Drink warm fluids (tea, broth)
Use steam inhalation or a hot shower
Use saline nasal spray
Rinse with a saline neti pot or squeeze bottle
Take a warm compress over the nose and cheeks
Stay hydrated and get rest
Sleep with your head elevated
Use a humidifier or run a cool-mist humidifier
Avoid smoke, strong fragrances, and other irritants
Use a decongestant nasal spray (oxymetazoline or similar) for up to 3 days
Consider an oral decongestant if appropriate (avoid if you have high blood pressure or certain heart conditions)
Consider an antihistamine if allergies are likely (e.g., cetirizine or loratadine)
Consider an intranasal steroid if allergies or chronic congestion are likely (e.g., fluticasone or mometasone)
Try gentle nasal blowing and suction (for children)
Check for and treat underlying causes (allergies, colds, sinus infection)
Seek urgent care if you have trouble breathing, severe facial swelling, or high fever
Seek medical care if symptoms last more than 10 days, worsen after initial improvement, or you have severe one-sided facial pain or thick foul-smelling discharge