HARVARD HEALTH PUBLISHING AND 3 EXPERTS WEIGH IN ON: HOW CAN I GET RID OF A STUFFY NOSE?
Answered by Dr. Howard E. Lewine
M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA
One of the simplest, cheapest, and most effective ways to a treat a stuffy nose from nasal congestion is nasal irrigation. Medications for nasal congestion due to allergies or colds include antihistamines and/or decongestants. When allergies are the cause, avoidance of allergens when possible and adding a nasal corticosteroid spray can be very helpful.
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Answered by Dr. Howard E. Lewine
M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA
It depends upon the cause and whether the nasal congestion is temporary or persistent. If only temporary, you can use a nasal decongestant for a few days. But using it regularly can make the condition worse. If the cause is allergies, try to avoid your allergens. Other allergy treatments include antihistamines and nasal corticosteroid products. For any stuffy nose, nasal irrigation is a natural way to help relieve the symptoms.
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Answered by Dr. Tushar Batra
Doctor of Medicine (MBBS) · 1.6 years of experience · India
Stuffy noses (nasal congestion) may be lessened by using a humidifier at home and cleaning the inside of the nose with a saline solution. Antihistamine use may be beneficial if symptoms are caused by allergies. However, if the problem persists or any discharge is noted, it is advisable to seek proper medical attention.
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Answered by Dr. Manju Narayani
Doctor of Medicine (MD) · 10 years of experience · India
Stuffy nose or nasal congestion is a common symptom seen in Rhinitis or common cold. Antihistamines can be used in the form of oral tablets or intranasal drops or sprays, nasal decongestant spray or drops with oxymetazoline can be used, in sever cases corticosteroids are used. Steam inhalation can help.
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→ Learn more about rhinitis: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.
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Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.
