The poor nose is often taken for granted, and many of us only realise just how much TLC our noses need when we begin to wheeze, sneeze and experience discomfort (even pain) with every breath we take. Here are some tips to help you get some relief when your nose acts up.

There is nothing like a simple piece of tissue paper.

There are various wet wipes and scented tissues available in the market, often containing scents and chemicals that can make a sensitive or tender nose feel worse. Stick to simple, old-fashioned unscented tissue paper when you need to clean or dry your nose. (They are often cheaper too!)

Be gentle when you wipe or blow your nose.

If your nose is already sore or tender, the last thing you should do is to aggravate the condition! Blow your nose gently. (See the next point if you need some extra help in clearing your nose.) If you need to dry your nose, pat the wet areas gently with tissue instead of rubbing or wiping.

Keep your nose well flushed and moisturized.

If you suffer from excessive mucus and congestion, use a nasal decongestant spray to unclog your nostrils. Do check with your doctor or pharmacist first, though, as certain nasal sprays may irritate your nose further.

You can also gently rinse your nostrils every morning and evening with a gentle saline solution (available at pharmacies) to remove dried mucus and keep the inner lining of your nostrils moist.

Nasal ointments (also available at the pharmacy) can also be useful. Antibacterial ones can help get rid of germs that cause nasal problems, while gentle petroleum-based nasal ointments can help form a protective layer over dry and cracked areas, allowing these areas to heal.

Enjoy your tea and soup.

The fragrant steam from freshly brewed tea or hot soup can help loosen the mucus blocking your nose. The steam – which is composed of tiny droplets of water – also helps to moisturise the nose. So, take your time to savour your hot teas and soups!

Keep your bedroom moist and dust-free.

Dust, mites and other invisible irritants can aggravate a sensitive nose, especially if you have an allergy. Therefore, ensure that your bedroom is as clean as can be – vacuum your room daily, wipe surfaces with a wet cloth every day, and wash the curtains every 3 months. Also, keep pets out of the bedroom. If you have an allergy, consult your doctor for more specific measures to reduce your exposure to allergens.

You can also place a humidifier in your bedroom. Humidifiers with self-sterilisation functions make sure that the air released into the room is free from germs.

References:

Healthline. Available at www.healthline.com

WebMD. Available at www.webmd.com

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