Many people are prone to sinus infections and other respiratory diseases in winter. The first time you sneeze, cough, or tickle your throat, you know what's coming next. Soon, you may notice that your nose is running without end.
Getting the nose to expel excess mucus and embedded microbes is no easy task, and patients are plagued by a steady stream of mucus and a blocked nose.
Before you take your medicine, why not try a natural remedy first? Natural remedies can be a great way to prevent disease, or at least reduce symptoms, without having to spend a lot of money on over-the-counter or prescription drugs, and without damaging liver and kidney function.
Blowing your nose, when your nose is blocked or runny, may seem like common sense. However, it is surprising how many people do not do this. Instead, they employ an old childhood trick of sucking snot back into their nasal passages, which can make matters worse.
The correct way is to blow your nose at regular intervals when the nose is flowing out uncontrollably to remove mucus and bacteria from the nasal passages. Not only do patients need to blow their nose often, but they should do it correctly. Avoid putting tissues on your nose and blow hard. This can lead to serious infections, as excessive pressure forces air and bacteria-filled mucus into the ear canal. Instead, place your finger on one nostril and gently blow it, then switch to the other nostril.
Drink hot beverages, and drink plenty of water if you have a cold, flu, or seasonal sinus problems that produce excess mucus in your nasal passages.
Drinking plenty of water boosts your immune system and dilutes the mucus that builds up in your airways, which helps clear your nose. Patients may also consider drinking moderate amounts of low-sugar sports drinks to replace lost electrolytes.
It's also good to drink hot drinks when your nose is clogged with mucus. Soothe a sore throat, sore sinuses, and runny nose with herbal tea, hot coffee, or warm chicken soup. Not only is the warm liquid soothing, but the rising steam also helps to unclog nasal passages that are clogged with snot.
Taking a shower with hot water has the same effect as drinking a hot drink. The steam from the hot water will open up the blocked nasal passages so that you can breathe easily. It is important not to shower with too hot water, as it can irritate or damage the skin.
If you want to increase the effectiveness of a hot shower, try adding an essential oil with eucalyptus or peppermint ingredients to the hot water. These essential oils are powerful natural decongestants that can help relieve a runny nose.
Gargling with salt water, there is such a complex connection between the ears, nose and throat that a runny nose can ripple through these organs. Have you ever noticed that a scratchy throat could mean a cold or sinus problem is on the way? During this process, the ear may also feel tender or itchy.
Don't wait for the inevitable runny nose to try this effective natural remedy - gargling with salt water eases a sore throat and helps relieve a runny nose.
For thousands of years, salt has been revered for its numerous healing benefits. Dissolve half a teaspoon of fine sea salt in a cup of warm water and rinse your mouth repeatedly. Repeat these steps 3 to 4 times a day to relieve symptoms.
Both honey and lemon juice have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Mix a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice with a teaspoon of honey in a cup of hot water and use it to gargle; Do this 3 to 4 times a day until the snot subsides.
Take good care of the nose. Although the nose plays an important role in breathing and olfactory function, it is often undervalued. It wasn't until the nose started running that people noticed the organ. When this terrible symptom occurs, be kind to the nose and pamper it with some soothing herbal ointment. For example, use a cream containing peppermint or eucalyptus oil to rub the inflamed skin at the base of your nostrils, but don't rub it into your nose. The vapor of this ointment can also unclog blocked nasal passages.
A soft handkerchief and disposable paper towel can also come in handy at this point. You can wipe your nose with it, but wash and dry the handkerchief after use.
Hot or cold compresses relieve sinus pain, and sometimes, inflamed or infected sinuses are to blame for the runny nose. When the delicate blood vessel lining of the sinuses becomes irritated and swells, it prevents the normal flow of mucus and traps bacteria. Patients usually have pain in the sinuses around the eyes, forehead and cheeks.
One natural remedy for sinus pain is a hot or cold compress. Patients can alternate cold and hot compresses to reduce pain and swelling so that the mucus can be fully drained.
Add an extra pillow for support, and rest is the best remedy when you feel the pain of sinus congestion and runny nose. However, coughing and blowing your nose can keep people awake at night, worsening symptoms and increasing fatigue.
Getting a good night's sleep can also help speed up the healing process. If you're having trouble sleeping because of a runny nose, use two pillows to slightly elevate your head, which will allow you to breathe and help your sinuses drain mucus.
While nasal irrigation has been used for centuries, it's only recently that it's received more attention in the medical community. The treatment uses a warm saline solution to flush out excess mucus and microbes from the nasal passages.
Neti POTS are shaped like small teapots and are usually made of rubber. Pour warm salt water into a jug before use and gently flush each nostril with the spout. The equipment can be bought cheaply at pharmacies and online.
Eat spicy food, when people eat spicy food, the whole body will react to the heat, such as tears and sinuses open. Capsaicin, a natural compound found in spicy foods, dilates blood vessels and stimulates the body's thermogenic system, making people with runny noses feel better.
Increase your vitamin intake. Numerous medical studies demonstrate the effectiveness of vitamin C in preventing the common cold and flu. Vitamins A and E also boost the function of the immune system. Other nutrients that can help relieve a runny nose include zinc, foods containing probiotics, and protein. While dairy products provide calcium and vitamin D for healthy bones and teeth, avoid these types of foods when you have sinus problems, as they can make mucus thicker, which can worsen symptoms.
It is important to note that if you have asthma or other chronic respiratory conditions, you should seek medical advice before trying any of these natural remedies. If symptoms get worse, seek medical attention as soon as possible.