No 6 Use High Quality Filters And An Air Purifier
If youre having a hard time indoors there could be a few of problems.
- Nasal problems in winter
- Nasal problems year-round
- Nasal problems while sleeping
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air can be 2-5 times higher than outdoor air. Think about it, sometimes were afraid to go outside because we think the air is bad, but it could be worse inside!
Growing up, I lived in a geographical region that had terrible air one of the worst in the U.S. I knew that going outside would put my lungs at risk, but I never realized that indoor air might be making me feel bad as well. I look back at the inside of my familys home and see a few potential problems.
We had carpets everywhere in the house. Carpets attract and hold onto dirt and dust. Even if we use a vacuum diligently, its almost impossible to capture all the dirt and dust in carpets.
We used poor quality HVAC filters in our home and when we used the heater and air conditioner the filters didnt capture much dust in the air, it simply blew through the filtration system and returned to the room.
A high-quality HVAC filter and air purifier with a HEPA filter can do wonders for indoor air. Ive changed to using awesome HVAC filters and turn the vent on 1-2 times per week to filter the air in the house it works well and I feel better breathing!
Are Nasal Polyps Dangerous
There is no evidence that nasal polyps are life-threatening. However, they can be a big inconvenience and can interfere with the normal drainage and ventilation of your sinuses. The mucus produced by the sinuses is meant to wash away irritants and contaminants from the nasal passages. If nasal polyps get too big, they may block the normal flow of mucus and cause it to build up and become infected, further worsening your sinus issues.
Suffering From Clear Nasal Drip Schedule An Appointment With Kaplan Sinus Relief For A Lasting Solution
There are countless reasons you could be experiencing clear drainage from your nose. If youre at all concerned about your runny nose or its stuck around for longer than 12 weeks, we recommend scheduling an appointment with Kaplan Sinus Relief.
Kaplan Sinus Relief is Houstons premier provider of the balloon sinuplasty procedure and the only office in America to offer the Targeted Guided Surgery navigation system an augmented reality that increases the precision, quickness, and efficiency of balloon sinuplasty.
We have helped more than 5,000 patients clear their chronic sinus issues for good and are here to help you do the same. Call Kaplan Sinus Relief at 713-766-1818 or schedule an appointment online today!
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Treating Stuffy Nose Due To Allergies
If you have a stuffy or runny nose due to an allergic response, whether environmental or seasonal, you may also have symptoms like itchy eyes, sneezing, and a scratchy throat. To relieve those symptoms, you can try allergy-specific medications, such as:
- Antihistamines like diphenhydramine , loratadine , or cetirizine , which reduce the production of histamine, a chemical that is active in an allergic reaction.
- Nasal steroid sprays like fluticasone propionate , which reduce inflammation in the nose. Its important to note that these medications contain steroids and long-term use can result in side effects including headaches, nose bleeds, and cataracts.
Treating Babies And Toddlers
Warning: Avoid using warm-mist humidifiers, as these are actually more likely to breed bacteria and distribute germs throughout your home.
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Where Medicine Comes Into The Picture
In cases where symptoms do begin to cause your child some discomfort or interfere with their sleep, cold medicine might do the trick. First, though, you should make sure that it really is a cold that is causing the congestion — allergies, for example, will not respond to cold medicine, nor will congestion that is caused by a structural issue like a deviated septum.
If you have already determined that a cold is the culprit, Genexas Kids Cold Crush may be just the thing your little one needs. This homeopathic remedy addresses many common symptoms of a cold including congestion, runny nose, sore throat, cough, and mucus, making it a great choice when your kiddo is under the weather. It is great for kids between the ages of 3 and 11 years, and if your child is under 3 years old, just consult your doctor before using!
Genexa is also the first clean medicine brand, meaning they offer medicine with the active ingredients you need, without the artificial inactive ingredients you dont need or want to give to your kids. Genexa was founded by two dads who know what it is like to struggle to find the best options as a parent, as everyone knows parents want the best for their children!
Genexa makes real, clean medicine, and they are committed to revolutionizing the world of medicine one clean product at a time.
