12 Ways To Relieve Nasal Congestion + 7 Tools To Ease Blocked Nose & Allergic Rhinitis — At Least 3 You Haven’t Tried!

Nasal congestion is something almost everyone has experienced. Whether it’s during cold season, from allergic rhinitis, or due to structural issues like a deviated septum, a blocked nose can make breathing difficult, disrupt your sleep, and drain your energy — eventually harming your productivity and quality of life.

Do you suffer from long-term nasal congestion, constant runny nose, or a dulled sense of smell? This article shares 12 practical and effective methods to quickly relieve nasal congestion!

1

Understanding the Causes and Types of Nasal Congestion

Nasal congestion occurs when the nasal mucosa swells, blood vessels dilate, or mucus buildup blocks airflow. Common causes include:

• Allergic rhinitis – triggered by dust mites, pollen, or pet dander.
• Colds and viral infections – causing nasal lining inflammation.
• Sinusitis or chronic rhinitis – leading to long-term congestion and postnasal drip.
• Deviated septum – structural issues restricting airflow.
• Nasal polyps or tumors – physically blocking the nasal passages.
• Medication-induced rhinitis – rebound congestion from overusing decongestant sprays.
• Dry air or pollution – environmental triggers that worsen congestion.

Congestion can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). If untreated, it may affect sleep, impair smell, or cause complications such as sinusitis or ear infections.

2

12 Proven Remedies to Relieve a Blocked Nose

1. Steam Inhalation – Use hot water with peppermint or eucalyptus oil to ease nasal pressure.
2. Saline Nasal Irrigation – Rinse with saline solution to reduce swelling and flush out allergens.
3. Humidifier Use – Add moisture to dry indoor air to prevent worsening congestion.
4. Warm Compress – Apply a warm towel to the nose to improve circulation and comfort.
5. Acupressure Massage – Massaging points like Yingxiang (beside nostrils) helps open nasal passages.
6. Aromatherapy – Inhale essential oils or use a diffuser to relax and clear nasal blockage.
7. Adjust Sleeping Position – Elevate your pillow or sleep on your side to help mucus drain.
8. Stay Hydrated – Drinking more water thins mucus for easier clearance.
9. Avoid Allergens & Irritants – Clean your surroundings and stay away from smoke or dust mites.
10. Nasal Sprays – Steroid sprays reduce inflammation; decongestants provide fast but short-term relief.
11. Oral Medication & Antihistamines – Effective for allergy-induced congestion (consult a doctor first).
12. Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture – May rebalance the body and reduce chronic congestion.

3

Preventing Long-Term Congestion

• Rinse regularly – Use a nasal irrigation device to flush out irritants and allergens.
• Maintain cleanliness – Reduce dust mite and bacteria growth at home.
• Check for deviated septum – Consider corrective treatment if structural problems are identified.
• Boost immunity – Maintain a healthy diet, exercise, and regular sleep to prevent infections.

4

Handy Tools to Relieve Nasal Congestion (Hong Kong Guide)

Whether it’s allergies, colds, chronic congestion, or pollution, a blocked nose can be very uncomfortable. Here are practical and effective tools commonly available in Hong Kong:

Recommended Products

Tips for Use

• Nasal irrigators: Use with saline packets, ideally twice daily.
• Saline sprays: Can be used multiple times daily, great for dry office air.
• Steroid sprays: Long-term control; follow doctor’s instructions.
• Decongestant sprays: Only for short-term relief — not daily use.
• Essential oil sticks: Convenient for travel and crowded areas.
• Humidifiers: Keep bedroom humidity between 40–60%.
• Warm compress: Apply daily morning and night for best results.

Where to Buy in Hong Kong

• Nasal irrigators/saline sprays – Pharmacies, medical supply shops, HKTVmall.
• Steroid sprays – Private clinics, public hospitals (with prescription).
• Decongestant sprays – Chain pharmacies like Watsons, Mannings.
• Essential oil sticks – Donki, SaSa, natural product shops.
• Humidifiers – Japan Home, IKEA, electronics stores.

Always choose registered medical products in Hong Kong for safety. Long-term congestion should be checked by an ENT specialist.

5

When Should You Seek Medication for Nasal Congestion?

• If symptoms last more than a week without improvement.
• If congestion is accompanied by yellow mucus, facial pressure, or headache (possible sinusitis).
• If you experience nosebleeds, breathing difficulties, or poor sleep.

Treatment options may include:

• Oral antihistamines or anti-inflammatories.
• Nasal sprays (steroid or short-term decongestants).
• Traditional Chinese medicine or natural remedies as complementary therapy.

6

Professional Treatments for Deviated Septum & Chronic Congestion

For busy Hongkongers, chronic nasal congestion not only affects breathing but also reduces productivity and overall wellbeing. If home remedies (steam inhalation, nasal irrigation, sprays) don’t help, medical treatments may be required.

Non-Invasive Options

• Low-Level Red Light Therapy – Improves circulation and mucosal health.
• Laser Acupuncture – Stimulates nasal acupoints to boost circulation and energy flow.

Minimally Invasive / Surgical Options

• Septoplasty – Corrects a deviated septum for permanent airflow improvement.
• Radiofrequency Turbinate Reduction (RFA) – Shrinks enlarged nasal tissue, quick recovery.
• Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) – Removes inflamed tissue or polyps, long-lasting relief.
• Partial Turbinate Resection – Reduces nasal obstruction from chronic swelling.

Consult an ENT specialist for proper diagnosis before choosing the most suitable option.

7

Nasal Congestion and Snoring — Do They Always Come Together?

Congestion and snoring often go hand in hand, but not always! Many people still snore even after clearing their nasal passages.

At Perfect Medical, you can book a free professional assessment to determine the real cause of your snoring. If common remedies, sprays, or even traditional medicine fail, it’s time to consider the Fotona 4D NightLase Snoring Treatment.

This non-invasive medical laser treatment tightens loose tissues in the airway to reduce obstruction, helping you breathe smoothly and sleep quietly again. It’s quick, painless, and highly effective — perfect for busy Hongkongers.

Fotona 4D NightLase Snoring Treatment:

• Non-invasive patented laser tightens airway tissues to reduce snoring.
• Improves breathing and may also help mild sleep apnea.
• Only takes 15 minutes per session, results can last up to 1 year.
• No downtime, no side effects, and extremely safe.

80% of patients see clear results after just two sessions. You can return to work or social life immediately after treatment!

Don’t let snoring affect your life (or your partner’s sleep). Book a professional consultation with Perfect Medical today to uncover the root cause and enjoy quiet, restful nights again!