Blocked nose? How to use a nasal spray and other treatments.
A blocked nose can have a negative impact on daily life and many patients seek treatment in order to feel relief. Nasal congestion can be caused by several things, like having a cold, sinusitis or hay fever.
Whatever the cause, consider reaching for a nasal spray.
There are different types of nasal sprays. Some contain medications to target the biological processes going on in your nose, and some use natural ingredients like sea water to gently clear your nose.
So, if you’re looking for a nasal spray for sinus problems, allergic rhinitis, nasal congestion or a gentle saline nasal spray, we have all the information you need!
Using a nasal spray: step by step.
You can find specific information on how to use a nasal spray on our different product pages, under the How to Use section at the bottom of each page.
Why do we get a blocked nose?
Nasal congestion, or a blocked nose happens when the inside of your nose becomes irritated. This irritation sets off a reaction of inflammation, swelling and mucus production, making it hard to take in air through your nose.
In short, nasal congestion can have a considerably negative impact on daily life.
There are many common causes of nasal congestion, including:
- Upper respiratory viral infections (common cold or flu)
- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
- Sinusitis
Of these, the cold is one of the most common causes, affecting adults two to four times per year and young children six times yearly.
Nasal congestion is the most common symptom among common cold sufferers.
What is a nasal spray?
Nasal decongestant sprays can be used to reduce congestion, in cases of allergies of the nose and persistent rhinitis.
The product is sprayed directly into the nostrils (nasal passage).
Nasal sprays vary in shape and size. For certain products you will need to prime the nasal spray if you have not used it before, or if you have not used it for a while. Please make sure you follow the instructions.
What is postnasal drip?
Postnasal drip is when mucus gathers and drips own the back of your throat. Mucus is normally swallowed unconsciously, however when above average amounts of mucus gather in your throat and drip down from, the back of your nose, it can become more obvious and bothersome.
Symptoms.
The symptoms of postnasal drip are commonly mild and can include
- Sore throat
- Coughing
- Throat that feels burning, tickling or itchy
- Sensation of a lump in the back of your throat
Causes.
Postnasal drip may happen due to many different reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
- Allergies
- Deviated septum
- Colds & Flu
- Infection
- Sinusitis
- Weather conditions
- Pregnancy
- Age
Is nasal spray the only way to unblock your nose?
There are many ways to unblock your nose other than by using a nasal spray.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, can help thin the mucus in your nasal passages, making it easier to expel.
- Use a Humidifier: Adding Moisture to the air with a humidifier can soothe irritated nasal tissues and help to loosen mucus.
- Steam Inhilation: Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water can help provide relief. Be cautious to avoid burns.
- Warm compress: Applying a warm compress to your face can help open your nasal passages. Simply soak a washcloth in warm water, wring it our, and place it over your nose and forehead.
- Elevate your head: When lying down, keep your head elevated with an extra pillow. This can help reduce nasal congestion.
- Stay away from irritants: Avoiding irritants like smoke, strong perfumes, and allergens can help prevent further irritation and congestion.
- Practice good hygiene: Regularly washing your hands and avoiding close contact with a sick induvial can help prevent infections that cause nasal congestion.
- Otricaps Blocked Nose and Sinusitis Relief Capsules: Helps unblock your nose and relieve sinus pain.
Unblock your nose with an Otrivine medicated nasal spray.
Otrivine nasal decongestant sprays relieve your congestion, focusing on the affected area.
Otrivine medicated nasal sprays contain xylometazoline hydrochloride, which is indicated for the symptomatic relief of nasal congestion. Xylometazoline hydrochloride provides fast and effective relief.
Xylometazoline hydrochloride helps to open up and clear the nasal passages by reducing the excessive nasal secretions and returning the swollen blood vessels to their normal size. This in turn reduces the resistance of your nasal airways to airflow, helping people to feel less congested.
Otrivine Extra Dual Relief Nasal Spray has an additional active ingredient, ipratropium bromide, which helps relieve a runny nose.
Otrivine nasal sprays have been used by several million patients over decades, showing it is a trusted and effective topical decongestant.
Consider your options to unblock your nose.
Otrivine comes in a wide range of products. For a natural way to clear your nose, try the Otrivine Natural range. If you want to target your symptoms quickly and effectively, use our medicated range which includes Otrivine Blocked Nose Relief Nasal Spray and Otrivine Extra Dual Relief Nasal Spray.
