Home remedies for severe congestion

Congestion may mean a blocked nose, thick mucus or pressure in the face or chest, depending on the cause. A blocked nose can follow a cold, allergy or irritation; chest congestion with breathing difficulty needs a different level of care. Dehydration can make mucus thicker. The term is sometimes confused with constipation, but they are different symptoms and need different advice.

Rest, drink fluids regularly and use a saline spray or rinse as directed. A clean humidifier may add moisture; avoid very hot steam, which can burn. Raise your head while resting if nasal blockage is worse when lying down. Avoid smoke and other irritants. Check with a pharmacist before using decongestant products, particularly if you have heart or blood-pressure problems, take other medicines or are pregnant. Do not use a medicated nasal spray longer than its instructions allow.

Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, chest pain, confusion, facial swelling or inability to keep fluids down. Arrange medical review when congestion is worsening, lasts beyond the expected illness, returns repeatedly, or comes with high fever, severe facial pain or blood. A clinician can check for infection, allergy or another cause.

Is this nasal or chest congestion, and what may be causing it? Is a saline rinse or decongestant suitable with my medicines? Could dehydration or another condition be contributing? What signs mean I should seek urgent care?