HELP! How do I unstuff my nose?

**HandyMom** · 03-27-2009, 09:33 PM

I am at my wit's end. I took otc flu capsules. I used the neti pot twice in a few hours and I've been drinking hot broth or just plain water and my nose is still stuffed shut and at the same time running now and then. I've blown my nose now so much that it's bleeding.

I can't breathe at all through my nose and I was unable to sleep at all last night because of it. I tried nasal spray, too, and that usually works but not this time.

What can I do short of living in the shower? i tried that also but my nose only unstuffed for a few moments then went right back to being stuffed up.

It gets the worst when I lay down to try and sleep.

HELP!

**perSue** · 03-27-2009, 09:41 PM

well first slow down on all the nose related treatments!
yer over working the poor thing! lol

a few options, not all work for everyone.
the hot shower or boiling pot of water on the stove (bend over pot, put towel over yer head (keeps steam towards your face)). and blow your nose at every chance.

smell an open bottle of vinegar. the fumes that vinegar gives off forces the sinuses to open & secret mucus (which will help heal your nose) & get what may be "clogged" moving along to get rid of.

a hot face mask or hot wash rag on your face.

try laying in different positions. maybe try one where your head is lower than the rest of your body... that can help in moving the crud around to help you breathe easier - but note, it's usually a temporary fix, but can ease pressure/pain associated with clogged sinuses.

don't take any more meds til the "time limit" is up from what you've already taken. no point in fatiguing the rest of your (internal) body.

(trust me on this!!)

sometimes menthal/camphor oil in potpourri (w/tealight) things can be of great assistance.

none of that? what about something like noxzema? put that on your face (and nose externally only). it'll moisturize AND the oils will help loosen the crud.

HTH i'll keep thinking.

**Spirit Deer** · 03-27-2009, 09:45 PM

Eat salsa. The spicier the better.

**starsapphire** · 03-27-2009, 09:48 PM

I'm not a medical professional or anything but I heard somewhere a long time ago that when you have a cold the tissues in your nasal passages can swell due to the virus, causing stuffiness. Sounds like that's whats happening to you since you've done everything you can to clear any mucus out. I don't know what you can do to make the swelling go down. I'm sorry you're not feeling well.

I hope you can breathe better soon.

**HandyMom** · 03-27-2009, 10:04 PM

Originally Posted by perSue

well first slow down on all the nose related treatments!
yer over working the poor thing! lol
I thought so too but I am getting desperate and tired
a few options, not all work for everyone.
the hot shower or boiling pot of water on the stove (bend over pot, put towel over yer head (keeps steam towards your face)). and blow your nose at every chance. I keep blowing as much as I can. Running out of tissues LOL

smell an open bottle of vinegar. the fumes that vinegar gives off forces the sinuses to open & secret mucus (which will help heal your nose) & get what may be "clogged" moving along to get rid of.I will try this - might help!

a hot face mask or hot wash rag on your face.I did that one, too.

try laying in different positions. maybe try one where your head is lower than the rest of your body... that can help in moving the crud around to help you breathe easier - but note, it's usually a temporary fix, but can ease pressure/pain associated with clogged sinuses.I'm afraid I can't sleep with my head not propped on a pillow

don't take any more meds til the "time limit" is up from what you've already taken. no point in fatiguing the rest of your (internal) body.

(trust me on this!!)I finally resorted to the flu med since the other stuff didn't work but was waeker formula

sometimes menthal/camphor oil in potpourri (w/tealight) things can be of great assistance.

none of that? what about something like noxzema? put that on your face (and nose externally only). it'll moisturize AND the oils will help loosen the crud.hmmm.. nevr thought of that one but worth a try

HTH i'll keep thinking.

Thanks! I'll be trying everything I can

**HandyMom** · 03-27-2009, 10:05 PM

Originally Posted by Spirit Deer

Eat salsa. The spicier the better.

Thanks, I tried horseradish and that worked for a minute but I like salsa even better!

**jmd5294** · 03-27-2009, 10:19 PM

When my nose is stuffed "internally" like that, I take allergy with decongestant meds. They always work for me. Allegra-D, claritin-d, etc etc (or the store brand equivalent)

**Natalie** · 03-27-2009, 10:32 PM

Yup. Time for some really hot mexican food. And, at least not in public.... pickin your nose a lot... If you can't blow it, how else ya gonna get it out?

**HandyMom** · 03-27-2009, 10:42 PM

Originally Posted by Natalie

Yup. Time for some really hot mexican food. And, at least not in public.... pickin your nose a lot... If you can't blow it, how else ya gonna get it out?

I ate some salsa & chips. My tongue is burning a little but still stuffy and running now and then. I took a flu medicine about an hour ago so can't take anything more for 6 hours. I hope it's not going to be another sleepless night. Now I am off to wash my face with a hot wash cloth and try some noxzema on my face.

**Thevail** · 03-27-2009, 10:42 PM

good old Vicks vap-o-rub.

Sometimes a couple of aspirins help if it's swelling

**mamamia** · 03-27-2009, 10:46 PM

You poor girl! What you need is Breathe-Right nasal strips. They're a little expensive, or you can try the store brand. Either way, they're worth every penny!

Theresa

Feel better soon!

**MomToTwoBoys** · 03-27-2009, 10:47 PM

I usually eat something with a lot of heat to it and a lot of spice. Once you eat that, take some sinus medication to dry up what's inside.

**Persimmon Lace** · 03-27-2009, 11:30 PM

When all else fails, send someone for some good old sudafed. It's the D in most of the prescription drugs that say Allegra D. You may have to sign for it but it does work.

I second heat on your face and if you have a massager, run it over your forehead, over you sinuses under your eyes and on the lower back of your head. I go to a doctor the does this for my sinuses and it's wonderful. Make sure to keep it on low and I cover my face with a light towel or something. ((((hugs))))

**HandyMom** · 03-28-2009, 08:26 AM

Originally Posted by Thevail

good old Vicks vap-o-rub.

Sometimes a couple of aspirins help if it's swelling

Ok, I will try some vicks on my throat, near and in my nose and a little on my chest. Please don't ask me to put it on my feet because i don't think I can stand that. So far, nothing is clearing the stuffiness - I am plugged up tight!

**HandyMom** · 03-28-2009, 08:37 AM

Originally Posted by mamamia

You poor girl! What you need is Breathe-Right nasal strips. They're a little expensive, or you can try the store brand. Either way, they're worth every penny!

Theresa

Feel better soon!

Thx for the sympathy! I was using a breathe right strip yesterday but I forgot to mention it. I have one on now. So far, no air coming or going through my nose (still)