When you become ill, one nostril may feel more blocked due to the natural
It's likely that one nostril will always feel more stuffed up than the other when you're sick. Still, after about 90 minutes to 4 hours, your nose switches sides. When that occurs, you'll probably feel some relief when the swelling in the one nostril goes down—but then the other side will start to feel clogged instead.
Nasal congestion typically clears within a few days. If it doesn't, you may develop a bacterial infection. You should seek care if you have the following symptoms: Your nasal congestion lasts more than 10 days.
According to Dr. Leann Poston of Invigor Medical, “Elevating your head before bed can increase drainage and decrease congestion.” That's why the best position to sleep with a stuffy nose is on your back with different types of pillows elevating your head and neck.
“Blowing your nose is useful, but if nothing is coming out, it generally means there's not a lot of mucus.” The three common culprits behind inflammation in your nose are infections, allergies, and nonallergic rhinitis, says Dr. Alexander.
Relax with a warm compress
After blowing your nose, apply a warm washcloth to your face for about 15 minutes to help ease congestion. Refresh as needed to keep it warm. Breathing in the moist air can also help ease congestion.
Increased humidity can help thin the mucus in your sinuses which is why steamy solutions provide relief for clogged noses. For immediate relief, take a hot shower, or do a facial steamer for 10 to 12 minutes. To enjoy the benefits of humidity all day, use a humidifier at home.
Irrigate with saline spray or use a neti pot to manually flush out your sinuses. Even light exercise or a massage with your fingers could do the trick. Seek medical attention if you've had head cold symptoms for 2 weeks, you're bleeding from your sinuses, or you have shortness of breath or a cough.
On the other hand, repeated and forceful nose-blowing can generate pressures that are high enough to force mucus into the sinuses, which could be a factor in chronic sinusitis. If you are going to blow your nose, stick to one nostril at a time and do it gently.
While nose-blowing helps to alleviate symptoms of the common cold and hayfever, when it is done excessively or incorrectly it may bring potential adverse health effects. Nose-blowing generates high pressure in the nostrils.
Acupresssure Point LI 20: Located at the base of your nose, this pressure point can help relieve sinus pressure. Acupresssure Point SI18: Located where your cheekbones meet your nose, this pressure point can relieve sinus congestion.
Sinusitis (also called rhinosinusitis) starts when this drainage system becomes blocked, usually from swelling due to inflammation caused by infection or allergy. Soon, your head hurts, you feel facial pressure or pain, and thick mucus clogs your nose.
Hot liquids like tea and broth can help open the nasal passages, allowing you to breathe easier. They also contain nutrients linked to better immunity. Try to avoid foods that cause inflammation when you have a sinus infection. Examples include sugar-sweetened beverages, processed meat, and alcohol.
Bright colored vegetables and fruits such as berries, kiwi, pumpkin, papaya, sweet potatoes, and pineapple are all rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Pineapple also contains enzymes that break down the buildup on the sinuses and reduces inflammation.
Hot drinks, such as herbal tea, may also have an immediate effect in thinning out mucus and promoting drainage. Use a saline nasal spray throughout the day. Saline nasal sprays or washes can lubricate your nasal passages, loosen mucus, and help your sinuses drain. Place a warm wet towel or washcloth over your face.
People also experience stuffiness in the nostril that faces down when they sleep on their side. Deviated septum. If you have blockage that is continuous, it could be a result of a deviated septum. Inflammation and nasal polyps.
Oils are more likely to reach your nose when you apply VapoRub to your chest. There's no evidence that putting Vicks VapoRub on your feet will relieve a cold, congestion, or cough. But it might help moisturize your heels and relieve toenail fungus.