Home remedies to clear a stuffy nose

Congestion occurs when the lining inside the nose becomes swollen or produces extra mucus. A common cold, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, dust-mite exposure, or dry and smoky air can contribute. The symptom may feel worse when lying down, because mucus drains less easily. A blocked nose can also disturb sleep and make mouth breathing uncomfortable.

Use a saline nasal spray or rinse according to its instructions; if you rinse, use sterile, distilled, or previously boiled and cooled water. Drink regularly, breathe moist air from a warm shower, and keep smoke, strong fragrances, and dusty rooms away from your face. Raise your head slightly during sleep. Decongestant sprays can cause rebound congestion when used too long, so ask a pharmacist about suitable use, especially if you have high blood pressure, glaucoma, or take other medicines.

Arrange medical advice if congestion keeps returning, lasts beyond a typical cold, affects sleep repeatedly, or comes with facial pain, reduced smell, or thick discharge. Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, swelling around the eyes, confusion, or a severe headache with fever. A clinician can assess whether allergies, sinus disease, or another cause needs treatment.

Could allergies or sinusitis explain my congestion? Which saline or allergy treatment fits my health conditions? Should I be checked for a nasal blockage if one side stays blocked?