With the arrival of the cold, the headaches, sore throats and heavy and uncomfortable nasal congestion, from which we often cannot get rid of so easily. To relieve ourselves, many times we resort to home remedies that, although many of them are completely ineffective, we try one after the other with the aim of not getting worse.
A stuffy or stuffy nose occurs when the lining of the nose swells. The swelling is due to inflammation of the blood vessels. The problem may also include “runny nose” or a runny nose. If there is excess mucus running down the back of your throat (postnasal drip), it can cause a cough or sore throat.
According to the United States Library of Medicine, nasal congestion or runny nose can be caused by the common cold, by the flu, by a sinus infection, generally, and usually goes away on its own after a week.
Finding ways to keep the mucus thin will help it drain from the nose and sinuses and relieve your symptoms. Drinking lots of clear liquids is one way to do this. Thus, Dr. Manuel Linares, coordinator of the Infectious Diseases, Tropical Medicine and Travelers working group of the Spanish Society of Primary Care Physicians (SEMERGEN) explains to Infosalus that “the main thing” to relieve nasal congestion is the hydration.
“It will allow mucus to clear up and help prevent sinus blockages and increased irritation. Today, with central heating, environments become very dry, which causes nasal passages to become even more irritated.” , warns the specialist, especially on colder days.
Therefore, it is important increase daily fluid intake, especially that of water, natural juices, creams and soups. He also believes that hot showers can help, as hot water creates warm, moist air, which he believes is helpful in clearing blocked nasal passages and relieving sinus pressure. Another alternative, according to him, are humidifiers since, by producing steam, help clear nasal passages.
“There is a popular belief that the contact of onion juice with the respiratory tract reduces catarrhal symptoms, in fact, placing an onion in the proximity of people with a cold is still common as a home remedy for the treatment of cough This widespread practice has not shown any efficacy, although its risks are not known either. It also happens with garlic, supposedly with antimicrobial and antiviral effects, but with which efficacy has not been demonstrated in catarrhal processes, “warns the SEMERGEN expert.
Another product, according to Linares, would be honey, one of the most used since ancient times for the treatment of coughs. “Sweet products are known to decrease the sensation of cough discomfort and contribute to the placebo effect. In addition, It is attributed antioxidant effects and a possible antimicrobial action, through the release of ‘cytokines,'” he points out.
“The efficacy of honey as an antitussive in children has been confirmed compared to no treatment or a placebo,” adds the expert, while insisting that steam baths “are very good” because “hydration is the best remedy for nasal congestion.
For his part, Dr. José María Cots, coordinator of the Infectious Diseases Group of the Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine (SEMFYC), regrets that mucolytics “can do little to relieve nasal congestion.” However, the role of saline solution stands out, especially for children, when it comes to relieving nasal obstruction. It also points to the humidifier.
From the United States Library of Medicine, they also advise applying a hot, wet cloth to the face several times a day; inhale steam 2-4 times a day, and says one way to do this is to sit in the bathroom with the shower running, but not inhale the hot steam; in addition to use mild saline nasal sprays 3 to 4 times a day.
“Congestion is often worse when lying down. Stay upright or at least keep your head up. Some stores sell sticky strips that can be placed in your nose. These help to widen your nostrils, making it easier to breathe,” she warns.
On the other hand, advises to visit the doctor when a stuffy nose with swelling of the forehead occurs, the eyes, one side of the nose, or the cheeks or that occurs with blurred vision; when apart from nasal congestion there is a sore throat, or white or yellow spots on the tonsils or other parts of the throat; when discharge from the nose smells bad, comes from only one side, or is a color other than white or yellow; when have a cough that lasts more than 10 days, or that produces yellow-green or gray mucus; when a runny nose appears after a head injury; if the symptoms last more than 3 weeks; or runny nose with fever.