A stuffy nose can often be eased at home, but a persistent cough, fever or worsening throat symptoms can signal that it is time to contact a medical provider.
Marque-Ann Mattle, a physician assistant with University of Rochester Medicine Virtual Urgent Care, outlines common causes, home treatments and reasons to seek care in UR Medicine’s guide to congestion.
Colds, flu, allergies and sinus infections can all cause congestion. Pregnancy and nasal polyps are other possible causes. These triggers can inflame blood vessels in nasal tissue, narrowing the passage between the nose and throat. A person can have a runny nose and feel blocked up at the same time.
Ways to ease a stuffy nose
Drinking water helps keep mucus thin so it can drain more easily. Other options in the guide include placing a warm, damp washcloth on the face several times a day, using a humidifier or sitting in a bathroom while a shower runs.
Position can also make a difference. Lying down often makes congestion worse, so the guide recommends remaining upright when possible and using a pillow to elevate the head at bedtime.
Saline spray is another option. The guide describes a mixture of 1 cup of warm distilled or sterilized water, a half-teaspoon of salt and a pinch of baking soda, used in each nostril up to four times daily. Water straight from the tap should not be used for that mixture.
Decongestant nasal sprays shrink swollen blood vessels, while antihistamines can help allergy symptoms. The National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus guidance cautions that using decongestant sprays for more than three days can worsen stuffiness. It also advises asking a provider which medicines are safe and checking labels when combining cold medicines; some antihistamines cause drowsiness.
When to contact a provider
UR Medicine advises seeking medical care for congestion accompanied by a cough lasting 10 days or more, fever with nasal discharge, or symptoms persisting beyond three weeks.
Other reasons to seek care include foul-smelling mucus, mucus that is a color other than yellow, clear or white, a worsening sore throat, or white or yellow patches on the tonsils or throat.
For people who need an assessment, UR Medicine also offers Virtual Urgent Care, connecting patients with a medical professional without a trip to an office or waiting room.
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