Nettie

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Method 1 of 4: Quick Fixes for Kids and Adults

1. 1
   Don't blow your nose.

   • Blowing your nose while it's stuffy when there's nothing to expel will only make the congestion worse. Walk away from the tissues, and resolve to use them only when you have a runny nose.
   • Blowing hard repeatedly will make the delicate membranes inside your nostrils get more inflamed, leading to increased stuffiness. It seems counter-intuitive at first, but you really will feel better if you use tissues less.
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2. 2
   Take an over-the-counter decongestant or antihistamine. Depending on the cause of the stuffiness, you might be able to find some relief in widely available medications. Here's what to choose:

   • If you have a cold, pick up a decongestant. Decongestants will ease the swelling and inflammation in your nasal passages, leading to easier breathing. You can take them orally, as a pill, or use a decongestant nasal spray. Be aware that decongestant nasal sprays are only recommended for three consecutive days of use; oral decongestants such as Sudafed can be taken for much longer.
   • If you're suffering from allergies, such as hay fever, get an antihistamine. If allergies are at the root of your problem, an antihistamine will both relieve congestion and take care of other symptoms, like sneezing. Be aware that antihistamines can cause drowsiness.
3. 
   3
   Use a saline nasal spray. Saline nasal sprays are simply salt water in a convenient applicator — no medications or drugs are included. The water will soothe the inflammation in your nose, as well as flushing out any mucus or bacteria.

   • Buy the spray, or make your own spray. You can purchase sterile saline sprays at most drug stores. Or, if you own a nasal aspirator or bulb syringe, make your own by mixing 1/4 teaspoon of salt with 1 cup warm water.
   • Lean over a sink, with the tip of your nose is pointing toward the drain. This position allows the water to easily run out of your nose.
   • Slowly spray the saline into one nostril at a time. If you're using a bulb syringe, squeeze it a little to evacuate the air, dip it into the saline solution, and release the bulb. Squeeze the bulb again to put the solution into your nostril.
   • Allow the solution to drain from your nose completely before spraying again.
   • Use the saline solution two to three times a day.
   • Check out How to Use a Neti Pot for an alternate way to irrigate your sinuses with saline solution.