Instructions

• 1). Treat yourself. Try over-the-counter medicines to get rid of your blocked nose. Decongestants relieve nasal stuffiness by shrinking blood vessels in the lining of the nose. Use antihistamines to reduce mucus. Use saline nasal sprays to thin mucus. You can also thin mucus by using a humidifier and consuming more fluids such as hot tea or broth.
  
  
• 2). See a doctor. Treating yourself may not be the best option if your blocked nose is accompanied by certain symptoms such as blurred vision, coughing longer than 10 days, coughing up gray or yellow-green mucus, facial swelling, throat pain, and yellow or white spots on your throat. You should also see a doctor if your blocked nose lasts more than two weeks and interferes with your daily life.
  
  
• 3). Have diagnostic tests. A physical exam by your doctor may not be enough to diagnose your blocked nose properly and determine the right treatment. You may need to have diagnostic tests such as X-rays of the sinuses and chest, blood tests, and culture tests of sputum and throat. An allergy test also might be needed, but you will have to see an allergist to have it done.
  
  
• 4). Try stronger medicine. Your doctor may recommend prescription-strength medicines for blocked-nose symptom relief.