Delhi Pollution Giving You a Blocked Nose? Try These 5 Instant Remedies For Quick Relief

As pollution levels across Delhi-NCR continue to remain high, people are suffering every day after inhaling the toxic and poisonous air. The air quality index, or AQI, which remains in the severe category,

apart from deteriorating the health of your organs, is also causing a lot of discomfort with perpetual throat irritation and a blocked nose. Doctors say it happens due to congestion caused by a build-up of mucus in the nose, primarily due to allergy, or sinus infection from vicious smoke, dust particles, and particulate matter, or PM2.5 that you may be breathing. The mucus builds up and blocks the airflow through the nose, making it difficult to breathe. There are a number of home remedies you can follow to help clear a blocked nose, which can give you sleepless nights. A few of these that you must try to clear the mucus and relieve the congestion, include:

Use a humidifier

When your nose gets blocked, your nasal passages become dry, and so a humidifier can help moisten the air and reduce congestion. According to experts, a humidifier increases the moisture in the air, which helps thin the thick mucus and soothe swollen nasal passages. The added humidity also breaks up the mucus, allowing it to drain more easily and reducing sinus pressure caused by dry air. Since dryness also increases inflammation, breathing in humidified air helps soothe these irritated tissues and reduce swollen blood vessels, which alleviates congestion.

Nasal drip

A saline spray helps open a blocked nose by flushing out mucus and allergens, as it also moisturizes and soothes the nasal passages. It thins the thickened mucus, which makes it easier to clear and washes away irritants like dust and pollen that cause inflammation and congestion. This process reduces the swelling of blood vessels, allowing for easier breathing. To make a saline spray easily at home, you can mix salt and water that you spray into your nose.

Drink lots of water

Hydration is the key to opening nasal passages when you have a blocked nose. Make sure to drink lots of fluids, which include water, clear soups, and herbal teas, as they add the required moisture to your nasal passage.

Steam inhalation

This is one of the best ways to breathe easily and open your blocked nose in minutes. You can either boil water and inhale steam or breathe in steam from a hot shower – at least twice a day for long-lasting effects. According to doctors, for an extra boost, you can add a few drops of eucalyptus oil or crushed ginger to the hot water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale.

Massage

A gentle massage, using light pressure by sliding your fingers down the sides of your nose from the bridge to the nostrils, can help open a blocked nose instantly. You can also perform a gentle, circular massage just outside your nostrils to help break up congestion.