How To Quickly Decongest Your Nose Without Medication

A blocked nose, or nasal congestion, occurs when the tissues and blood vessels in the nasal cavity become swollen and inflamed and there is a buildup of mucus, according to Medical News Today. When the nasal passages are congested, it can be hard to breathe through the nose and there may also be sneezing, coughs, and headaches. 

A cold is one frequent cause of congestion. If congestion is due to a cold, a blocked nose can also affect your sense of smell and taste. 

Allergies are also a common cause of nasal congestion. Things like pollen, dust, and pet dander can trigger an allergic reaction, says the Cleveland Clinic. 

Sinus infections, or sinusitis, are another cause of nasal congestion. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses, which are air-filled cavities in the bones of the face, per WebMD. When the sinuses become inflamed, they can produce excess mucus, leading to nasal congestion. 

While medication can effectively relieve nasal congestion, there are also natural remedies to quickly decongest your nose.

One of the most effective natural remedies for nasal congestion is steam. Inhaling steam can help to loosen mucus and relieve congestion, explains Medical News Today. You can take a hot shower or bath or hold your face over a bowl of hot water with a towel draped over your head to trap the steam. 

Another natural remedy for nasal congestion is a saline nasal rinse. According to Medical News Today, saline sprays don't contain medication, and you can buy a saline nasal rinse kit at a drugstore. 

Placing a warm compress over your sinuses or forehead can also help to relieve pressure and congestion, says Healthline. 

Drinking plenty of warm fluids can help thin out mucus and moisten your nasal passages, as explained by Medical News Today. 

Lastly, adding moisture to the air using a humidifier might help clear out your sinuses. 

If your symptoms persist or worsen, seeing a doctor for further evaluation and treatment is important.

If natural remedies aren't doing the trick for you, there are several types of medical treatments for congestion.

Decongestants are over-the-counter medications that can help to relieve nasal congestion by shrinking the blood vessels in the nasal passages, says Medical News Today. They come in pill, liquid, and nasal spray forms. As with other medications, overuse of nasal decongestant sprays may have side effects; it's important to read the label carefully and only use it as advised by your doctor.

Nasal corticosteroids are prescription medications that can help to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. They are often used to treat allergies and might be helpful for people with allergic rhinitis, explains the Cleveland Clinic.

According to Healthline, antihistamines are also commonly used to treat allergies and can help reduce the severity of symptoms. They work by blocking the action of histamine, a substance released by the body in response to an allergen, per the National Health Service (NHS). They normally come in pill and liquid forms and can cause drowsiness in some people.