Nasal congestion caused by flu or allergies can be quite annoying and discomforting. Though most of us belong to the school of thought that excessive mucus production conduces to nasal congestion, this condition is caused by swelling of nasal membranes. Since the mucus draining from the sinus cavities are unable to move anywhere, it collects until the inflammation reduces. Most of us have gone through such nasal congestion which make us feel miserable at work and home, not to mention how discomforting nasal congestion at night can be.
Depending on the cause of nasal congestion, the remedy will differ. If the congestion has been caused by an allergen, then the removal of allergens from the environment can help subside the condition. However, for congestion caused by common colds, sinus infections, abnormally small nasal passage etc., there are some nasal congestion remedies for toddlers, infants, children and adults.
Steam
Who doesn't know the wonders that steam has on nasal congestion. This old granny remedy is simply stupendous. It clears even the severe nasal congestion. Use a steam inhaler to provide steam to your system. If you don't have the commercial steam inhaler, simply boil some water in a pot. Once it's boiled, place the pot on a platform carefully. Sit on a chair, drape your head with a towel and lean over the pot. The steam from the pot will unclog your congested nose. According to me, this is the best remedy, although one needs to patiently breathe in the steam.
Nasal Rubber Syringe
Since commercial nasal sprays and decongestants can make the congestion worse, it's better to use a nasal syringe to clear the congestion. All you need in one rubber bulb syringe with a pointed tip, one teaspoon salt and 2 cups of tepid water. Stir the salt into the water and keep aside. Squeeze the bulb of the rubber syringe before immersing its tip in the salt water. Now in this squeezed bulb position, drop the pointed end of the bulb syringe into the water. Draw water into the syringe and release this warm salt water into your nostrils. This nasal congestion remedy not only clears the mucus collected, but also helps flush out the pollens, allergens and other irritants.
Maintaining the Right Position in Bed
Lying down or maintaining a horizontal position worsens nasal congestion. So avoid lying down when you are suffering from it. Use several pillows to form a back rest and prop yourself in an upright position. An upright or elevated position allows the mucus to drain freely from the inflamed nasal passages.
Infant Nasal Congestion
For the first six months, babies breathe only through their nose, which is why it is important to keep the baby's nasal passages clear of mucus, or else the baby's sleeping and feeding patterns can get disrupted. Since infants cannot be given steam treatment, pediatricians recommend saline nasal drops to alleviate the congestion. When the congestion is severe, infant nasal aspirators are available that are used to suction out the mucus in the nasal tract. Even humidifiers can be used to maintain the moisture levels in the baby's room, which will reduce the congestion.
Remedies During Pregnancy
Most pregnant women experience nasal congestion regardless of whether they have a cold or not. While some may encounter this congestion only at night, some may struggle from it all throughout the day. One of the best ways to alleviate the congestion is by taking a warm bath and allowing the steam vapors to work their way into the nose and heal the condition. You could also place a vaporizer with a drop or two of eucalyptus oil in the bedroom before sleeping. The vaporizer helps maintain moisture in the room and alleviates nasal congestion.
Nasal congestion occurs far more than respiratory infections in humans across the globe. A slight alteration in the climate can spearhead bouts of congestion, especially in the case of newborns and infants. However, this even causes stress to the mother. In case of babies and children, it is necessary to consult the pediatrician before administering any medications, even if they are natural.
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