How K Health Can Help
Did you know you can get affordable primary care with the K Health app? Download K to check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed text with a doctor in minutes. K Healths AI-powered app is HIPAA compliant and based on 20 years of clinical data.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
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Why Do I Have A Stuffy Nose
Broadly speaking, nasal congestion happens when theres inflammation and swelling in the tissue of the sinuses and nasal passages. This can happen for a number of reasons. Some of the most common medical causes of stuffy nose include:
- The common cold
- Anatomical obstructions like a deviated septum
- Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy
Occasionally, external factors can lead to congestion, including:
- Irritants, like smoke or strong smells
- Drinking alcohol
- Prolonged use of nasal decongestant sprays or drops
Usually, a stuffy nose resolves on its own with time or once the cause is addressed. Some people experience chronic nasal congestion due to sinusitis, or an infection of the sinuses. Talk to your health care provider or a K doctor if your stuffy nose lasts more than ten days.
Simple Ways To Relieve Congestion
As you can see, while they are caused by different things a lot of the symptoms are the same. A stuffy nose can throw your entire day off balance. Your voice becomes distorted and breathing is a struggle. Nasal congestion is one of the most common side effects of allergies and the common cold, so many people experience these symptoms numerous times a year.
Contrary to popular belief, congestion isnt caused by an excessive build-up of mucous in your nasal passage. In fact, it actually occurs when the blood vessels in your nasal tissue become swollen due to excess fluid. If youre experiencing nasal congestion, here are some simple ways to get relief:
To find an allergy clinic in Houston, or to learn more about allergy testing procedures, contact our team to at 713-328-0828.
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Saline Spray Or Saltwater Nasal Wash
Experts dont necessarily think theres anything particularly anti-inflammatory about saline. However, these sprays and washes can rinse away thicker mucus and allergens, leading to some relief of nasal congestion, says Eugene Chio, M.D., an otolaryngologist at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
They also provide moisture to the nose, and we know that the nose loves moisture, adds Dr. Sedaghat. , you can get microscopic cracks in the lining, and thats how viruses get in.
You can make your own saltwater wash by adding a half-teaspoon of salt and a half-teaspoon of baking soda to a cup of distilled water. Then use a syringe, squeeze bottle or neti pot to flush your nose with the saltwater solution.
Alternatively, most U.S. pharmacies sell saline packets for neti pot use at very reasonable prices. These premade products come with clear instructions and are very easy to use properly.
Saltwater Nasal Wash: .
Nose Allergy Home Remedies
If youre suffering from nose allergy symptoms that include swelling, running nose, rhinitis, and/or post-nasal drip youre not alone. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, nasal allergies affect about 50 million people in the U.S. including up to 30% of adults and 40% of children .
In this article, well share 11 nose allergy home remedies and more!
While researchers look to improve medicine and pinpoint the causes of allergic disease, the nose allergy problem is becoming worse.
Nasal allergies arent the end of the world for most people, however, they can be annoying, and if left untreated can become debilitating, affecting sleep, social interactions, and overall quality of life.
Nose allergies can cause:
- Redness and swelling
- Sinus pain, also behind eyes and ears
How do I know this? Because I experienced many of these symptoms when my nose allergies were at their worst. I didnt just have nose allergy symptoms, I had other symptoms including itchy skin, coughing, and fatigue because I was allergic to so many things.
I have improved a great deal since my worst days with allergy. Yet I still remember how uncomfortable life with an allergy can be. For 20 years I couldnt breathe through my nose and I just thought it was life.
I didnt understand it wasnt normal, and I didnt understand how to improve. Ive tried everything under the sun, including strong prescription medicine that I wish I never used.
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Get Some Eucalyptus Oil
If youre looking for a natural home remedy, Dr. Polinsky suggests eucalyptus oil. Studies showed it can work as a pain reliever and has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to decrease mucus production and nasal inflammation. Eucalyptus oil can be inhaled in a steam through a diffuser to reduce nasal symptoms or by adding a few drops of oil into a bowl of hot water, says Dr. Polinsky. There are also eucalyptus lozenges and vapor rubs, which can also help to clear the nose.
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While eucalyptus oil is safe to smell and inhale, avoid ingesting or putting it directly on your face. Also, make sure to store it in a cool, dry place, as heat and direct sunlight can change the composition of this essential oil.
What Causes Allergic Rhinitis
When your body comes into contact with an allergen, it releases histamine, which is a natural chemical that defends your body from the allergen. This chemical can cause allergic rhinitis and its symptoms, including a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes.
