Findings in the International Journal of General Medicine reveal that a stuffy nose can trigger fatigue, brain fog and sleep disruptions that seriously interfere with daily activities. A University of Cincinnati College of Medicine professor of otolaryngology recently shared in Woman's World how to get rid of a stuffy nose quickly and naturally. 

Over-the-counter medications can have drawbacks. Even antihistamines labeled as non-sedating can trigger drowsiness, according to a 2000 British Medical Journal study. Plus, experts noted in the journal Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America that using decongestant nasal sprays for more than three to five days can trigger rebound congestion that makes a stuffy nose worse. 

As for oral decongestants, the Food and Drug Administration recently proposed removing the decongestant phenylephrine from products, based on evidence it’s ineffective. Taking the decongestant pseudoephedrine in liquid or pill form can cause blood pressure and blood sugar to climb. 

Ahmad Sedaghat, MD, PhD, FACS, director of the division of rhinology, allergy and anterior skull base surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology in the College of Medicine said there are drug-free ways to get rid of a stuffy nose and breathe easier. Here’s what he's recommends: 

“Nasal rinses with a saline solution can help clear nasal passages to ease congestion,” said Sedaghat, a sinus specialist.

A 2007 study in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery found that saline rinsing eased even chronic nasal congestion in two weeks. Nasal irrigator bottles that come with premade saline packets can be purchased at drugstores or online. 

For on-the-go relief, Sedaghat recommends using a saline nasal spray as needed.

Another easy way to get rid of a stuffy nose naturally is to activate key pressure points. Firmly press the tip of the tongue to the roof of the mouth, then release. Now press a finger firmly between the eyebrows. Repeat these tongue and brow motions for 20 seconds. It manipulates the vomer bone inside the nasal cavity, triggering it to clear blocked sinuses.

Click here to read the complete Woman's World article on how to get rid of a stuffy nose.