1. Drugs and Medications for Nasal Problems
Over-the-counter medications for colds, flu, allergies and other causes of nasal disorders abound. If you have to drive or be otherwise alert, don't take medicines that make you drowsy. For a stuffy or congested nose, a decongestant works temporarily, but you shouldn't use it for more than a few days consecutively. For a runny nose, an antihistamine or nasal corticosteroid should be effective. Get a doctor's recommendation or read the drug labels carefully to determine which one is best for you.
If you have an upper respiratory infection, take any antiviral medications that your doctor prescribes. These won't alleviate nasal symptoms, but they will help to heal the underlying cause more quickly and, with it, your runny or stuffy nose.
2. Lifestyle Changes for Healthy Respiration
Temporary or chronic nasal disorders can benefit from a clean environment. This means that fewer irritants will be entering your system, resulting in less interior swelling and mucus production. When you dust, use disposable or washable cloths rather than spray polishes or feather dusters. Vacuum with a HEPA machine, or plug in a room air cleaner and change the filter regularly.
If possible, avoid airborne allergens that you can't control, such as pollution or chemicals in the workplace. Stay indoors during ozone or pollution alerts, and use a mask or switch job positions to avoid triggers in the workplace.
Pets can be a source of irritation that leads to nasal dysfunction. Keep them outside, or select low-dander pets, such as fish, reptiles and certain breeds of dogs and cats.
3. Home Remedies to Improve Breathing
Getting enough water on a regular basis keeps nasal membranes and other areas of the body hydrated and less likely to be irritated in adverse conditions. If allergies, cold, flu or other causes elevate your mucus production, use a saline spray or drops to thin the mucus and reduce the flow.
Exposure to dust, pollen, smoke or other irritants can cause nasal disorders. When you've been in a compromised environment, wash your face and rinse your eyes. Clear your nasal passages by gently blowing your nose, taking a hot bath or shower or inhaling steam from a humidifier. This will reduce your risk of nasal inflammation as well as alleviate any symptoms of congestion and drainage.
Over-the-counter medications for colds, flu, allergies and other causes of nasal disorders abound. If you have to drive or be otherwise alert, don't take medicines that make you drowsy. For a stuffy or congested nose, a decongestant works temporarily, but you shouldn't use it for more than a few days consecutively. For a runny nose, an antihistamine or nasal corticosteroid should be effective. Get a doctor's recommendation or read the drug labels carefully to determine which one is best for you.
If you have an upper respiratory infection, take any antiviral medications that your doctor prescribes. These won't alleviate nasal symptoms, but they will help to heal the underlying cause more quickly and, with it, your runny or stuffy nose.
2. Lifestyle Changes for Healthy Respiration
Temporary or chronic nasal disorders can benefit from a clean environment. This means that fewer irritants will be entering your system, resulting in less interior swelling and mucus production. When you dust, use disposable or washable cloths rather than spray polishes or feather dusters. Vacuum with a HEPA machine, or plug in a room air cleaner and change the filter regularly.
If possible, avoid airborne allergens that you can't control, such as pollution or chemicals in the workplace. Stay indoors during ozone or pollution alerts, and use a mask or switch job positions to avoid triggers in the workplace.
Pets can be a source of irritation that leads to nasal dysfunction. Keep them outside, or select low-dander pets, such as fish, reptiles and certain breeds of dogs and cats.
3. Home Remedies to Improve Breathing
Getting enough water on a regular basis keeps nasal membranes and other areas of the body hydrated and less likely to be irritated in adverse conditions. If allergies, cold, flu or other causes elevate your mucus production, use a saline spray or drops to thin the mucus and reduce the flow.
Exposure to dust, pollen, smoke or other irritants can cause nasal disorders. When you've been in a compromised environment, wash your face and rinse your eyes. Clear your nasal passages by gently blowing your nose, taking a hot bath or shower or inhaling steam from a humidifier. This will reduce your risk of nasal inflammation as well as alleviate any symptoms of congestion and drainage.
