Nasal congestion happens when the nose is blocked and swollen up with thick mucus, causing difficulty in breathing. Nasal congestion can either cause a stuffy or runny nose. It also leads to headaches. Congestion is not a cause of concern or worry but it can affect your ability to work normally both at home or workplace. People around you can hear a constant sniffing sound as you try to clear your nose.

You are also most likely to spread it around you. Nasal congestion is caused by an infection in the sinus or by a common cold. It will go away on its own as the sinus infection clears or as the cold gets better. Pregnant women are likely to experience nasal congestion during the first trimester. Nasal congestion that lasts over a week could be caused by:

• Hay fever
• Nasal polyps, small tumors that are harmless in the nose
• Deviated septum
• Pollution
• Chronic sinusitis
• Allergies

Those who have nasal congestion for more than a week and find no relief with home remedies should consult a doctor and get a diagnosis and treat it accordingly.

A doctor would normally prescribe over-the-counter medication and nasal sprays for nasal congestion. Only if the treatment is not effective, they will prescribe stronger antibiotics or nasal steroids and also do a detailed examination to rule out more serious conditions that are causing the congestion. The normal period to wait is one week. You can choose to treat nasal congestion with home remedies or very mild dosage of medication. Some of the natural methods to relieve nasal congestion are:

1. Do not blow your nose
Blowing our nose is our first response. This is counter-productive as the fluid could end up in your sinuses worsening your situation. Gently dab your nose with a soft handkerchief or tissues. Violent and harsh blowing can lead to nose bleeding too.

2. Drink a lot of fluids
About 11.5 cups for women and 15.5 cups for men is the ideal intake of fluids. This can help the thick mucus to loosen and stop sticking to your nose. You can drink water, soups, broths or herbal tea. Those with sinusitis should avoid too much caffeine as it can irritate the sinus and induce cough. Stay away from alcohol.

3. Keep pets away
Pets can cause allergies and during a cold, it can aggravate congestion. Stay away from pets or isolate them until your condition improves. Clean your bed and room thoroughly to remove animal fur and dander.

4. Warm shower
A hot shower can loosen the mucus and relieve the congestion. You can take more than one hot shower. You can either use shower caps or dry your hair quickly with a hairdryer to prevent headaches. A few can experience headaches when they shower when they are suffering from a common cold.

5. Keep your head elevated
Add additional pillows while you rest or sleep so that your head is slightly elevated. This will help in proper draining of the mucus.

These natural steps can help you find some relief from the discomfort caused by a stuffy and congested nose.