How to Clear Nasal Congestion — Guidance from WYL Pharmacies Swindon

Clearing nasal congestion comes down to reducing the swelling and excess mucus that build up in the nasal passages, and there are several effective methods to achieve this quickly. Saline nasal rinses or sprays help to flush out irritants and thin mucus, steam inhalation loosens congestion and soothes inflamed nasal tissue, and staying well hydrated keeps mucus thin and easier to clear. Over-the-counter decongestant sprays and tablets can offer fast relief, while corticosteroid sprays work well for longer-term or allergy-driven congestion. Our trained pharmacists at WYL Pharmacies in Swindon can assess your symptoms and recommend the most effective treatment under our Minor Ailments Service, with no GP appointment required.

Book your appointment at WYL Pharmacies Swindon today and get fast, expert advice on clearing your nasal congestion.

Why Does Nasal Congestion Happen?

Nasal congestion occurs when the tissues lining the nose become inflamed and swollen, often in response to a viral infection such as a cold, an allergic reaction, or irritants in the environment such as smoke or dust. This swelling, combined with increased mucus production, narrows the nasal passages and creates that familiar blocked, heavy feeling. In some cases, congestion can also be linked to structural issues such as a deviated septum or chronic sinus problems.

The best approach to clearing your congestion often depends on understanding what is causing it in the first place. A cold-related blockage that clears up within a week calls for a different approach than congestion linked to ongoing allergies, which may require longer-term management. Speaking with a pharmacist can help you identify the most likely cause and the most suitable treatment.

Quick and Effective Ways to Clear Nasal Congestion

1. Saline Nasal Rinses and Sprays

A saline rinse or spray is one of the gentlest and most effective ways to clear nasal congestion. The salt water solution helps to loosen and flush out mucus, allergens, and irritants from the nasal passages, while also reducing inflammation in the lining of the nose. Saline sprays are suitable for almost everyone, including children, pregnant women, and those on other medications, making them an excellent first port of call.

2. Steam Inhalation

Inhaling steam, whether from a bowl of hot water, a warm shower, or a dedicated steam inhaler, helps to loosen thickened mucus and soothe inflamed nasal tissue. Adding a few drops of menthol or eucalyptus oil can enhance the soothing effect for many people, though these should be avoided in young children. Always take care to avoid burns by keeping a safe distance from the steam source.

3. Stay Well Hydrated

Drinking plenty of fluids, particularly warm drinks such as herbal tea or hot water with lemon, helps to keep mucus thin and easier to clear naturally. Dehydration can thicken mucus, making it harder to shift and prolonging that blocked feeling, so increasing your fluid intake is a simple but effective step during a cold or bout of congestion.

4. Decongestant Nasal Sprays and Tablets

Decongestant sprays such as Otrivine (xylometazoline) work by constricting the blood vessels in the nasal lining, providing fast relief from blockage within minutes. Oral decongestants such as pseudoephedrine tablets can also be effective for more widespread congestion. However, decongestant nasal sprays must only be used for a maximum of 7 consecutive days, as prolonged use can lead to rebound congestion, a condition known as rhinitis medicamentosa, which can make symptoms worse than before.

5. Corticosteroid Nasal Sprays

For congestion that persists beyond a typical cold, or that is linked to allergies such as hay fever, a corticosteroid spray such as fluticasone or beclometasone can be highly effective. These sprays reduce inflammation in the nasal passages over time rather than providing instant relief, so consistent daily use is key to seeing the full benefit. They are considered safe for long-term use and do not carry the same risk of rebound congestion as decongestant sprays.

Not sure which treatment is right for your congestion? Contact our team at WYL Pharmacies Swindon and we will be happy to talk through your symptoms.

Lifestyle Tips to Help Prevent Nasal Congestion

Alongside active treatment, a few simple lifestyle adjustments can help reduce the frequency and severity of nasal congestion. Sleeping with your head slightly elevated using an extra pillow can help reduce overnight congestion and improve sleep quality. Using a humidifier in dry indoor environments, particularly during winter months when central heating can dry out the nasal passages, may also help prevent congestion from building up.

If your congestion is linked to allergies, identifying and reducing your exposure to known triggers, such as dust, pet hair, or pollen, can make a significant difference. Regularly washing bedding, using allergen-proof pillow and mattress covers, and keeping windows closed during high pollen count days are all practical steps worth considering.

When lifestyle changes are not quite enough, our team at WYL Pharmacies in Swindon can offer further support.  Call us to book your consultation whenever suits you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the answers to the questions we hear most often from patients at WYL Pharmacies in Swindon about clearing nasal congestion.

How quickly can I clear nasal congestion?

Mild congestion linked to a cold can often improve within a few days using saline rinses, steam inhalation, and adequate hydration, while decongestant sprays can provide relief within minutes. Congestion linked to allergies or chronic sinus issues may take longer to resolve and often requires more consistent, longer-term management with a corticosteroid spray.

Can I use a saline rinse every day?

Yes, saline nasal rinses and sprays are gentle, drug-free, and safe for daily use, making them an excellent option for ongoing nasal hygiene and congestion relief. They carry no risk of dependency or rebound congestion, unlike decongestant sprays, so they can be used as often as needed.

Why does my nose get more blocked at night?

Lying flat can cause increased blood flow to the nasal passages, leading to greater swelling and a more pronounced blocked feeling at night. Elevating your head slightly with an extra pillow and using a humidifier in your bedroom can help reduce this effect and improve your sleep.

Is it safe to use a decongestant spray with other cold medications?

In most cases, decongestant nasal sprays can be used alongside other cold remedies, but it is important to check for overlapping ingredients to avoid accidentally taking too much of the same active ingredient. Our pharmacists at WYL Pharmacies can review your current medications and advise on safe combinations.

Can children use treatments for nasal congestion?

Saline nasal sprays are suitable for children of all ages, including infants, and are usually the first recommendation for clearing a blocked nose. Most decongestant sprays are not suitable for children under 12, so always check the product label or speak to a pharmacist before giving any medication to a child.

Can a pharmacist help treat my nasal congestion?

Yes, at WYL Pharmacies in Swindon, nasal congestion is treated under our Minor Ailments Service, meaning our pharmacists can assess your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment without you needing to see your GP first. Simply walk in or book an appointment at your convenience.