Congestion

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CONGESTION

Whether caused by a cold, allergies or pollution, a stuffy nose is no fun. You can't smell. You can't taste your food. And when you talk, you sound like a three year old.

Suffer no more

Use a decongestant only

The reality is, the fastest way to unclog your nose is with a decongestant. But what to buy? You can spend hours scanning cough-cold-flu-and-allergy products at your local drugstore trying to decide among decongestant/antihistamine combinations, decongestant/expectorants and myraid other over-the-counter remedies.

Mix yourself a homemade nasal spray

Rinsing your nose with plain water can dry it out, because plain water is not the kind of fluid that the body normally produces. Spraying with a compatible saline solution can remove irritants like smoke, pollution, dust or pollen that cause your nose to swell and feel stuffy.

Pick up a drugstore saline spray

Another option, of course, is plain saline nasal spray, such as Ocean, available over the counter.

Head for the showers

If you're squeamish about nasal sprays, taking a nice steamy shower will help relieve the congestion.

Add spice to your life

The fastest, no-fuss, no-muss remedy for your stuffy nose may be as close as your spice rack. If your stomach can tolerate it, hot pepper will put an instant end to your congestion.