Nasal congestion refers to a condition that is characterized by a stuffy nose. It is a common misunderstanding that the nose becomes congested when the nose is filled up with thick mucous. However, there can be many different reasons for the congestion of nose.
A congested nose feels as if it is stuffed with something. It can interfere with smelling and eating too. The person is unable to eat with the mouth closed. This could eventually also lead to severe breathing problems. When you try to breathe, there may be loud sounds. Though in some cases, this is just an annoyance, there are people who may experience certain other complications of the respiratory system. Since the ear, nose, and throat are also interconnected, it is possible for nasal congestion to also interfere with hearing. It can also interfere with your sleep.
Causes of Nasal Congestion
It is often believed that nasal congestion is caused due to excess of phlegm and mucous. However, in reality, nasal congestion occurs when the lining of the nasal cavity becomes inflamed. Due to this inflammation, the volume of air being inhaled becomes drastically decreased. The nasal cavity becomes inflamed due to the inflammation of the blood vessels.
The most common causes of a stuffy nose are flu, common cold, and sinus infections. If the nasal congestion is caused due to bacteria and viruses, the congestion goes away on its own after about a week or so. Hay fever, nasal polyps, rhinitis, and increased use of nasal sprays can cause stuffiness too.
Home Remedies for Nasal Congestion
There are many remedies for the treatment of nasal congestion. Using an air conditioner can usually help you get rid of airborne irritants and allergens. Some people install vaporizers in their homes in order to get rid of stuffiness. Dehumidifiers are equipment that can be installed to improve the symptoms of nasal congestion in places where the humidity is very high.
You can use a vaporizer with menthol or apple cider vinegar for best results. This will help soothe the inner membranes of the nose. If you do not have a vaporizer, you can also use a container of warm water to inhale steam. Another well known home remedy for nasal congestion is to consume pungent or spicy foods. Hot clear chicken soup is considered to be an age old remedy for nasal congestion. Spicy foods are also often used for opening up the nasal passages.
A hot and moist compress is also often used to get relief from a stuffy nose. Such a compress can be placed under the eyes and the nose to encourage drainage of the sinuses. You can also use home made saline sprays to achieve relief over a longer period of time. Saline sprays can be made at home by mixing water with salts and baking soda. Boil these together and then store the spray in a sterilized container.
Diet for Nasal Congestion
To treat nasal congestion, include large quantities of vitamin C in your diet. Citrus fruits and yellow vegetables are great for treating nasal congestion.
Other Suggestions for Nasal Congestion
If the congestion persists, it is a good idea to consult an ENT specialist.
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