Blowing your nose during a cold from allergies, the flu, or cold air can be very irritating to your nose. The fragile tissue around and inside your nose will dry and crack from minor but repeated injuries when you blow your nose and wipe it. Especially in allergic colds which may last longer than colds from the flu (1 or 2 weeks). Whatever the cause, there are steps you can take to relieve this stinging nose.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Reducing Irritation and Blisters
Step 1. Apply a gentle moisturizer outside the nostrils
Petroleum jelly such as Vaseline and ointments such as Neosporin are best suited for this step. Apply a small amount of the ointment with a cotton swab around both nostrils. This moisturizer will not only treat dry skin, but will also create a protective layer of skin from irritation due to mucus.
If you don't have a moisturizer like Vaseline or Neosporin at home, use a face lotion instead. While they won't lock in moisture as effectively, facial lotions can also slightly soothe irritation
Step 2. Purchase moisturizing wipes
If you're willing to spend a little more, buy high-quality facial wipes to moisturize your nose. Look for wet wipes that contain lotion, as they are gentler on the nose when wiping snot. In addition, this kind of tissue can also relieve irritation with its moisturizing lotion content. Reducing blisters when blowing your nose over time will also reduce irritation to the nose.
Step 3. Wet your nose with a damp washcloth
Relieve pain in the nose that is very blistered or even bleeding by immediately giving warm water. Wet a washcloth with hot running water, then press the washcloth against your nostrils. Lean your head back and keep the washcloth in your nostrils until the temperature drops to room temperature. Breathe through your mouth while doing this treatment.
- Immediately apply petroleum jelly or Neosporin to the nose after wetting it with a washcloth.
- You can throw away the washcloth or wash it immediately.
Step 4. Reduce the frequency of blowing your nose
You may feel uncomfortable during a cold or when your nose feels stuffy, so it may be tempting to keep trying to get it out. Although it may be difficult, try to fight against your will. Only blow your nose when needed, especially when you're alone at home without anyone watching. If any snot is running out of your nostrils, just wipe it clean, there's no need to try to blow it all out with a dry tissue to irritate your nose.
Step 5. Blow out the snot gently
Instead of taking deep breaths and blowing your nose as hard as you can to blow your nose, try blowing your nose more gently to reduce blisters. Blow gently from one nostril at a time. Continue to exhale through one nostril at a time until you feel relief.
Always try to thin the mucus with a decongestant technique before trying to blow it out
Step 6. Find an allergy reliever
Your doctor will prescribe an allergy medication to relieve your symptoms. Whether it's an allergy shot or a Flonase nasal spray, addressing the allergen during a cold will help relieve your nasal irritation.
Note that oral decongestants tend to dry out mucus and increase nasal irritation
Method 2 of 2: Relieve Congested Nose
Step 1. Dilute the mucus
There are many ways that can be used to loosen the mucus that is stuck in your nose. Taking a little time to try these methods will increase the efficiency of your efforts to clear your nose. Over time, the frequency with which you blow your nose will decrease, resulting in fewer blisters on your nose. Try this nasal congestion relief all day long, and blow your nose right after.
Step 2. Sit in the steam room
If you're registered as a member of a fitness center with a sauna, this is the perfect place to clear a stuffy nose and relax after a workout. Turn on the hot water in the shower, and close the bathroom door so the steam doesn't escape. Stay in the shower for 3-5 minutes or until the mucus is runny and damp. Blow your nose gently before exiting the steamy bathroom.
To save water, you can blow your nose after you get out of the shower
Step 3. Apply a warm compress on the bridge of your nose
Take a wet washcloth and put it in the microwave until it's warm but not too hot. The time required is determined by your microwave, so try 30 seconds first, then add 15 seconds and repeat if necessary. The washcloth used should be hot enough but you can still stand it. Place the washcloth on your face, and let it cool down. Even if given from outside the nasal cavity, heat should be able to thin the mucus.
Repeat this step if necessary before trying to blow your nose
Step 4. Flush the nose with the saline solution
You'll need to moisten your nasal passages with a saline spray, which can be purchased at a convenience store or pharmacy. Spray 2 times into each nostril to dilute and loosen mucus. If you don't want to buy a saline solution, you can make your own at home:
- Mix 240 ml of warm water with 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- Purchase a dropper from a convenience store or pharmacy, and use it to moisten the nostrils with saline solution.
Step 5. Try using a neti pot
The neti pot resembles a small teapot. This device can relieve blocked sinus passages in the nose by flowing warm water from one nostril to the other. Heat the water to at least 49 °C. Tilt your head and pour water through the right nostril. If you keep your head tilted, water will flow out of your left nostril.
Avoid using a neti pot if you live in an area with poor water quality, as there have been reports of rare amoebic infections from parasites in tap water
Step 6. Drink hot tea throughout the day
The throat and nasal passages are interconnected, so drinking warm liquids will also warm the nose. Similar to inhaling steam, drinking warm liquids will also clear up the mucus in your nose. You can drink any tea, but try to drink herbal tea when you have a cold. Visit a convenience store or health food store for cold-relief tea. Peppermint and clove tea can soothe a sore throat as well as relieve a stuffy nose.
Step 7. Exercise if it is possible for you
If the flu makes you weak and weak, you really need to rest. However, if the cold is caused by allergies, exercise is the right choice. An increased heart rate that makes you sweat has another benefit for clearing the nose. Just 15 minutes of exercise can help, as long as you stay out of allergens. For example, if you are allergic to pollen, don't run outside.
Step 8. Eat spicy dishes
Think back to the last time you ate a very spicy dish. Do you remember when your nose started to run? These are ideal conditions for blowing your nose. So hang on and enjoy the sambal, salsa sauce, spicy rendang, or anything else that can make your nose run. Next, immediately blow your nose after the mucus feels moist and runny.
Step 9. Buy a humidifier
You can buy these at home supply stores to keep the air moist while you sleep. Choose a humidifier that can release cool vapors, as warm steam will only exacerbate nasal congestion. Turn on the humidifier at the ideal humidity level, between 45-50%.
- A table humidifier can hold between 3.8-15 liters of water, and should be changed daily. Clean the water reservoir thoroughly by hand once every 3 days.
- The filter used should be HEPA and should be replaced according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Step 10. Massage the area around the sinuses
Massaging the area around the sinuses can open up the nasal passages, making it easier to expel mucus. For added massage effect, use rosemary, peppermint, or lavender oil, but make sure not to get the oil into your eyes. You can rinse your face with a warm compress afterwards. Use your middle and index fingers to gently press the following areas in a circle:
- Forehead (frontal sinus)
- The bridge of the nose and temples (orbital sinuses)
- Under the eyes (maxillary sinuses)
Warning
- Seek immediate medical attention if you have a sinus infection, or flu for 1 week and it doesn't get better. Signs include thickened mucus, a greenish discoloration, and the development of sinus headaches.
- Although rare, Vaseline that is often applied to the nostrils can be inhaled into the lungs and cause lipid pneumonia. Don't apply Vaseline too often, and use it interchangeably with some other moisturizer.
