To relieve a headache caused by a stuffy nose, you must first remove the mucus in the nasal passages.
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Method 1 of 3: Taking Quick Action
Step 1. Take a decongestant
Decongestants contain a range of drugs that treat various symptoms of congestion. Usually, decongestants are combined with analgesics such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin to relieve headaches and sinus pain. Decongestants can be purchased without a prescription at drug stores.
- Many decongestants, such as phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine, constrict blood vessels to relieve congestion in the nose. The drug also increases blood pressure. Therefore, be careful if you have high blood pressure.
- Decongestants are sold in tablet, capsule, liquid, and syrup forms.
- Read labels carefully or talk to your doctor beforehand because decongestants can have serious side effects in babies, pregnant women, and people with allergies. Take the correct dose and don't overdo it.
Step 2. Try clearing a stuffy nose with a saline solution
Salt water is an effective, safe, and no side effect solution. Salt water helps loosen mucus that clogs the sinuses, and reduces the chances of mucus building up in the nasal cavities. Salt water in the form of drops or spray will moisturize the mucous membranes in the nasal cavity, and can be purchased without a prescription at drug stores.
- The use of salt water drops is recommended after taking a decongestant.
- Salt water drops will help you avoid the rebound effect usually associated with overusing decongestant nasal sprays.
Step 3. Suck on the zinc gum
Zinc in the form of a lozenge or syrup has been shown to reduce the duration of a cold by up to a full day if used at the onset of symptoms. Zinc gum and syrup can be purchased without a prescription at drug stores.
- Zinc prevents the reproduction of rhinovirus and keeps it away from the mucous membranes in the throat and nose. Rhinoviruses are the main cause of colds.
- Despite the initial findings, there is not enough evidence that zinc has an effect on reducing headaches caused by nasal congestion, as previously mentioned. Zinc can increase the body's immunity against viruses, but it has little effect in dealing with congestion.
- Side effects usually include nausea, a bad taste in the mouth, and possibly a temporary loss of the sense of smell.
Method 2 of 3: Modifying Diet
Step 1. Drink a lot
You have to keep your body hydrated when you have a cold. Try to drink more than usual. You can vary the type of drink to prevent dehydration and fight congestion.
- Drink water, juice, or clear broth. You can add lemon or honey to soothe a sore throat and reduce congestion. Warm liquids such as chicken soup or apple cider can also increase mucus flow and relieve blockages.
- Gargling with salt water can help a sore or itchy throat due to congestion. The trick, add or tsp. salt into 200 ml of water. Make sure the salt is completely dissolved before using the water for gargling.
- Try herbal or aromatic teas to relax the body, relieve sore throats, and temporarily relieve headaches.
Step 2. Eat congestion-fighting foods
There are several types of foods that contain sinus problem cure. These foods are more helpful in terms of relieving headaches due to nasal congestion. While it doesn't heal, the pain relief will allow you to continue with your activities.
- Pineapple contains bromelain, a mixture of enzymes that digest protein, and has been used for centuries in South America to reduce inflammation due to sinus surgery.
- Garlic releases the enzyme allicin which kills bacteria and viruses. The trick is to crush or chop, then wait 10 minutes before cooking.
- Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, nuts, eggs, and flaxseed have anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve allergy-related problems.
Step 3. Increase your intake of vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that neutralizes histamine. Histamine causes inflammation, runny nose, sneezing, and other symptoms related to congestion.
- Citrus fruit family has a high vitamin C content. Eat lots of oranges and strawberries to get the full effect of antioxidants.
- Vegetables such as tomatoes, bell peppers, kale, spinach, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts are also high in vitamin C. Make sure you choose red and green vegetables.
Step 4. Adequate intake of polyphenols
Polyphenols from food sources are effective at blocking mucus secretion, but still maintain normal movement of nasal cilia. Polyphenols are the most abundant antioxidants in the human diet.
Polyphenols are the main active ingredients in ginger (gingerol); red wine, tea, onions, green leafy vegetables, and fruit (quercetin); green tea extract (EGCG); and turmeric extract (curcumin)
Method 3 of 3: Relieve Blockages Naturally
Step 1. Increase the humidity of the air
Moist air will thin mucus and make breathing easier because it can relieve symptoms caused by congestion. Purchase a humidifier (humidifier) that keeps your home between 30 and 50% humidity.
- Take care of the air humidifier regularly because if it is not maintained, the device is dangerous to health. Monitor and clean it so it doesn't become a breeding ground for mold, and make sure the humidity level isn't too high or low. If it's too high or low, the humidifier will actually cause problems, not help.
- Also, consider taking a hot bath, inhaling steam, or holding a cup of hot water under your nose to loosen mucus.
Step 2. Apply the nose patch
When used at night, the nasal patch helps to improve breathing. This small patch is specially made to deal with congestion at night so you can sleep well.
- The flexible nasal patch is designed to fit over the nostrils and adhere securely.
- Nasal plasters are made to open up inflamed sinus passages. These plasters are effective against colds, allergies and congestion.
Step 3. Try acupressure
Acupressure is a type of massage that stimulates muscles to relax. If done every day, acupressure is very helpful because it can minimize the return of allergies and sinusitis symptoms.
- Massage the point between your thumb and forefinger with deep, firm pressure. Massage at that point will relieve stress in the colon.
- For the gallbladder, massage the back of the head at the intersection between the ear and neck bones.
- These two points are places that can be stimulated to open up your sinuses and reduce your symptoms.
Step 4. Control stress
Doing activities that reduce stress will help deal with allergies and sinusitis that cause congestion. Stress negatively affects your immune system and weakens your ability to deal with problems that cause congestion.
- Severe stress can reduce the quality and quantity of sleep, causing irregularities that exacerbate allergy and sinusitis symptoms.
- Try chatting with family, friends, and colleagues, listening to relaxing music, or finding some quiet time alone to rest your body and mind.
Tips
- Limit consumption of dairy products, cereals, sugar, and starchy vegetables when the nose is blocked because these foods increase mucus production.
- Reduce the intensity of exercise until healed. Instead, try walking or yoga.
- Avoid alcohol, soda, and coffee which will only dehydrate you and make your symptoms worse.
