stuffy nose

For months i have been experiencing catarrh that refuses to go. My nose is constantly filled with mucos, please what can i do?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

The most common way to get rid of a stuffy nose is to use an over-the-counter (OTC) decongestant combined with an anti-inflammatory analgesic (pain reliever) like Ibuprofen. However, you should not use decongestants for more than 5-7 days at a time. This is because they can only provide short-term relief for catarrh, and using them for any longer can make your symptoms worse.. Avoid indigestible, spicy, foods and meats. Eat simply of wholesome food. Obtain needed out-of-door exercise, sunbaths, and swimming. It can also be treated using an antihistamine nasal spray. Antihistamine works by blocking your immune system's response to the allergen.

Symptoms can also be relieved by using a nasal spray that contains corticosteroids. Corticosteroids work by helping to reduce inflammation and congestion.

The golden rule for chronic stuffy nose is steam inhalation. Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot (but not boiling water) may help to soften, and loosen, the build up of mucus in your nose. You may also find that adding some menthol crystals, or eucalyptus oil, to the water, helps to ease your symptoms of catarrh.

These remedies should work for you. If the symptoms still persist then pls consult an ENT specialist.

Take care and do keep us posted on how you are doing.

[pumpklin]

my 10 month old son has a stuffy nose sence he was 8 weeks old. he has had allergie test done and i got rid of things like cat, teady bears ect.. it just wont go away. what can it be??