How To Get Rid Of Nasal Congestion

Is there anyone who has never experienced nasal congestion? The constant nasal stuffiness, runny nose, sinus pressure and dry cough combine to make life just a bit more difficult. Nasal congestion occurs when the lining inside the nose swells usually as a result of an infection or seasonal allergies. Regardless of the cause getting rid of nasal congestion can usually be accomplished by combining a variety simple measures with OTC medical therapies. How do you most effectively get rid of nasal congestion?

Begin an OTC oral decongestant such as pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine. These medications constrict swollen blood vessels in the nasal mucosa and get rid of nasal congestion.

Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. This will help to thin your nasal secretions, facilitate drainage and get rid of nasal congestion. Use an OTC nasal saline spray liberally throughout the day to further reduce nasal congestion.

Increase the ambient humidity in your home particularly in the bedroom to get rid of nasal congestion.

Consider nasal saline irrigation with a neti pot or similar device. Though some people swear that frequent nasal irrigation with saline helps to get rid of nasal congestion many medical experts warn that the process can cause nasal irritation and worsen sinus congestion.

Stay upright as much as possible even while sleeping. Doing so prevents fluid and nasal secretions from accumulating in the nasopharyngeal space and reduces blood flow to the nose. Both help to get rid of nasal congestion faster.

Add an oral antihistamine such as Benadryl if oral decongestants are not helping to get rid of nasal congestion. Oral antihistamines are particularly effective if the nasal congestion is the result of allergic rhinitis. If over sedation with antihistamines is an issue than choose a second generation non-sedating antihistamine such as Zyrtec or Claritin.

*  If you're unable to successfully get rid of nasal congestion after several days go see your doctor.
*  If you develop more serious symptoms such as fever, dizziness, facial pain or purulent nasal discharge then it's definitely time to see your doctor.

*  Stay away from nasal decongestants if possible. Topical products such as Afrin work great to relieve nasal congestion; however, using them more than 3 days leads to rebound sinus congestion and a condition called rhinitis medicamentosa.