3 Stuffy Nose (Nasal Congestion) Secrets You Never Knew (But Should!)
Does a stuffy nose from colds or allergies bother you this time of year?
There's good news! In this article, you'll learn the secrets to clear breathing, from effective medication techniques and nasal care tips to a powerful 20-second trick that very few people knew about!
First, You Get Stuffy Nose (Nasal Congestion) Every Day
Did you know that everyone experiences mild stuffy nose, a.ka. nasal congestion, every day without even realizing it? That's right, even when you're not sick! It turns out that even a stuffy nose has its purpose. It's all part of the amazing way your nose works to protect you.
Think of it this way: your nose acts like a powerful air filter. To do its job, it sometimes needs to "clean house" by producing mucus to trap dust, germs, and allergens. This can lead to a feeling of congestion, especially if one nostril is working a bit harder than the other. This alternating pattern is called the "nasal cycle", and it's completely normal! This alternating congestion helps keep the delicate tissues inside your nose from drying out. A slightly congested nostril is actually better at trapping dust and irritants. The cycle ensures both sides get a turn at being the "heavy-duty filter".
Aside from this, your nose changes the air you breathe, no matter the temperature or humidity, into air suitable for your lungs – 37°C (98.6°F) and 100% humidity – in just one second! And to do this job 24 hours a day, your left and right nostrils take turns resting as part of this natural cycle, which usually goes unnoticed. Your nose really is full of amazing secrets!
Of course, excessive congestion is another story. This typically involves more significant swelling, discomfort, and often other symptoms, indicating an imbalance or irritation in the nasal passages. So, if you're looking for relief from a truly stuffy nose, here are top 3 techniques worth knowing:
- How to clear a stuffy nose with a plastic bottle.
- The right way to use nasal spray.
- A new way to rinse your nose that doesn't hurt.
1. Unclog Your Nose with a Plastic Bottle
This might sound strange, but holding a plastic bottle under your arm (armpit) for 20 seconds can help you breathe easier! It can open up the nostril on the opposite side of your body for 1 to 2 minutes. All you need is a 500 mL plastic bottle filled with liquid.
Which armpit to use?
- Use the armpit on the opposite side of your clogged nostril.
- If both nostrils are clogged, start with one armpit, then switch to the other when finished.
Instructions:
- Place a water bottle filled with liquid under your arm, about three fingers below your armpit.
- Press your arm firmly against your body and hold for 20-30 seconds.
Why does this work? In your armpit, there's a nerve called the sympathetic nerve. This nerve is connected to the inside of your nose. When you press a bottle under your arm, it stimulates the nerve. This makes the blood vessels in your nose smaller, which opens up your nasal passage.
The effect lasts about 5 times longer than the time you hold the bottle. But be careful! Don't hold it for too long, or your arm might start to feel numb.
2. About Using Nasal Sprays with Decongestants
Many over-the-counter nasal sprays have different things mixed in, like ingredients to stop allergies or to reduce swelling or inflammation. One common ingredient in many nasal sprays is a "decongestant". This makes the blood vessels in your nose smaller. Most nasal spray packaging won't say "decongestant", so it's best to confirm with the pharmacist.
Decongestants reduce the swelling in your nasal passages, allowing you to breathe better. They work very fast! But, if you use too much or use it for too long, it can be bad for your nose. It can make the inside of your nose swell up even more! The reason for this is the rebound effect. When you use decongestant sprays for more than the recommended time, your blood vessels can become "resistant" to the medication. They may start to dilate again, even more than before, leading to a condition called rebound congestion.
Always follow the instructions carefully. If the nasal spray fails to help after using it correctly for two weeks, consider visiting an ear, nose, and throat (ENT/Otolaryngologist) doctor.
3. Easy and Painless Nasal Irrigation (Sinus Rinse)!
What you need:
- 0.9% saline solution (approximately 2 grams of salt per 200 ml of water)
- A nasal irrigation device like a neti pot (available at pharmacies)
- Tissues
- A basin (if not performing over a sink)
How to do a painless nose rinse:
- Gently insert the nozzle of the device into one nostril.
- Gently squirt the water while exhaling through your mouth by making an "ahh" sound. (Making a sound prevents water from entering your lungs).
- You only need to rinse the front part of your nasal passage, so don't squirt too hard trying to get the water all the way to the back.
- Important: Water can go into your ear through an opening at the back of your nose and cause an ear infection. - It's okay if a little water goes down your throat or comes out of your other nostril.
- When you're finished, gently blow your nose to get rid of any leftover water.
It's important to note that symptoms like nasal congestion, swelling, facial pressure, pain, fever, too much mucus, etc., can occur with both viral and bacterial infections. The use of the PYRO-ENERGEN electrostatic therapy machine is highly effective for both preventing and eradicating all these symptoms that are caused by viral infections, such as the common cold, flu, or sinusitis (sinus infection).
By following all these tips and techniques, you can find relief from nasal congestion and breathe freely once again!
Junji Takano is a Japanese health researcher involved in investigating the cause of many dreadful diseases. In 1968, he invented PYRO-ENERGEN, the first and only electrostatic therapy machine that effectively eradicates viral diseases, cancer, and diseases of unknown cause.
Click here to find out more: https://www.pyroenergen.com/
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