8 simple ways to ease a blocked nose

Discover some easy ways to soothe your blocked nose

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Immune System Expert
@AvogelUKHealth
Ask Dr. Jen Tan


15 March 2018

Why is my nose blocked?

Before we go into the various ways to deal with a blocked nose, let’s just discuss how it came to be blocked in the first place. 

A blocked nose can come about for a variety of reasons. It is a symptom of allergies like hayfever for example, which is caused by the body over-reacting to pollen. However, more surprising is the fact that even the winter season can affect the state of your nose.  The air in winter is drier and so, coupled with central heating systems that also lack moisture, this dries out the nose. 

More often than not though, as you will probably be aware, a blocked nose comes about as a result of a cold or flu. The nose usually has the role of protecting the body from dirt and germs by filtering air that comes into the body. It is able to do this through mucous membranes that line the inner surface of the nose. However, if the body gets a virus this complex system is compromised. More mucus is produced and the nasal passages can become inflamed as well. As a result, this leads to the frustrating symptom of a blocked nose. So, what can we do about it?

1) Water

Here at A.Vogel we constantly advocate the health benefits of drinking water and for good reason too! 

Keeping yourself hydrated during a bout of illness is always important, but this is especially the case when you’re suffering from a blocked nose. That’s because drinking lots of water can make mucus thinner so that it is able to flow easily from the nose. This eventually eases discomfort by getting rid of the blockage within the nose.

To up your water intake, there are various things you can do.

  • Start your morning with a glass.
  • You should be drinking it throughout the day so every time you eat or snack, add a glass of water to have with it.
  • Avoid too much tea and coffee as the caffeine content can actually dehydrate you.
  • If you feel that drinking water all the time is a little boring you could add some fruit to give it a bit more flavour. Lemons, cucumber, orange and mint are all tasty additions to a glass of water.

2) Steam

As well as being relaxing, having a long shower, bath or even a sauna can help ease your blocked nose. This is all because of steam which contains moisture and heat to help sooth inflammation and make it easier to breathe. It can also help to break down mucus so that it flows more easily from the nose. Although the relief steam brings may not be long-lasting, you can have a shower or bath as often as you like to continue to help relieve the problem.

3) Hot Drinks

If water and steam both help to ease a blocked nose, it’s unsurprising that hot drinks do too. These relieve pressure on the nose to help with your nasal congestion. Plus, if you are suffering from other cold and flu symptoms as well, a warm drink can help these. A sore throat can be soothed for example, by the comfort of a warm liquid. 

To help deal with these problems, it’s a good idea to swap your usual brew for some peppermint tea as this contains menthol. Menthol breaks down mucus which not only helps your nose, but also calms a sore throat. Alternatively, you could try our Echinaforce Hot Drink which fights cold and flu symptoms.  

4) Humidifiers

You may find it useful to invest in a humidifier if you suffer from regular congestion, or even if you just want some instant relief from a cold or flu. Humidifiers add moisture to the air which can thin mucus to make it flow easily from the nose. It can also help ease inflammation to lessen the overall feeling of a blocked nose. These devices aren’t too expensive so if you’re looking for ways to help your blocked nose, it’s a good option.

5) Sleeping Position

A blocked nose can negatively affect your ability to sleep so to help resolve this issue you may need to change your sleeping position. Lying flat allows mucus to build up which can worsen the problem of a blocked nose and disrupt sleep. Therefore, in order to get as much rest as possible during this time it is best to lie on your back and keep your head slightly raised with an extra pillow or two. Also, remember to keep this position if you decide to nap during the day as you won’t get the extra rest you desire otherwise.

6) Food and Drink

You may not think it, but what you eat and drink can have an impact upon your blocked nose. Some things will make it worse, whilst others may actually help ease the problem. As a rule, when suffering with this problem I’d avoid caffeine which, as we’ve already discussed, can dehydrate you. I’d also stay clear of milk-based products which can thicken mucus and make your symptoms worse. As for food and drink that can help, well spice, warm soups and citrus are all beneficial. Have a look at my blog ‘Can what you eat and drink affect you blocked nose?’ for more information on this topic.

7) Nose-blowing

When dealing with nasal congestion it may be tempting to blow your nose regularly to try and get rid of the problem. However, this can cause the fragile mucus membranes inside your nose to become more inflamed which will only worsen the problem of congestion. Also, the pressure of blowing your nose constantly can lead to a headache which is something I’m sure you will want to avoid. So, instead of going through your box of tissues, I’d recommend you only blow your nose when it begins to run. Blowing your nose constantly will not resolve the issue of a blocked so this is something to avoid.

8) Nasal sprays

Sinuforce Nasal Spray is an effective herbal remedy for the relief of congestion. It contains menthol, eucalyptus oil, and chamomile oil which helps soothe the nasal passages and therefore reduces inflammation and irritation.

Unlike many similar medications it can be used by pregnant women, those breastfeeding, vegetarians and vegans too. This means that many people can benefit from the quick and effective relief from congestion that Sinuforce brings. 


My Top Tip:


Sinuforce Nasal Spray can be used 1-2 times every day for up to 30 days which is longer than most medicated decongestant sprays.

"This really helped my husband when he was dealing with a blocked sinus problem which nothing else had fixed. His sinus problem was cleared up in a couple of days after using the product."

Read more customer reviews

However, if your blocked nose is not a result of a cold or flu, and is instead the result of hayfever, A.Vogel does have another option. 

Pollinosan Luffa Nasal Spray cleanses the nasal passages of pollen and other allergens like dust. However, it also restores fluid in the nasal passages to make the area feel comfortable again. Made with all natural products, it is fast-acting and effective!

Sinuforce Nasal Spray - Blocked nose remedy

Sinuforce - For the relief of nasal catarrh, nasal congestion and a runny nose.
More info

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Here’s what I recommend

As the A. Vogel Immune System expert, I recommend Sinuforce Nasal Spray with menthol, to help ease symptoms of a blocked nose.

Learn more

Did you know?

Pregnancy can make you more susceptible to a blocked nose. Hormonal changes can cause the delicate tissues of your nose to become inflamed, restricting the flow of air and causing you to experience a blocked nose.

What's causing my blocked nose at night?

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