12 December 2023 , 16:00
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It's cold and flu season and one of the most frustrating symptoms doing the rounds is a stuffy or blocked nose.
But now Dr Michael Mosley has come to the rescue, sharing his two top tips for helping breathe more easily when you're all bunged up. Most people think that their nose gets congested from too much thick mucus. But, usually, your nose gets stuffy when the tissues lining your nose become swollen; that swelling is a result of inflamed blood vessels.
There are a number of decongestants currently available on the market. But Dr Mosley, famed for popularising the 5:2 diet, has revealed the two cost-effective methods he employs to help clear a blocked nose - menthol steam and pillows.
Dr Mosley uses menthol steam and pillows to help clear a blocked nose (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)While writing for The Daily Mail, he said: "Steam thins out your nasal mucus. I found that a combination of doing this and drinking plenty of water (which keeps you from getting dehydrated and also thins out the mucus) helps."
While the menthol doesn't act as a decongestant, the strong fumes will actually trick your brain into thinking you're breathing more easily. Dr Mosley added that using a pillow to prop yourself up can also help reduce the bunged up feeling. He said: "I propped myself up with pillows at night, because that way gravity ensured the snot went down my throat, reducing pressure on my sinuses."
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Winter coughs, runny noses and sore throats are certainly doing the rounds at the moment, ripping through classrooms and workplaces. But it can be difficult to know if you have a cold, the flu or coronavirus. Each of the big three are caused by different viruses, but can have similar symptoms.
Coronavirus
The main symptoms of Covid-19 have changed over time - the current list has these as the main ones:
high temperature or shivering
a new and continuous cough
a blocked or runny nose
feeling tired or exhausted
a sore throat
a headache
an aching body
feeling breathless
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loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
loss of appetite
diarrhoea
feeling sick or being sick
Flu
Flu symptoms come on very quickly and can include:
a sudden high temperature
an aching body
feeling tired or exhausted
a dry cough
a sore throat
a headache
difficulty sleeping
loss of appetite
diarrhoea or tummy pain
feeling sick and being sick
The symptoms are similar for children, but they can also get pain in their ear and appear less active.
Cold
Cold symptoms come on gradually and can include:
a blocked or runny nose
a sore throat
headaches
muscle aches
coughs
sneezing
a raised temperature
pressure in your ears and face
loss of taste and smell
The symptoms are the same in adults and children. Sometimes symptoms last longer in children.