TikTok Says This Hack Will Stop Nasal Congestion In Seconds. Here's What The Science Says

Depending on the time of the year, breathing through your nose can sometimes be quite difficult. Seasonal allergies, sinus infections, and even exposure to smoke can send your sinuses into overdrive. You might be able to feel the inflammation in your sinuses. At a certain point, the swelling causes your sinuses to clog as the mucus can't drain. When mucus builds up in your sinuses, it can be rather miserable. A sinus massage might help relieve some of the pressure of sinus pain (via Today).

TikTok influencer Katie Sharp swears by her sinus drainage massage when she anticipates a sinus headache coming on. However, ear, nose, and throat doctors say that sinus massages don't work to drain your sinuses because there's a bone over your sinuses. Still, that doesn't mean that you can't get relief from a sinus massage. Applying pressure to parts of the face and other areas might relieve some of your sinus pressure.

Sharp begins her sinus massage at the lymph nodes just above the clavicle bone, using her fingertips to apply pressure. Then move to the area at the inner corner of your eyes, just below the brow bone. Using your thumb, use an upward motion to press into the soft area below your brow, then move your thumbs up between your eyebrows and pull your thumbs along your forehead towards your temples.

Place your fingertips on your cheeks, starting at both sides of your nose, just above your nostrils. Pull your fingers away from your nose, like you're trying to pull your nose apart. Use your thumbs to create a circular motion just below your cheekbones, sweeping out towards your ears and then above your jawline.

With your hands in a Vulcan salute (separating your middle and ring fingers), place your ears between your spread fingers, making small circles with your hands. Finally, use your fingertips in a circular motion to massage tense points in your neck.

To drain your sinuses, you might need to turn to over-the-counter decongestants and sprays. A neti pot can also clear out excess mucus from your sinuses, but neither method can address the trigger of your sinus issues, such as allergies or infections (via Today).

According to the Cleveland Clinic, your clogged sinuses should resolve after a few days. If your congestion lasts for more than 10 days, you might have an infection. You should see a doctor if your congestion is also accompanied by a fever or if the mucus has blood or is green or yellow. Your doctor can take a throat culture to detect any bacteria in your system. Your doctor might also use other methods to see if there are any blockages inside your nose.

Whether your nasal congestion stems from allergies or a cold, drinking more fluids can thin out some of your mucus and open up your nasal passages. Adhesive strips on the bridge of your nose might also make it easier to breathe. Dry air can also dry up the mucus and clog your sinuses, so use a humidifier in your home when the humidity is low.