1. Nasal congestion due to wind-cold type of common cold
Nasal congestion caused by wind-cold type colds, in addition to symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, and headache, is often accompanied by significant chills, low-grade fever, muscle aches, and runny nose with thin phlegm. At this time, one usually needs to wear many layers of clothing to feel slightly more comfortable. Besides taking medication correctly under the guidance of a doctor, treating nasal congestion from wind-cold type colds can also help by soaking feet in hot water, using a sauna, and drinking ginger and brown sugar water to induce sweating, which can quickly relieve nasal congestion symptoms.
2. Nasal congestion due to wind-heat type of common cold
In addition to common cold symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, and headache, wind-heat colds are often accompanied by high fever, thick phlegm, sore throat, and coughing up thick yellow phlegm. Treatment mainly focuses on relieving exterior symptoms with pungent and cooling herbs. Antiviral oral liquids, Yinqiao powder, and Banlangen granules can be taken under the guidance of a doctor for symptomatic treatment.
3. Nasal congestion due to summer heat and dampness type of cold
This type of cold often occurs in summer and typically presents with symptoms such as chills, fever, loss of appetite, headache, and head swelling. Treatment mainly focuses on clearing heat, removing dampness, and relieving exterior symptoms. Under the guidance of a doctor, one can take medications such as Huoxiang Zhengqi Water or Xinjia Xiangru Drink for symptomatic relief.
4. Epidemic influenza with congestion
This type of cold is caused by a seasonal epidemic virus and is generally characterized by more severe symptoms. In addition to nasal congestion, it typically includes chills, high fever, shivering, severe headache, body aches, fatigue, nausea, chest tightness, and loss of appetite. Treatment focuses on clearing heat and detoxifying, and dispelling wind and releasing the exterior. Prompt medical attention is necessary; delaying treatment is strongly discouraged.
5. Good ways to relieve nasal congestion
Smoking method
You can use a small handful of fresh scallion whites (keeping the scallion roots) or chopped onion, boil them into a soup, and inhale the steam through your nose. Alternatively, you can boil vinegar and inhale the vinegar fumes to steam your nasal cavity. This method is effective in treating colds and nasal congestion.
Friction method
Use the pads of your fingers to quickly massage the sides of your nose in a crisscrossing up-and-down motion, gently pressing out any mucus that comes out. Then, dip a cotton swab in a small amount of sesame oil and apply it to the inside of your nasal cavity. Gently press out any more mucus that comes out. Finally, use a cotton swab dipped in honey to apply to your nasal cavity. This can quickly relieve nasal congestion caused by a cold.
Bloodletting cupping therapy
This method requires strict operational skills and should only be performed by a professional doctor. The specific method is as follows: Select acupoints such as Dazhui (GV14), Fengmen (BL12), Shenzhu (GV12), and Feishu (BL13). After local disinfection, prick the acupoints with a three-edged needle to induce natural bleeding. Once the blood turns light in color, apply cupping jars to the acupoints and leave them on for about 10 minutes. It is best to clean and disinfect the area again afterward, and avoid contact between the needle puncture sites and tap water. This method is particularly suitable for treating nasal congestion caused by wind-heat colds.
