Relieve Blocked or Stuffy Noses

COLD & FLU

Prevention is better than cure!

Viruses, that cause the common cold, are spread from person to person by inhaling tiny droplets of mucus that enter the air or by touching contaminated surfaces. While it is impossible to completely prevent the spread of colds, there are steps you can take to reduce you and your family’s chances of becoming infected with a virus that causes colds.

Keep your hands clean

Hand washing is the most important way to reduce the spread of colds. As mentioned above, cold and flu viruses can spread through physical contact. Keeping your hands clean with warm to hot soapy water helps to prevent contamination. If these are not available, a convenient alcohol-based sanitizer is an acceptable alternative.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with adequate sleep, good nutrition and physical exercise can help ensure that your immune system is in good condition and ready to fight an infection if it occurs. Ensure that you are drinking regular glasses of water throughout the day – 8 standard glasses are recommended per day.

Additional recommendations for children

Make sure your child has received all the recommended immunisations.

Teach your child to prevent spreading colds by covering their nose and mouth with tissues when they sneeze or cough, by disposing of tissues immediately in the bin, and by washing their hands after wiping their nose or handling tissues.

BLOCKED & STUFFY NOSE

A stuffy nose, otherwise known as nasal congestion or simply the sniffles, is usually caused by inflamed blood vessels in the tissue lining of the nose. This could be a result from the common cold or flu, allergies or a sinus infection.

Inhalations and saline solutions are ideal for gentle relief of a blocked & stuffy nose for both children and adults.

Saline solutions help to soothe and moisten dry nasal passages and also wash away airborne allergens, dust and pollen.

These products are suitable for both children and adults, and can be used as frequently as required to provide additional benefit if used prior to any other medicated nasal sprays.

For extra relief of a blocked and stuffy nose, an addition of a medicated nasal spray and/or oral tablet may be useful.
Nasal decongestant sprays help to clear blockages quickly by reducing nasal congestion and drying up the secretions of the nose.

Most decongestant sprays can be used by children above the age of 6, however it should not be used for a period longer than four to five days.

Here are some additional advice which you may find useful:

  • Drink plenty of fluids to thin your mucus and keep your sinuses well hydrated.
  • Rest as much as you can.
  • Warm face packs held over the sinuses may help to ease pain.
  • Steam inhalations, often with eucalyptus, can help to reduce nasal congestion.
  • Use over-the-counter medicines to help relieve your symptoms.
  • Take a supplement to help boost your immune system
  • Limit your alcohol intake, as this can worsen sinusitis.