Blow your nose gently
Rinse with saline spray
Use a saline nasal irrigation (neti pot or squeeze bottle) with sterile/distilled or previously boiled water
Take a warm shower or inhale steam
Use a humidifier
Stay hydrated
Apply a warm compress to your face and sinuses
Try gentle nasal massage along the sides of your nose and under your cheekbones
Use a decongestant nasal spray for up to 3 days if needed (follow label directions)
Use an oral decongestant if appropriate (follow label directions and avoid if contraindicated)
Use an antihistamine if allergies are likely (follow label directions)
If congestion is from allergies, use a non-medicated approach first (saline, humidification) and consider an allergy med per label directions
Sleep with your head elevated
Avoid smoke, strong odors, and other irritants
If you suspect a foreign object, do not insert anything into the nose—seek urgent care
Seek urgent care if severe pain, bleeding that won’t stop, fever, facial swelling, worsening symptoms, or one-sided foul-smelling discharge occurs
Seek medical advice if symptoms last more than 10 days, keep recurring, or you have frequent sinus infections