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Keeping your body adequately hydrated will allow you to thin out the mucus in your nasal passages and reduce inflammation. Saline solutions can be bought in stores or made at home using distilled water. This will help to reduce the swelling in your blood vessels and allow you to breath easily. A salt-water solution can be dispersed into your nasal passages to help moisturize the area draw out fluid. Also be aware that this method, though effective, may not provide long-lasting relief. When using this method, be sure the water is not hot enough to harm you. Steam helps to reduce inflammation, allowing your breathing to normalize. Taking a hot shower or placing your head above a steaming pot of water are two simple and effective methods. There are many ways to use steam to clear your nasal passages. If you’re experiencing nasal congestion, here are some simple ways to get relief: In fact, it actually occurs when the blood vessels in your nasal tissue become swollen due to excess fluid. Nasal congestion is one of the most common side effects of allergies and the common cold, so many people experience these symptoms numerous times a year.Ĭontrary to popular belief, congestion isn’t caused by an excessive build-up of mucous in your nasal passage. Your voice becomes distorted and breathing is a struggle. A stuffy nose can throw your entire day off balance. Simple Ways To Relieve CongestionĪs you can see, while they are caused by different things a lot of the symptoms are the same. The main difference between allergy symptoms and cold symptoms is that allergies never come with aches or a fever.
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Usually, these symptoms are accompanied by a cough, fatigue and a sore throat. Itchy, watery red eyes and a runny or stuffy nose are common with allergies. Itchy, watery eyes and a fever rarely occur.Īllergies are not contagious and can last as long as you are in contact with what you are allergic to. Often they are accompanied by aches and fatigue. They come with a cough, sore throat and a runny nose. The sneezing and coughing you experience with allergies are caused by your body trying to fight off the allergen.Ĭolds are contagious and usually last for three to 14 days. An allergic reaction is caused by your body mistaking a harmless substance (such as pollen) for something dangerous and attacking it. You will become tired because your body is using up a lot of energy fighting the virus.Īllergies are different. This causes an increase in mucous production and leads to your nose and throat becoming inflamed. In order to protect you from the virus, your body’s immune system releases white blood cells. We are always glad to help.A cold is caused by a viral infection. You can find us3 mins away from Angel station in Islington. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. If you continue feeling congested for more than a week or symptoms get worse, call your GP. Remember that inhaling steam relieves symptoms of congestion, but it is not a cure. Steam inhalation is considered a safe home remedy if you do it right, but there is a possibility to hurt yourself unintentionally if you’re not careful. Never leave little one alone while hot water is running to avoid burns.
#Does steam help allergies how to#
Sit your child in the steamy bathroom and explain how to breathe. Just run hot water in the shower and inhale the steam this technique is great for kids. Steam inhalation isn’t advised for children due to the risk of burns. Keep the bowl of hot water out of reach of children or pets. So make sure the bowl is placed on an stable surface. If you still have symptoms you can repeat it twice per day.ĭo not put the bowl on your lap as this increases the risk of accidentally spilling the hot water into your lap and causing severe burns. Inhale deeply and slowly for at least 10 – 15 minutes for each session. Lean a little, your face should be 15 to 20 cm from the steam, (don’t get closer and avoid direct contact with hot water to avoid burning).Īvoid allowing the steam to make contact with your eyes.Your eyes should be closed and directed away from the steam. Put a towel over your head like forming a tent. Never shake or lean the bowl, you can spill hot water and burn yourself. You can add 2 or 3 drops of essential oils like eucalyptus or lavender if you have any they are great to reduce congestion. The traditional way is to boil water, then pour it into a bowl and place it in a flat, level, stable and safe surface (table).
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