Your nose is more important than you might think to your general health and well-being. It’s the gateway to your whole respiratory system and the key to your ability to smell and taste. It works hard filtering, warming and moistening the air going into your lungs and it can be vulnerable to attack, so it needs looking after!

How to keep your nose in tip-top condition

Drink a lot – preferably water and other soft drinks! If your body is hydrated, the lining of your nose will be too, which will keep it working well and help to stop colds and flu taking hold.

Try to stay away from substances that may irritate your nose; smoke, dust and pollen are all common culprits.

The air in modern homes can often be very dry, due to central heating or air conditioning. This can make your nasal passages dry and make your nose feel stuffy and sore. One way to combat this is by using a humidifier to maintain good moisture levels in the air.

There are plenty of vitamins available to keep your general health and immune system working well, which can help make you less likely to suffer from nasal problems or make sure they don’t last long if you do get them.

Why not try nasal irrigation? It might sound scary, but basically, it just means rinsing the inside of your nose using a saline nasal spray, readily available from high street chemists. This will keep it moist and more resistant to bugs and irritants.

What to do when it’s not quite working right

It’s a good idea to keep your nose clear as much as possible. If it feels blocked, blowing it gently and often will help get things back to normal again. Don’t forget to use moisturised tissues, or you might get a bit or redness round the nostrils!

A great traditional remedy for general stuffiness is steam. It can be a hot shower or a steam inhalation from a bowl; either one will really help clear the passages and make you feel much better.

Another proven natural fix for a blocked up nose is exercise. A little boost of adrenaline will sort out the swollen blood vessels that make your nose feel stuffy.

Your nose won’t thank you if you pick up germs on your hands and then pass them on to it, so wash your hands frequently when you’ve been out and about, especially in crowded areas and public transport.

Finally, if something doesn’t feel good in your nose or sinuses, don’t ignore it. It could develop into an infection or long-term problem.

 

Author Bio:

Gemma Mitchell is a freelance writer who writes about health related issues, problems and tips. For more information about ENT, Sinus and snoring issues please visit this great ENT resource I found.