Any "out of the ordinary" tips for nasal congestion?

jasperc0748 · May 2014

I can't really tell if I got allergies, or a cold, or what it is….but I am so stuffed up and it is making it really hard to sleep at night. (I woke up 7 times last night!) My doctor suggested Claritin, vicks under the nose, and a hot shower. The medicine did not help at all, and the vicks/hot shower only help for like 10 minutes. I'm trying to stay away from using Sudafed, because the way my doctor talked about it didn't seem like it was the safest thing to use. So, I would really appreciate any advice on something that works for you that isn't a shower or vicks.

Thank you!

enjaye316 · May 2014

I've been going through the same thing the last few days (allergy? cold?) with the nasal congestion and wet cough. The only thing I can suggest beyond Vicks and hot showers would be a neti pot. The effects aren't very long-term, but for a little while after using it, I feel great.

MJC1116 · May 2014

Sounds like pregnancy rhinitis. I had that for the last 2 months of my pregnancy. Try a humidifier by your bed. I also used nasal strip and saline spray. You could also use a sinus rinse like a neti pot. I'm sorry. It's not a fun pregnancy side effect. My H really appreciated the snoring. Ha! Good luck.

PrimRoseMama · May 2014

Vicks on your feet, then cover with socks.

Humidifier at night.

Benedryl at night.

dawnangela79 · May 2014

I've had the same problem. Use the nasal saline spray and try propping yourself up a little bit at night.

jasperc0748 · May 2014

Thanks for all the awesome advice ladies! I will have to try these things! Crossing my fingers that they help!

spacepotatoes · May 2014

If it's only at night, it may not be actual congestion, just swelling of the mucous membranes. Try Breathe Right strips to keep the nasal passages open wider. That's been the only thing that worked for me. During the day, it's a whole other story but that seems to resolve the night issue.

Mizoo · May 2014

I know it's already been suggested, but I'd like to reinforce the neti-pot idea! If you haven't tried one yet they really are ahhhh-mazing.

*LrCg* · May 2014

My.ENT prescribes Rhinocord its the only safe nasal spray to use during pregnancy & really helps.

ktlucas · May 2014

Nasal saline spray was recommend to me by my ENT doc, it worked great for me.

oct-wedding · May 2014

So glad to see I'm not the only one. I just got this symptom around a week ago and don't recall it from the first 2 pregnancies. I normally snore a bit but it was so bad this weekend that DH slept on the couch because I was so loud! I'm trying the neti pot tonight and humidifier too. The saline drops are good but have only given me temporary relief. I'd like to stay away from any OTC meds. Thanks for the suggestions.

jenb_99 · May 2014

If I use saline spray when I go to bed and right when I wake up, my nose stays pretty clear. I also use Nasacort, an OTC steroid spray. On really bad days I used to rely on Afrin, but my nose has been super clear since I started the Nasacort.

britab · May 2014

In addition, my doctor recommended saline nose spray and that has made a difference for me.

Abcollins57 · May 2014

I am allergic to Claritin and don't really tolerate decongestants well so I try not to take them. When I do get congested, I boil a pot of water, drop a hunk of Vicks in it then stay over it as long and as close as I can stand. Once everything starts opening up, I blow my nose. Usually I repeat the inhale/blow thing about 3 or 4 times. It always helps bust up that congestion!