How to relieve a stuffy nose
- Adult
- Treatment
Creation: Nov 6, 2026
Last update: Nov 8, 2026
A quick guide to your options
| If your congestion is... | What may help |
|---|---|
| Linked to allergies | A saline nasal rinse may help. When allergy symptoms come with nasal congestion and sinus pressure, Allegra-D® may help provide relief by combining an antihistamine with a decongestant.1-3 |
| Linked to a cold | Symptoms often improve as the infection clears. Ask a pharmacist about suitable short-term options if needed. |
| Persistent or recurring | Speak with a doctor or pharmacist, especially if symptoms keep returning or do not improve. |
Start with a saline nasal rinse
A saline nasal rinse uses a saltwater solution to rinse the inside of the nose. Research suggests it may reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis, although the available evidence is limited and the benefit can vary from person to person.1
Saline may work partly by helping clear mucus and removing some allergens and irritants from the nose. Follow the product instructions carefully. If you are unsure which type of rinse to use, ask a pharmacist.1
Why the cause matters
A stuffy nose can have different causes. Allergy-related congestion often appears with symptoms such as sneezing, an itchy nose, or watery eyes. Congestion caused by a cold usually improves as the infection clears. Ongoing congestion can also be linked to the structure of the nasal passages or another condition that needs medical assessment.4
You do not need to work out the cause on your own. If symptoms are persistent, severe, keep returning, or come with significant facial pain or pressure, speak with a doctor or pharmacist.4
When medicine may help
Decongestant nasal sprays: keep use short
A topical decongestant nasal spray can provide short-term relief when your nose feels very blocked. Do not use this type of spray for more than three days in a row unless a healthcare professional tells you otherwise. Longer use can lead to rebound congestion, which can make the nose feel blocked again when the spray is stopped.4
If you still need relief after three days, ask a pharmacist or doctor about other options.4
Allegra-D® for allergy symptoms with nasal congestion
When allergy symptoms come with nasal congestion and sinus pressure, Allegra-D® can help provide relief. It combines fexofenadine, an antihistamine that helps ease allergy symptoms, with pseudoephedrine, a decongestant that helps relieve nasal and sinus congestion and pressure.2, 3 Clinical studies have also shown that this combination can help relieve seasonal allergy symptoms, including nasal congestion.5
DISCLAIMER:
Partially AI-generated before human review and editing. Image is AI generated including performer.
MAT-US-2612658_2026
FAQs
What can I do first for a stuffy nose?
A saline nasal rinse may help, particularly when allergies are involved. Follow the product instructions, and ask a pharmacist if you are unsure which option is right for you.1
How long can I use a decongestant nasal spray?
Use a topical decongestant nasal spray for no more than three days in a row unless a healthcare professional advises otherwise. Longer use can cause rebound congestion.4
Is my stuffy nose caused by allergies or a cold?
Allergy-related congestion often comes with sneezing, itching, or watery eyes, while congestion from a cold usually appears with other cold symptoms. Allegra-D® can help relieve nasal congestion due to allergies or the common cold.2, 3, 6 If you are unsure what is causing your stuffy nose or your symptoms do not improve, speak with a healthcare professional.
Can allergy medicine help a stuffy nose?
Learn more
- Adult
How to relieve sinus pressure
- Adult
What Causes Hives? Triggers and Unknown Causes
- Adult
Allergy Medicine for Adults: A Practical Guide
- Seasonal
Hay Fever and Allergic Rhinitis: What It Is and How to Get Relief
Find your product
References
- Head K, Snidvongs K, Glew S, et al. Saline irrigation for allergic rhinitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;6(6):CD012597. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012597.pub2.
- Allegra-D® 24 Hour Allergy & Congestion [Drug Facts]. Chattem, Inc, a Sanofi company; 2020
- