseases, and congestion is not the exception. When your body is resting, all its focus goes towards fighting your illness. This is why most people make recoveries overnight.
• Lay down in your bed, with about three-four pillows under your head. Keep your head alleviated while sleeping.
• While most low-fat dairy products are very healthy for you, stay away from them when you’re suffering from congestion. They contain chemicals that help produce more mucus and that’s just bad news if you’re already stuffed up.

When to See a Doctor

If your congestion doesn’t go away within about 7-10 days, even after trying any multiple of the treatments above, then it’s time to see your doctor because it could be a more complicated problem. Whatever you do, don’t wait on your condition for more than 2 weeks or more damage may occur.