Thin mucus will drain from your sinuses and ears easier. For the best results, warm up the water in a kettle and drink it while it’s comfortably hot. To enhance the flavor and add extra decongesting power, mix in a little ginger, honey, and cinnamon.
Make sure the water is hot, but not so hot that you can burn your skin. You can repeat this process as many times as you want to help relieve sinus pressure. You can also loosen your mucus by steaming your sinuses. Boil some water in a pot and set it on a level surface, then position yourself over the pot and drape a towel over your head. Carefully lift the lid of the pot to let the steam out under the towel so you can breathe it in.
For difficult congestion, block 1 nostril and blow through the other so you can clear them.
You can find decongestants at your local pharmacy. For serious congestion, call your doctor and ask if they can prescribe a prescription-strength decongestant. Don’t take a decongestant for longer than 3 days unless your doctor advises you otherwise. Using a decongestant for too long can end up making your congestion worse. Be cautious about using oral decongestants if you have high blood pressure, closed angle glaucoma, or an overactive thyroid gland. If you have one of these conditions, stick to using Mucinex unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Always talk to a pediatrician before giving mucolytics to a child.
Use 1-2 drops of saline nasal spray in each nostril every 2 hours. You can use a saline spray as long as you like, and you can also use it preventatively. If saline spray isn’t enough to relieve your congestion, you can use it in combination with a spray containing decongestant medication, such as Afrin. You may not need any additional oral decongestants. If you’re using a medicated spray, read the packaging to make sure you can use it if you’ve already taken decongestant medication. Use the decongestant spray as directed on the packaging and don’t use it for more than 3 consecutive days so your sinuses can start to regulate themselves after you clear them. You can find nasal sprays, such as saline sprays or medicated sprays, at your local pharmacy.
You may find it more comfortable to use warm water with the neti pot. The water should be around body temperature (98 °F (37 °C)).
Don’t use VapoRub or any other medication containing camphor on a child under 2 years old. To use the rub safely on children over 2 and adults, only apply it to the chest and neck, and never to the face or around the nostrils. [8] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Use hot water to create more steam in the shower, but don’t make it so hot that you burn yourself.
Place the humidifier somewhere higher up like on a dresser or on top of a shelf so it can evenly distribute moisture throughout the room.
Don’t go for a run outside if it’s too hot to try to sweat it out. The fluctuation can make your symptoms worse. Avoid cold-weather activities, which can harden any fluids in your sinuses and ears.
Avoid your morning cup of joe until your sinuses and ears are clear. Drinking alcohol may make you feel slightly better in the short term, but your sinus and ear pressure will only get worse if you add the effects of a hangover on top of them.
Try dairy alternatives, such as soy or almond milk, if dairy makes you congested.
Ingredients like garlic, onions, and ginger can both enhance the flavor of the soup and give your immune system a boost.
Move in increments if you’re getting out of a bed or chair. Sit upright, use your hands to help lift yourself, and then rise slowly so you don’t get dizzy.
Try to sleep with your head elevated as well.
