The most-common form of congestion is nasal congestion. This occurs when the nasal membranes or tissues and blood vessels in the nose become inflamed. It is not due to excess mucous in the nasal passages. Nasal congestion can cause ear infections and trouble with sleeping and breathing.
Vitamin C
Taking a Vitamin C supplement can act as an anti-histamine. Histamine is one of the primary causes of nasal or sinus congestion. The supplement can be found at a local retailer relatively inexpensive. If supplements are not preferred, there are foods rich in Vitamin C. The most common food for Vitamin C is oranges and orange juice. These can be eaten or drank on a daily basis. Vitamin C is important for immune health.
Oils
Certain oils can act on the receptors in the nasal passage to help with congestion. Eucalyptus oil and tea tree oil can be used to open the passages up. Use only one of the oils and not both at the same time. Place three to four drops of either of the oils in to a cup of boiler water. Mix the oils into the water thoroughly. Now allow the steam from the cup to enter into the nasal passage. The oil along with the steam will work as a decongestant.
Nasal Irrigation
Nasal irrigation can be done to offer some relief for nasal congestion. Using warm water or a saline solution will allow the substance to pass through the nasal passages and act as a decongestant. The supplies for nasal irrigation systems can be found in the pharmacy or local discount stores, close to nasal saline spray. The system will come with a saline solution to help with the irrigation. Once the saline solution is gone, there are replacement solutions to buy or warm water can be used.
About this Author
Melanie Jones is a current public administration graduate student with a concentration in health care administration. She works as a clinical assistant in a neurosurgery clinic in preparation for physician assistant school. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University.
