Here’s How to Get Rid of a Stuffy Nose Fast
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Dealing with a stuffy nose isn’t exactly fun—especially if it leaves you struggling to sleep or constantly reaching for a tissue. And although it’s much more common during the colder months, sinus congestion is an all-year problem, thanks to colds, allergies, weather, and COVID-19. Is there any foolproof way to get rid of a stuffy nose?
Regardless of the season, allergens, bacteria, and viruses can inflame the blood vessels in the nose, leaving the nasal passages swollen and obstructed, explains Judy Tung, M.D., an internist at NewYork-Presbyterian. Plenty of over-the-counter medications and natural remedies can help you breathe freely again, she says—and choosing the right fix all depends on your symptoms.
If mucus is dripping like a sink that won’t stop running, you should reach for a solution that will turn down (or turn off) that faucet, Dr. Tung recommends. But if your sinuses are at a standstill and the mucus in your nose won’t budge, you require something with the power to clear your nasal passageways like a clogged drain.
“Always remove or alleviate the trigger” of your stuffiness, explains Purvi Parikh, M.D., an allergist with NYU Langone Health and a spokesperson for Allergy & Asthma Network—and see a doctor if your sinuses just won’t unclog. You could require antibiotics for a bacterial infection, for example, she says.
Need quick relief? Here’s how to get rid of a stuffy nose in minutes, according to doctors.
Try an antihistamine
A runny nose accompanied by itchy eyes almost always indicates allergies, which typically respond well to antihistamines, says Kristine Arthur, M.D., an internist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA. The drugs work by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical the body makes to counteract allergens. When histamine is released, it binds to cells in the throat and nose, causing them to swell and leak fluid.
Antihistamines come in two varieties, Dr. Tung says: sedative, which is most powerful, but makes you sleepy; and non-sedative, which is slightly less effective, but won’t knock you out during the day. She typically recommends her patients take Benadryl (diphenhydramine) at bedtime or Claritin (loratadine), Allegra (fexofenadine), or Zyrtec (cetirizine) during the day. Meanwhile, over-the-counter nasal steroid spray like Flonase (glucocorticoid) can help relieve a runny nose and sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes by reducing inflammation in the nose, Dr. Parikh notes.
Always check with a doctor or pharmacist before using more than two over-the-counter allergy medications, or mixing an allergy medication with prescription medication. If you have symptoms for more than a week, you should also see your doctor, since it’s possible you have a sinus infection and may need prescription medication.
Consider nasal irrigation
Sinus rinses, including irrigation and sprays, can be a great tool against stuffiness, Dr. Parikh explains. Although they might not cure the source of your mucus, they’ll provide some short-term relief. Nasal rinses work by breaking up and flushing out mucus in the nasal passages using a saltwater solution, Dr. Tung says. This technique can also help remove debris, allergens, and air pollutants that could be causing your symptoms.
Sprays can also offer some relief by coaxing mucus out of your nasal passages. Most use saline, or salt water, to soothe symptoms; they come in both cans and squeeze bottles. Some brands, including Xlear, employ xylitol to clear stuffy noses.
Similar products like Afrin or Vicks Sinex (both oxymetazoline) are also equipped to treat nasal congestion brought on by the common cold and other causes. But use these medications cautiously: While they may clear out your stuffy nose at first, using them for more than three days can cause blood vessels to clamp down, leaving you more congested, Dr. Tung cautions.
Take a decongestant
Completely stuffed up and congested? You may have a sinus infection, common cold, or allergies. For a cold, a pseudoephedrine-based product like Sudafed may be a good solution. (You don’t need a prescription for it, but you’ll probably have to ask a pharmacist for it in a drugstore.) If you think allergies or a sinus infection are to blame, an antihistamine and decongestant combination like Claritin-D, Allegra-D, or Zyrtec-D can help improve your symptoms.
“A decongestant is a powerful nasal constrictor that crunches down on those blood vessels, effectively decreasing the flow of blood and secretions into the area, which gives the body a chance to decongest,” Dr. Tung explains.
Again, check with your doctor if your symptoms last more than a week. Keep in mind that pseudoephedrine can raise blood pressure and cause abnormal heart rhythms; if you have a history of cardiovascular health issues, contact your doctor before taking the medication.
Get steamy
Steam inhalation is another easy fix for short-term relief from stuffiness, Dr. Parikh says. You can certainly go high-tech, like with a steam inhaler, but old-school methods also work. As you’ve probably experienced firsthand, a hot shower can work wonders on a clogged nose.
Dr. Tung suggests running blazing hot water and letting the bathroom fill with steam. Then, lower the temperature and get in the shower for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep your face below the showerhead so you can breathe in the steam, which will loosen up the mucus. Toward the end of your shower, hack, spit, sneeze, and cough to get all the mucus and phlegm possible out of your system.
“Usually you’ll feel almost back to normal for a couple of hours [afterward],” Dr. Tung says. It’s not a permanent solution—the mucus will build up again—but for a precious few moments, you’ll be able to step away from the tissues. If you don’t feel like showering every few hours, place a warm washcloth over your face for a stopgap solution. And make sure to add a humidifier to your bedroom, too.
Clean your home
Keeping your space clear from dust and dander is actually a pretty great way to cut down on congestion, Dr. Parikh says, “especially if allergies are your trigger.” But you should be careful when you’re cleaning, she says, because you might just be shooting allergens back into the air, exacerbating your runny nose.
Only vacuums with HEPA filters catch the super-tiny particles that irritate your nose and eyes, so people with allergies should invest in one. HEPA air purifiers are available, too, meaning you won’t have to constantly vacuum to keep your air clear.
But if you just can’t get any relief, it’s a great idea to see a professional. “Again, treating or removing the underlying cause is most important over symptom control,” Dr. Parikh explains. “If you have any doubts, see a board-certified allergist or immunologist.”
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