Whether it’s a stuffy nose or a sinus infection, clogged sinuses can be super-uncomfortable and annoying. Discover how to clear your sinuses fast and get nearly instant relief from a stuffy nose.
Why Are Your Sinuses Stuffed Up?
Sometimes a stuffy nose is due to allergies or a cold, but other times it could be because of dry air, pollution, or even a deviated septum. Whatever the cause, it’s essential to care for yourself and find ways to clear your sinuses so you can breathe easily.
How to Unstuff Your Nose Instantly
Looking for ways to get rid of a sinus infection or maybe just a stuffed-up nose? Try these different methods to see which one works best for you.
- Steam Inhalation: You can do this by filling up a bowl with hot water and placing your face over it, being careful not to burn yourself. Drape a towel over your head to trap the steam and inhale deeply for 10 to 15 minutes. This can help loosen up the mucus in your sinuses and make it easier to blow your nose. You can also receive similar effects by taking long, hot showers to breathe in the steam.
- Neti Pot: Fill this small teapot-shaped device with a saline solution and pour it into your nostrils. Tilt your head to the side and let the solution flow through one nostril and out the other. The neti pot can help to flush out your sinuses and relieve congestion.
- Saline Nasal Spray: Similar to the neti pot, nasal sprays help flush out the gunk in your nose. It will moisturize your sinuses and clear out mucus.
- Decongestant: These over-the-counter medications provide a short-term solution to the question of how to clear a stuffy nose fast. Due to various chronic conditions and medication interactions with decongestants it is advised to consult with your primary care provider or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter medication.
Can I Speed Up the Process of Clearing My Sinuses?
When your sinuses are clogged up, it can feel like you may never breathe easily again. While those methods above can help clear your snot, there are a few other things you can do to clear a stuffy nose fast.
One of the best things you can do is to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water and other fluids helps to thin out the mucus in your sinuses, making it easier to clear out. You can also use a saline spray or rinse to help flush out your sinuses and keep them moisturized.
Another tip is to get plenty of rest. Your body needs time to heal and recover, so don’t push yourself too hard. Ensure you get enough sleep and take it easy if you’re feeling under the weather.
While you’re resting, prop yourself up a little. Keeping your head elevated will keep your nose from getting more clogged and will make breathing more comfortable.
Applying a warm, damp washcloth across your nose can ease congestion in the nose. Breathing in the moist air loosens up the mucus inside your sinuses.
Should I Go to Urgent Care?
In most cases of determining how to clear sinuses fast, you use the abovementioned methods. If your symptoms are mild and you can manage them alone, it’s probably unnecessary to go to urgent care. Just ensure you care for yourself and do everything possible to clear your sinuses quickly.
However, if your symptoms are severe or you’re experiencing other symptoms like a fever or severe headache, seeking medical attention might be a good idea. For adults, the Mayo Clinic says you should see a healthcare provider if you have symptoms for more than 10 days, have a high fever, green or yellow snot, bloody nose, or your face hurts. While children should see a doctor if their symptoms don’t improve or worsen. Parents should take their infant to see the doctor if their clogged sinuses are creating problems with nursing or breathing.
American Family Care is an excellent option for receiving quick, convenient help in these instances. No appointment is required. Plus, we offer extended hours to work around your schedule. Our medical team can help to diagnose and treat your sinus issues and provide you with medication if needed. Find a location.
