Sinus & Nasal Congestion Relief

Nasal congestion occurs when the membranes that line your nasal passages and adjacent tissues become swollen with excess fluid, causing inflammation and irritation. This is commonly referred to as a "stuffy nose." Nasal congestion may sometimes be accompanied by nasal discharge, which is commonly referred to as a "runny nose." Sinus pressure may also accompany nasal congestion, which can be painful. Common causes of nasal congestion include the common cold, the flu, sinus infections, and allergies.

Nasal congestion due to a cold or sinus infection is uncomfortable and can get in the way of a good night's sleep. CVS offers a variety of treatments that can help keep you comfortable, including nasal spray and nasal congestion medicine from top brands like Afrin, Mucinex, and more. Many people may find relief with a decongestant nasal spray, which works directly on nasal membranes and may bring relief faster than a pill formulation. However, if you are looking to treat multiple symptoms that come with a cold or the flu, you may want to try a combination pill such as Advil Sinus Congestion and Pain, which is formulated with more than one active ingredient in order to temporarily reduce multiple symptoms such as congestion, body aches, and fever. Be aware that nasal congestion medicine may interact with certain prescription drugs, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any nasal congestion medication or using a decongestant nasal spray.

If you are feeling discomfort resulting from dry nasal passages, using a saline nasal spray to lubricate the area may help. If you are looking for a natural nasal decongestant, a sinus wash may provide temporary, non-medicated relief of your symptoms. Similar remedies include using a nasal irrigator like Navage o una Neti Pot. These treatments can help provide relief because keeping your nasal passages and sinuses moist may help you breathe more easily and will also help keep the membranes from becoming further inflamed due to dryness.

If your symptoms are keeping you up at night and you are looking for natural remedies for nasal congestion, nasal strips may be the answer. These drug-free strips open up your nose so that breathing is easier and you can sleep more soundly. Nasal strips can also help reduce snoring. Since it may feel easier to breathe with your head elevated slightly, you may want to consider propping yourself up with some pillows to help with nasal congestion at night.

Nasal congestion symptoms are not fun and can sometimes even be painful. CVS offers a wide range of over the counter remedies to help, including best medicine for nasal congestion like nasal congestion spray, sinus rinse, and nasal strips. While all of these treatments are generally considered to be safe, it is always best to check in with your doctor before using any new over the counter products, including those used to relieve sinus and nasal congestion. Additionally, if your symptoms are severe or do not go away with over the counter treatment, do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor.

There are several things you can do to clear a stuffy nose, including using a humidifier or vaporizer to help loosen mucus in the nasal passages. Take a long, hot shower or breathe in some steam from a pot of warm water to help with temporary relief. Stay hydrated and drink a lot of fluids to keep your mucus thinned out, which can help prevent your sinuses from getting blocked. A saline nasal spray can help keep your nasal passages from getting dried out or clogged. You can also try a neti pot or a nasal irrigator to remove excess mucus from the nose. Always make sure you use distilled sterile water, and clean the neti pot or irrigation device thoroughly after each use. A warm, wet towel on your face can also help open the nasal passages. When you sleep, try to stay propped up to make breathing easier.

Nasal sprays come in pump bottles or pressurized canisters. To use a nasal spray, do the following:

If you're using a saline nasal spray to relieve your stuffy nose, always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for dosage. Overall, you can use a saline nasal spray as needed to relieve congestion and a stuffy nose. It's best to use it once or twice a day maximum if possible. Unlike medicated nasal sprays, saline spray does not have a "rebound effect" which means using medicated sprays too frequently could actually make your symptoms worse. When possible, try to use a saline nasal spray instead of medicated sprays for dry, irritated nasal passages and a mild stuffy nose.