What to do for a 100% stuffed nose

[UrbanSimplicity]

I'm dying here, we have a really nasty cold and my sinuses are killing me. But the worse part is that because of allergies i ofter have a 100% stuffed nose when I am NOT sick. And when I am congested like this, my ability to function goes WAY down; my thinking is foggy and I can barely hold a conversation.

What I do: Vit C, water, hot teas, steaming in the shower w/ essential oils, massage my face, though I'm not following any specific technique.

IME neti pots do not help and sometimes make it worse.

After my dds birthday a few weeks ago 3 people brought us flowers - my nose got stuffy that night and stayed that way for 8 days! I was miserable! Turns out it was the tulips, I had no idea!

[MamaMamaMama!]

I don't know what kind of teas you've been trying but there are some herbs that are good as decongestants that you might want to try: thyme comes, to mind, and elder flower. You could try strong infusions both to drink and as steam (put an open pot in front of you and hold a towel over your head and breathe in the steam for 10 min or so).

One thing I have heard suggested to help with seasonal/environmental allergies. is to try to get a hold of some local wildflower honey. Supposedly it helps your body get used to the plants in your area and make your allergies better. I've never had that issue but it seems like it's worth a try.

You should keep dairy products to a minimum during these times as it is mucus forming and will make the congestion worse.

Have you ever considered homeopathy? It works wonders for some people.

[KimPM]

Food sensitivities (IgG mediated) cause the same thing for me. I had a food sensitivity test done (Genova Diagnostics) and removed the offending foods. Now I can breathe much better! I know whenever I get ahold of one of those foods now, though....my sinuses are the first thing to close up!

Sounds like you also have environmental allergies as well. You can have those tested too.