For immediate relief, oxymetazoline spray is the strongest weapon, but use it sparingly. For safe, sustainable relief without rebound congestion, saline rinses and steam are the gold standard.
But why does it happen? The nose isn't being "plugged" by solid mucus alone. In fact, most nasal congestion is caused by in the nasal turbinates (bony structures inside the nose). When you have a cold, flu, or allergy, your body rushes blood and fluid to the area to fight invaders, causing the soft tissue to expand like an over-inflated balloon. best way to relieve a blocked nose
When in doubt, put a kettle on, stand in a hot shower, and remember: gravity is your friend—sleep sitting up. For immediate relief, oxymetazoline spray is the strongest