How Do You Clear a Nose Obstruction?

Clearing a stuffy nose depends on the cause, but several methods provide quick relief or address underlying issues.

For immediate relief from a minor nasal obstruction, try these methods:

Hydration: Drink plenty of water and clear fluids to thin mucus and ease congestion. This is a simple yet effective first step.
Saline Solution: Use a saline nasal spray or wash to rinse out mucus and irritants from your nasal passages. This helps to naturally clear the obstruction.
Nasal Strips: Applying adhesive strips to the outside of your nose can help open the nasal passages slightly, providing temporary relief. This is a readily available over-the-counter solution.
Steam Inhalation: Inhaling steam can help loosen mucus. Simply breathe in the steam from a bowl of hot water (be careful not to burn yourself!).
Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress to your sinuses may help relieve pressure and congestion.

The London ENT website suggests techniques like holding your breath and a press-and-tap method for quick relief, although details on these are limited in the provided snippet. https://www.london-ent.co.uk/news/clear-blocked-nose-seconds/

Addressing Underlying Causes

Persistent or severe nasal obstruction often requires addressing the root cause. These may include:

Allergies: Seasonal allergies or other sensitivities can cause inflammation and congestion. Treating the allergy, perhaps with antihistamines or decongestants, is crucial. (Cleveland Clinic) https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17980-nasal-congestion
Nasal Polyps: These benign growths can obstruct nasal passages. Medical intervention might be needed for their removal. (Johns Hopkins Medicine) https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/could-nasal-polyps-be-the-cause-of-your-stuffy-nose
Deviated Septum: A crooked nasal septum can narrow the airway. Surgical correction may be an option. (Mount Sinai) https://www.mountsinai.org/care/ent/services/nasal-sinus-allergy/conditions/nasal-obstruction
Enlarged Turbinates: These structures in the nose can swell, causing obstruction. Treatment may range from medication to surgery. (Fort Worth ENT) https://fortworthent.net/ear-nose-throat/snoring-obstructive-sleep-apnea-osa/nasal-obstruction/
Foreign Objects: Especially in children, a foreign body in the nose needs immediate removal. (Albany ENT) https://albanyentandallergy.com/how-to-clear-an-obstruction-from-your-childs-nose/
Blocked Tear Duct: In some cases, an obstruction in the tear duct can contribute to nasal congestion. A medical examination is necessary to diagnose and treat this. (Mayo Clinic) https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/blocked-tear-duct/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351375

For more severe or persistent issues, medical professionals offer various treatments such as decongestants, endoscopic sinus surgery, and other procedures to correct structural problems or remove obstructions. (WebMD, Johns Hopkins Medicine) https://www.webmd.com/allergies/sinus-congestion https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/endoscopic-sinus-surgery