Nasal congestion, also known as a stuffy nose, occurs when the blood vessels and mucus membranes in the nasal passageways swell up and get inflamed or irritated. It can result from several factors, but the most common reasons are allergies and the common cold and flu. The symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, and loss of taste or smell. Here are some treatment options, meal plans, and tips for managing nasal congestion:

Treatment options
A doctor or ENT physician diagnoses nasal congestion after analyzing its symptoms. They may also perform a physical examination, checking the nose, ears, and throat to determine the cause. Then, a suitable treatment is recommended.

• Allegra®
  Allegra® is an FDA-approved antihistamine that helps treat seasonal allergies. It relieves symptoms like sneezing, watery eyes, and throat irritation. In addition, it helps treat non-respiratory symptoms like skin itching. Allegra® is typically recommended for adults and children 12 years and older. The treatment can have side effects like drowsiness, diarrhea, and nausea.

Besides traditional treatments, healthcare experts recommend nasal saline products to reduce nasal dryness. Using a humidifier may also be beneficial, especially during the colder months. Further, a bulb suction device helps suck out excess mucus from the nasal passages of babies and young children, providing relief.

Foods to eat and avoid for nasal congestion
Some foods make preventing and managing the symptoms of nasal congestion pretty easy. Individuals can include the following options in their meal plan to treat the condition:

• Chili peppers
  Spicy foods like chili peppers have natural elements that open the nasal passages and thin out the mucus, allowing it to drain. Better drainage helps individuals breathe better, providing relief. Best examples of chili peppers to add to the meal plan are bell peppers, cayenne peppers, and jalapeno peppers.
• Chicken soup
  Studies indicate that chicken soup helps clear nasal congestion and ease cold symptoms. It is also required to stay hydrated when suffering from a stuffy nose. Further, chicken is rich in a specific amino acid that helps the body produce serotonin. Serotonin is a mood stabilizer that also helps people sleep better. So chicken soup may be called comfort food.
• Raw garlic
  The active ingredient in garlic is believed to offer temporary relief from nasal congestion. One can try a clove or two of raw garlic if they can tolerate the taste. But, to avoid unpleasant garlic breath, individuals can mix it with a salad dressing or add it to salads.

Besides adding these foods to the nutrition plan, avoiding milk and dairy products like yogurt and cheese is best when dealing with nasal congestion. They can stimulate the production of mucus or phlegm, worsening the condition.

Tips to get relief from nasal congestion
In less-severe cases, nasal congestion goes away on its own with home remedies. Here are some tips or ways to get comfort from the problem:

• Drink enough water
  It is essential to stay hydrated and have sufficient fluids when suffering from a stuffy nose. The mucus in the nasal passages becomes thinner when optimum hydration levels are maintained. This allows it to be discharged from the nose more easily. It also lowers the pressure in the sinuses, which helps reduce irritation and inflammation.
• Add moisture to the air
  Some people find that using a humidifier offers relief by increasing the moisture in the nose. But more research is required to show that this works to soothe the common cold. If using a humidifier at home, it is essential to keep it clean and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent bacteria or mold formation.
• Take a warm shower
  Many people find it easier to breathe after a warm shower when down with a cold or the flu. That is because the steam from the shower helps thin out the mucus in the nose, reducing inflammation. However, when following this remedy, one must ensure that the water is not too hot.
• Use eucalyptus oil
  Eucalyptus oil relieves the symptoms of nasal congestion and provides a soothing effect on the sinuses. It could also help kill the bacteria in the nasal passages that cause nasal infections. One can add a few drops to a tissue paper and keep it on their pillow when sleeping or add some oil to hot water and inhale the steam.
• Follow proper sleeping habits
  It is recommended not to sleep flat on the bed but keep the head elevated with one or two pillows. This helps the mucus drain instead of pooling at the back of the throat. Individuals may also use pillow covers to lower their exposure to dust mites, a common trigger of respiratory allergy.
• Apply a warm compress
  Keeping a warm compress over the nose or forehead may be helpful if suffering from a headache due to nasal congestion. It helps relax tense muscles and lowers the pain.

One must consult a doctor if nasal congestion lasts more than ten to 14 days, worsens, or is accompanied by high fever, trouble breathing, and thick, discolored discharge or mucus. Although these may be symptoms of seasonal allergies and the common cold, a doctor will determine the actual cause and recommend suitable treatment options and remedies.