A stuffy nose, termed nasal congestion, results from an accumulation of fluid in the nasal passages, surrounding tissues, and blood vessels. This congestion may or may not be accompanied by a runny nose. It often causes significant discomfort to people who have it, causing difficulty breathing and headaches because of the restricted airflow.
A stuffy nose has a variety of causes, including allergies, influenza, and the common cold. The treatment of each cause can greatly vary, while typically relieving the symptom can be applied regardless of the severity of the symptoms and its root cause.
Generally, a stuffy nose is considered harmless, and in normal circumstances, the condition should resolve itself after 10 to 14 days. In some cases, a long-term, chronic, or severe stuffy nose can be seen, indicating a more serious underlying disease. However, home remedies are available to relieve the symptoms or alleviate the healing process. Some treatments are medicinal plants known for their pharmacological uses; others are available at most drugstores.
Humidifier
Humidification adds moisture into the air, evaporates water vapor, or incites steam. Humidifiers help relieve stuffy noses by soothing irritated nasal passageways and adding moisture, allowing a stuffy nose to run more thoroughly, leading to the removal of the blockage. It is common for people to run humidifiers all day long if a person is experiencing a stuffy nose.
The device can be set in whichever room the person in need is in, allowing for more moisture in the air. Always use clean water when filling the humidifier, and it should also be of note to change the water occasionally to prevent the growth of unwanted bacteria within the water. Along with this, it offers good conditions for mold growth.
The humidifier should be regularly cleaned at least once a week to prevent the spread of mold within the room. Some humidifiers make use of steam rather than evaporation, wherein, in this case, the water within the humidifier can get hot, so caution should be taken. However, this kind of humidifier should typically be avoided if there is a chance that a child will be interacting with it.
