# How do you treat YOUR blocked nose **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [February 19, 2009, 12:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-treat-your-blocked-nose/486534 "2009-02-19T12:07:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Valgard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/7feea3/32.png) [@Valgard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Valgard)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2009, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-treat-your-blocked-nose/486534/21 "2009-02-19T20:03:22Z")
I try and avoid drugs where possible so I’m another person who uses: Lots of rest Long, hot showers Hot tea, soups with lots of broth No dairy Spicy food - ex-g/f said I have an “asbestos palate”; my tolerance for spicy food is pretty high so I load it on. Once things are running as opposed to clogged and nasty I “feed a cold” (since a few days of tea, broth and chips/salsa leaves me pretty ravenous) and I’ll eat some nice big hot meals. If it’s preventing me from sleeping (i.e. so stuffy I can’t breath at night, even if I sleep sitting up against some pillows) then I’ll take some decongestants before I sack out, that usually helps me make it through the night. ---
**Author:** ![Butterscotch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/dc4da7/32.png) [@Butterscotch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Butterscotch)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2009, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-treat-your-blocked-nose/486534/22 "2009-02-19T20:05:38Z")
I use Olbas Oil. You can put drops on your pillow, but much better is to rub it into your forehead and onto your nose. Feel the warmth sink in and sooth, then you begin to breathe again. It is wonderful… How anyone gets by without it is a mystery to me. It is not available here in Italt so whenever someone comes to visit, top of the “Yes please, I need…” list is Olbas Oil! [http://www.goodnessdirect.co.uk/cgi-local/frameset/detail/904250\_Lanes\_Olbas\_Oil\_10ml.html](http://www.goodnessdirect.co.uk/cgi-local/frameset/detail/904250_Lanes_Olbas_Oil_10ml.html) ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2009, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-treat-your-blocked-nose/486534/23 "2009-02-19T20:06:25Z")
I’ve used an ear cleaning bulb in place of a Neti Pot. My only problem is that I don’t know the measurement of salt to use. I just did this 2 days ago because of the problem discussed and it worked but OWWWW. too much salt. ---
**Author:** ![madrabbitwoman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c37758/32.png) [@madrabbitwoman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madrabbitwoman)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2009, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-treat-your-blocked-nose/486534/24 "2009-02-19T20:09:41Z")
I have had a couple of hours sleep at least but I’m snot to the eyeballs again (winge winge moan moan) Couldn’t get the salt water to go through this time. Am going to run a hot bath and try and steam myself for a while. ---
**Author:** ![gang\_green](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/f07891/32.png) [@gang\_green](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gang_green)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2009, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-treat-your-blocked-nose/486534/25 "2009-02-19T21:07:33Z")
> [@Risha](#): > > [Do NOT do this.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=409826&highlight=suction+nose) Actually, when I was going in for follow-ups to my sinus surgery, my ENT had this little vacuum jobbie that he’d stick up there that would suck out all the goo. It was brilliant. I told him I wanted one at home. Of course, they would numb up my nasal passages before doing it, but who cares? ---
**Author:** ![CAT\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9dc877/32.png) [@CAT\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CAT_1)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2009, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-treat-your-blocked-nose/486534/26 "2009-02-19T21:38:54Z")
I am addicted to Vicks, and just put a little under my nose, almost daily, and again at night. I also think the hot tea, or hot soup, or even a nice long hot shower works wonders. We do have a neti pot of sorts, that I have used on occasion, if it is really bad. I HATE not being able to breath through my nose. It can almost bring on a panic attack for me. I had congestive heart failure right after my son was born, and ever since then(5 years) I have been having this trouble. I guess knowing what it feels like not to get enough oxygen can really scare a person. ---
**Author:** ![JaneSaintClair](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9fc29f/32.png) [@JaneSaintClair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JaneSaintClair)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2009, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-treat-your-blocked-nose/486534/27 "2009-02-19T21:58:21Z")
Another vote for the Mucinex-D. It’s expensive, but it’s worth it. And it doesn’t have many of the side effects of the decongestants. I’m pretty sure you can take it in conjunction with other cold meds as well, but check with the pharmacist to be sure. But, if you’re OK with some side effects, Sudafed has been a lifesaver for me. I hate to be congested, especially when I have to go to work. Don’t get the dumbed-down version that’s available in the aisles. Get the stuff that the kids use to make meth that’s only available behind the counter. ---
**Author:** ![foolsguinea](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foolsguinea/32/14751_2.png) [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2009, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-treat-your-blocked-nose/486534/28 "2009-02-19T22:14:08Z")
In the summer, going to the pool & diving helps. When I had the horrible clog with the pain & all up into the ears, I tried snorting peroxide. I don’t recommend it, it was painful & traumatic, but gave me apparent clearing for a little while. ---
**Author:** ![Doug\_Bowe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/df788c/32.png) [@Doug\_Bowe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doug_Bowe)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2009, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-treat-your-blocked-nose/486534/29 "2009-02-19T22:34:57Z")
Okay, here’s a Southwest answer that worked for me. No drugs. We used to joke that a jalapeno pepper would really clear your sinuses. One day I was as desperate as you and would try anything. And I had some jalapenos (for other things, mind you). What the heck? At this point I’d do ALMOST anything. So I chewed and swallowed a jalapeno. If you were standing next to me you would have heard nothing, but inside my head it seemed like the sound of a baseball bat hitting a ball. Be sure you’re standing next to the sink with some warm water running. ---
