Stan's Congestion and Catarrh Do’s and Don’t's

A stuffed up nose is one of the major cold miseries and can go on long after the cold has gone. So take a deep breath and get it sorted.

DO

• Sleep with your head on a high pillow if your nose is stuffed up at night.
• Use steam inhalations to liquefy mucus in the nose and chest and help get rid of it.
• Keep the air in your bedroom moist.
• Drink plenty of fluids – water and juices can dilute mucus for easy expulsion.
• Try and find out exactly what’s causing your symptoms. Is your congestion caused by a cold, by hayfever or another allergy (eg. pet hair, mould spores or house dust mites)?

DON'T

• Smoke if at all possible, as it will further irritate the lining of the nose.
• Work in areas of noxious fumes or polluted air.
• Eat dairy food, as this is sometimes associated with congestive symptoms.
• Close your windows (fresh air is good for your immune system).

See your GP if:

• You have pain in or discharge from your ears.
• Symptoms are severe, if they persist or if they worsen.