COVID-19 congestion often results from the body’s immune response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, leading to inflammation within the nasal passages and excessive mucus production. This inflammatory process can cause discomfort, including a stuffy nose, sinus pressure, and difficulty breathing. This guide outlines approaches to alleviate COVID-19 congestion.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Decongestants address nasal stuffiness. Medications like pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine constrict blood vessels in the nasal passages, reducing swelling. These are available orally, while oxymetazoline is a nasal spray providing localized relief. Prolonged use of nasal decongestant sprays can lead to rebound congestion. Oral decongestants may also increase heart rate and blood pressure, making them unsuitable for individuals with certain conditions like hypertension or heart disease.
Expectorants, such as guaifenesin, help manage congestion by thinning mucus in the airways, making coughs more productive. While they do not directly relieve nasal stuffiness, thinning mucus throughout the respiratory tract can improve overall comfort during a respiratory infection. Always follow dosage instructions and consider consulting a pharmacist, especially if taking other medications.
Pain relievers and fever reducers, including acetaminophen and ibuprofen, can help with congestion by alleviating associated symptoms. These medications reduce pain, body aches, and fever, which often accompany viral infections. By mitigating these systemic symptoms, they can improve overall comfort and make congestion more manageable. These over-the-counter options treat symptoms but do not directly target the COVID-19 virus itself.
Home and Supportive Care
Maintaining adequate hydration helps manage COVID-19 congestion. Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, clear broths, and warm herbal teas, thins mucus throughout the respiratory tract. Thinner mucus is easier to clear from nasal passages and the throat, reducing stuffiness and post-nasal drip.
Steam inhalation alleviates congestion. Methods include taking a hot shower, using a humidifier, or carefully inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water. The warm, moist air loosens thickened mucus and reduces irritation in the nasal passages and throat. When using a humidifier, ensure it is cleaned regularly to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
Saline nasal rinses and sprays provide direct relief by clearing irritants and excess mucus from the nasal passages. These solutions help moisten dry nasal membranes, reduce inflammation, and promote better drainage. When performing a nasal rinse, use distilled, sterile, or previously boiled and cooled water to prevent introducing harmful microorganisms. Regular use maintains clear airways and reduces congestion discomfort.
Adequate rest supports the immune system, conserving energy to fight infection. Resting aids recovery and can improve congestion. Elevating the head during sleep, using an extra pillow, can also improve nasal drainage and reduce nighttime stuffiness. Avoiding environmental irritants like cigarette smoke, strong perfumes, or chemical fumes prevents further irritation and worsening of congestion.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
While many cases of COVID-19 congestion can be managed at home, certain symptoms warrant professional medical attention. If congestion significantly worsens, becomes painful, or is accompanied by new or severe symptoms, seek medical guidance. Persistent high fever not responding to medication or lasting several days also requires medical evaluation.
Difficulty breathing, including shortness of breath, chest pain, or pressure, requires immediate medical attention. New confusion or a bluish tint to the lips or face are also emergency symptoms. If congestion does not improve after several days of self-care, or if symptoms escalate despite home treatment, consult a healthcare provider. Individuals with pre-existing conditions like asthma, heart disease, or a compromised immune system should seek medical advice promptly if they experience COVID-19 symptoms, as these conditions can complicate the illness.