In addition to tree pollen, other common allergens include:
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Eucalyptus Or Peppermint Oil
While these essential oils wont necessarily improve your congestion, their vapors provide a cooling sensation, and when they get into your nose, they can trick your brain into thinking its easier to breathe.
Try using the oils in a diffuser or mixing them in a carrier oil coconut oil and rubbing the mixture on your neck and chest. Experts do not recommend applying the oils directly to the nose.
Peppermint Oil: .
Do Nasal Polyps Hurt Or Bleed
If they are true benign nasal polyps, then you shouldnt experience any pain or bleeding, Dr. Kim says. However, there are other benign and cancerous masses that may grow in sinuses and nasal passages and disguise themselves as nasal polyps, such as an inverted papilloma or sinus cancer . If you are experiencing unexplained pain and bleeding in your nose, dont ignore it, especially if its just on one side of your nose. Your ENT may need to perform a biopsy if the growth looks suspicious.
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How Do You Clear A Stuffy Nose
Here are ways you can clear nasal congestion:
- Drink lots of water and clear fluids. Fluids help thin mucus and ease congestion.
- Use a saline nasal spray or wash to flush out mucus.
- Apply adhesive strips to your nose to open nasal passages.
- Use humidifiers to moisten the air at your home and/or workplace.
- Ask your healthcare provider to recommend over-the-counter medication that treats nasal congestion. Be sure they know about all medications you take so they can recommend medications that wont interact with your existing medications.
- If nasal congestion keeps your baby from nursing or taking a bottle, use a nasal bulb syringe to clear mucus from their nose.
Nasal Congestion: How To Get Rid Of A Stuffy Nose
If youve ever struggled to breathe from your nose or laid awake at night due to stuffiness, you know how difficult congestion can be.
Caused by irritation and inflammation in the nasal passages, a stuffy nose commonly occurs with illnesses like influenza and the common cold, or with seasonal and environmental allergies. Other medical conditions and external factors like smoke and strong smells can also contribute to nasal congestion.
Fortunately, there are a number of medications and at-home remedies that can ease your symptoms. Keep in mind that its also important to address the underlying cause of your stuffy nose.
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How Is Allergic Rhinitis Diagnosed
If you have minor allergies, youll probably only need a physical exam. However, your doctor may perform certain tests to figure out the best treatment and prevention plan for you.
A skin prick test is one of the most common. Your doctor places several substances onto your skin to see how your body reacts to each one. Usually, a small red bump appears if youre allergic to a substance.
A blood test, or radioallergosorbent test , is also common. The RAST measures the amount of immunoglobulin E antibodies to particular allergens in your blood.
You can treat your allergic rhinitis in several ways. These include medications, as well as home remedies and possibly alternative medicines. Talk to your doctor before trying any new treatment measure for allergic rhinitis.
Antihistamines Or Allergy Medication
You may want to take an antihistamine or allergy medication if your nasal congestion results from an allergic reaction. Both types of medications can reduce the swelling in your nasal passages, helping to unclog your sinuses.
Combining drugs containing both an antihistamine and a decongestant can relieve the sinus pressure and swelling caused by allergic reactions.
Follow the instructions for these medications carefully. If you dont, you may make your condition worse. You should also note that antihistamines might make you drowsy. If you arent sure how an antihistamine will affect you, dont take this medication when you need to be active or productive.
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How Long Does A Blocked Nose Last
The cause of your stuffy nose affects how long your symptoms last.
Generally, a blocked nose from a virus doesnt last that long. If it sticks around for more than 10 days, there may be something else going on, says Dr Ramskill.
If youre worried or bothered by your symptoms, speak to a doctor or pharmacist. In the meantime, there are things you can do at home for relief.
How To Get Rid Of A Stuffy Nose
A constantly stuffy nose affects your daily life and is very frustrating. Usually, a stuffy nose is the result of inflamed blood vessels and tissues in the sinuses. The swelling or inflammation could be caused by sinusitis, a cold, an infection, or allergies. A stuffy nose, when frequent, could indicate a condition that requires treatment from an ENT from South Florida ENT Associates.
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Rinse The Sinuses With A Neti Pot And Saline Solution
The most immediate thing we do when we have a stuffy nose is blowing the nose in order to get rid of the congestion. However, rinsing the nose with a neti pot and saline solution is a more effective method.
According to Ayurveda, this rinses off the excess mucus and any other allergens in the sinuses to unclog the nose.
