Lithuania
A 26-year-old male asked:
Do you have any more tips how to cure a acute blocked nose (or just get a momentary relief) without using nasal spray or warm salty water?
3 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. William Walshanswered
Addiction Medicine 19 years experience
Steam: If you heat water in a pan until it is steaming. Place a towel over your head and (keeping your face away from the pot), allow the steam to go through your nostrils. Do not burn yourself. If you want a less risky option, try taking a hot shower and allowing the steam to build up.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Michelle Marcincukanswered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 26 years experience
Pull your nose: If you pull the outside of your nose/cheek border toward your ear, this helps to open up the nostril area and can temporarily relieve stuffiness.
Warm salt water (saline spray or irrigation) is also very good.
Nasal spray, like afrin, (oxymetazoline) must be used judiciously as it can cause dependency if used for more than 3-4 days in a row.
Sudafed can also help, but don't use if you have any contraindications!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Joram Seggevanswered
Specializes in Internal Medicine - Allergy & Immunology
Take a pill: If you are otherwise healthy, have no diabetes, high blood pressure or thyroid problems and you are younger than 60, you can take an otc decogestant by mouth, such as phenylephrine 10mg or Pseudoephedrine (now behind the counter) 30-60mg every 6 hours for a few days.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Sep 28, 2016
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