Nasal congestion is a condition where the sinus cavities or the blood vessels of the nose may get inflamed blocking the regular exchange of air and mucous. The trapped mucous can build up and cause a lot of other problems. It is usually just an irritation for adults but prolonged exposure to this problem can lead to other problems like sleep apnea. However in small children and infants it can be even life threatening as they can breathe through the nose only.

Dietary changes can go a long way to keeping the congestion from getting out of hand in the first place. Raising your intake of vitamin C and zinc will be a pro-active step in dealing with nasal congestion in the home. Another easy way to deal with mucus is to stay hydrated. Instead on the old saw of eight glasses of water a day, set a goal of one half ounce of water for every pound you weigh. Granted, that is an aggressive goal, but a good one to strive for.

A neti pot is another popular natural method of relieving nasal congestion. The way that a neti pot works is that it helps to clean out your nasal passageway with a flow of warm water. This technique sounds a lot more painful than it actually is and many people find relief through the use of this method. It can take some getting used to and there are videos available online that can show you the proper technique so that you will know exactly what to expect.

Care should also be taken to wash your hands regularly as it will prevent the spread of cold germs. Using vitamin C supplements is also seen to reduce the duration of the cold. A common cold can occur three to four times a year and school children can have it as much as six to ten times a year. While a cold normally gets cured by itself, if you see a persistence of symptoms then you should consult a health care professional.

Drink Hot Liquids This is one of the best ways for you to unclog your sinuses is by drinking hot tea either black, green, herbal or decaffeinated (it really does not matter which one you drink). Or you could have hot chicken soup throughout the day instead. But it is important that you drink enough to ensure that your urine is light in colour. These hot liquids will help to moisturize your mucous membrane and help to speed up the movement of your cilia which will then was mucus out of your sinuses more quickly.

One way to help your breathing problem is through a saline solution, which is a good, safe way to clear out your sinuses and nasal passages prior to sleeping. The wash will shrink the swollen tissues and will also help to liquefy mucus deposits that may be interfering with your breathing. Unlike many store bought nasal sprays, saline wash won't cause the congestion to increase when its effects wears off.

The heat generated by spicy food trigger a reflex that can make your sinuses run. Anything with hot chillies, strong onions and spices will cause the effect. The effect can be temporary although by making this temporary fix you can push yourself toward a cure.