**Author:** ![Agent\_Foxtrot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9fc29f/32.png) [@Agent\_Foxtrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agent_Foxtrot)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2009, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-treat-your-blocked-nose/486534/30 "2009-02-19T22:56:25Z")
I eat a spoonful of horseradish. Never fails to clear me out immediately. ---
**Author:** ![Lungfish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/d78d45/32.png) [@Lungfish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lungfish)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2009, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-treat-your-blocked-nose/486534/31 "2009-02-19T23:36:22Z")
[Tunes](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0otCLByfaE) ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2009, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-treat-your-blocked-nose/486534/32 "2009-02-20T02:34:31Z")
> [@gang\_green](#): > > Actually, when I was going in for follow-ups to my sinus surgery, my ENT had this little vacuum jobbie that he’d stick up there that would suck out all the goo. It was brilliant. I told him I wanted one at home. > > Of course, they would numb up my nasal passages before doing it, but who cares? I went to a nose specialist ahd he used a pressurized sprayer to coat my nasal passages with the drug-of-the-day. I have never ever had my nose that opened up. ---
**Author:** ![Terrifel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c68b51/32.png) [@Terrifel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terrifel)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2009, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-treat-your-blocked-nose/486534/33 "2009-02-20T02:42:18Z")
Strangely, I find that sucking on ice cubes sometimes helps. ---
**Author:** ![madrabbitwoman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c37758/32.png) [@madrabbitwoman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madrabbitwoman)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2009, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-treat-your-blocked-nose/486534/34 "2009-02-20T03:43:19Z")
I went to the chemist today and got this: [http://www.webchemist.com.au/proddetail.asp?prod=03206](http://www.webchemist.com.au/proddetail.asp?prod=03206). Definitely an improvement on the turkey baster ---
**Author:** ![appleciders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85f322/32.png) [@appleciders](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/appleciders)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2009, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-treat-your-blocked-nose/486534/35 "2009-02-20T05:49:48Z")
Put a spoonful of chili powder in a large bag. Inhale deeply from the bag. This doesn’t actually work all that well, but I swear by it because you get great looks from coworkers. ---
**Author:** ![Lavender\_Falcon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/b782af/32.png) [@Lavender\_Falcon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lavender_Falcon)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2009, 7:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-treat-your-blocked-nose/486534/36 "2009-02-20T07:32:42Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > I’ve used an ear cleaning bulb in place of a Neti Pot. My only problem is that I don’t know the measurement of salt to use. I just did this 2 days ago because of the problem discussed and it worked but OWWWW. too much salt. I use 1 teaspoon of salt (non-iodized) and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in two cups of water. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2009, 8:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-treat-your-blocked-nose/486534/37 "2009-02-20T08:12:37Z")
> [@Lavender\_Falcon](#): > > I use 1 teaspoon of salt (non-iodized) and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in two cups of water. Wow, thanks, I must have used 1/2 teaspoon in 2 oz of water. The first time I tried this the water was too hot. ---
**Author:** ![Yllaria](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yllaria/32/3452_2.png) [@Yllaria](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yllaria)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2009, 9:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-treat-your-blocked-nose/486534/38 "2009-02-20T09:33:28Z")
Well, I never. So that’s what a neti pot is. My mother swore by the process, but would snort the warm salt water from her cupped hands. I’ve only been plugged up enough to try it once or twice. It worked both times. Felt really strange, though. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2009, 10:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-treat-your-blocked-nose/486534/39 "2009-02-20T10:44:36Z")
> [@Yllaria](#): > > Well, I never. So that’s what a neti pot is. My mother swore by the process, but would snort the warm salt water from her cupped hands. Been there, done that. It’s even tougher to get the saline mixture right. And what could be more dignified than a mini tea pot in your nose? I have to believe it originated in England as an insult and some how caught on. ---
**Author:** ![Lavender\_Falcon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/b782af/32.png) [@Lavender\_Falcon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lavender_Falcon)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2009, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-treat-your-blocked-nose/486534/40 "2009-02-20T15:40:45Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > Wow, thanks, I must have used 1/2 teaspoon in 2 oz of water. The first time I tried this the water was too hot. Oh man, I think even a dolphin would cry if you shot that up it’s nose (blowhole). Ouch! And yeah, if the water is too hot that’s only going to make it sting worse. You want warm water, not hot. If you’ve ever baked bread, I think of it as the temp that I use to start the yeast. Feels somewhat warm when you stick a finger in it. There’s a whole long thread on Neti Pots, for those who may have missed the party: > **[Mr. brown caves and uses neti pot - and he loves it](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=496152)** > > I posted a couple of years ago about the use of a neti pot to relieve symptoms of sinusitis, as Mr. brown is a chronic sufferer. As discussed in my original thread, he was adamant about not trying a neti pot, as he considered it weird and he was... [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-treat-your-blocked-nose/486534.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-treat-your-blocked-nose/486534.md?page=3)