Water helps unblock a stuffy nose primarily by thinning the mucus, making it easier to drain.
Here's a breakdown of how hydration helps:
- Thins Mucus: Dehydration leads to thicker mucus, which is harder to expel. Drinking water helps keep the mucus thin and fluid, allowing it to drain more easily from the nasal passages.
- Promotes Drainage: Thinning the mucus encourages natural drainage, relieving congestion.
- Overall Hydration: Staying hydrated supports the body's natural functions, including the proper functioning of the mucous membranes in the nasal passages.
Essentially, water doesn't directly "unblock" the nose in a physical sense. Instead, it works by optimizing the consistency of nasal mucus, facilitating easier passage and clearance. Think of it like this: thin soup flows more easily than thick paste. Adequate hydration helps your nasal mucus stay more like soup than paste.
