Your Nose Fixed: How To Clear

| Type | Examples | How it works | Best for | Warning | |------|----------|--------------|----------|---------| | | Oxymetazoline (Afrin) | Shrinks nasal blood vessels | Severe, short-term blockage | Do not use >3 days — causes rebound congestion | | Oral decongestant | Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) | Reduces swelling systemically | Sinus pressure + stuffiness | Avoid if high BP, heart disease, or prostate issues | | Saline spray | Generic drug-free | Moistens, thins mucus | All congestion types | No side effects, safe for daily use | | Antihistamine | Cetirizine, loratadine | Blocks histamine from allergies | Allergic congestion + runny nose | May cause drowsiness (especially diphenhydramine) | | Nasal corticosteroid | Fluticasone (Flonase) | Reduces inflammation long-term | Chronic allergies or sinusitis | Takes days to work fully |

Lean over a sink, tilt your head sideways at a 45-degree angle, and breathe through your mouth. Pour the saline solution into the upper nostril; it should drain out the lower one. how to clear your nose

For more stubborn blockage, a saline wash can physically flush out mucus and irritants. | Type | Examples | How it works