- 1). Figure out the cause of your stuffy or runny nose. Allergies, colds, flus, tobacco smoke and spicy foods all can cause nasal issues. If the root of the problem is an irritant such as cigarette smoke, your nose should clear up on its own as soon as the offending substance is no longer around.
- 2
Drinking water helps prevent mucus from getting thick and pasty.Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images
Thin the mucus. Thin mucus is preferable over thick mucus because it helps reduce clogging of the nasal passages. In addition, thinner mucus is less likely to lead to infected ears and sinuses. Thin your nasal mucus by consuming plenty of water and other liquids, using a saline nasal spray and by using a room humidifier or vaporizer to keep the air moist. - 3
Nasal spray can provide immediate relief.Digital Vision./Digital Vision/Getty Images
Use an over-the-counter nasal decongestant spray. This will shoot medicine right to the source and can lessen swelling in the nasal passages, resulting in freer breathing. However, nasal decongestants should never be used for longer than three days, or else they can end up aggravating your nose congestion. - 4). Use an over-the-counter oral decongestant. These contain medicines like pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine that combat swelling. Decongestants sometimes have side effects, such as dizziness, anxiety and insomnia. In addition, you should only take them for a week or less unless your doctor advises you otherwise.
- 5). Use an antihistamine. Antihistamines work best when your nose is not completely clogged, but when it's runny and you are sneezing. Antihistamines dry out the nasal passages but at the same time can cause drowsiness.
- 6
A stuffy nose with other symptoms may necessitate a doctor's visit.Thomas Northcut/Digital Vision/Getty Images
See your doctor if the mucus from your nose is other than yellow, it smells bad, you have a fever or your stuffy nose lasts longer than three weeks -- 10 days in children under three. Also see a doctor if your stopped-up or runny nose occurs in conjunction with a head injury.
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