Flu symptoms: 5 at-home remedies to treat blocked, stuffy nose

Amid COVID-19 pandemic, the flu season is wreaking more havoc than ever this year. As per the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu cases during the 2020-2021 season was "unusually low". Experts believe lockdowns, mask mandates, social distancing and proper hygienic practices are the factors that made it possible.

However, with the availability of the vaccines and the drop in the number of COVID-19 cases, people have become more relaxed and less vigilant in the past, triggering a sudden surge in the number of flu cases.

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Some of the common flu symptoms experienced by people are mild fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches and in certain cases stomach issues. A blocked, stuffy nose is a common indicator of flu, which can take a heavy toll on the body, if left untreated. That said, here are some effective home remedies to unblock your stuffy nose.

Warm water is the best remedy to treat cold, flu symptoms, especially clogged noses. Besides keeping you hydrated, a warm glass of water, hot ginger, and green tea can help relieve nasal congestion. It comforts and soothes the inflamed membranes that outline your nose and throat and also thins out the mucus that could be causing a blocked nose.

A stuffy nose can be a great nuisance. It is caused due to an inflammation in the blood vessels of the sinuses, which is why breathing in warm steam can be extremely soothing and relieving. The warmth and the moisture can thin out the mucus in the nasal passage, making it easier to blow and clear your nose out.

How to do it: For steam inhalation, you need to put hot boiling water in a bowl. Put your face over the bowl, with a towel overhead. Breathe for five to ten minutes. Make sure to maintain distance so as to not burn your face.

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Saline sprays are a great way to clear out your nasal passage when you have the flu or a cold. You can either buy an over-the-counter saline solution or create one at home. Salt water helps unblock your nose, but only when you do it frequently will it ensure good results.

How to do it: Firstly, you will need to make a saline solution by mixing warm, sterile water with pure salt. This is called an isotonic solution. Although you can make your own solution at home, over-the-counter saline solutions are recommended. Once the solution is ready, put it in a squeeze bottle, bulb syringe, neti pot, and then pour, squeeze in or up your upper nostrils. Make sure to let the solution pour out of the other nostril. Perform mouth breathing and not nasal breathing during this time.

If you're looking for natural ways to treat a stuffy nose, eating spicy foods can be an option. Chillies have a component called capsaicin, known for its heat-producing effect. This can open up nasal passage, reduce inflammation and relieve blocked nose.

Symptoms of nasal congestion can be relieved and alleviated with the help of a warm compress. Placing it on your nose can open up the nasal passage.

How to do it: To prepare a warm compress, you need to soak a towel in warm water. Squeeze and drain the water and fold it. Then, put it on your nose and forehead. The heat and the warmth will comfort any existing pain, treating stuffy, blocked nose effectively.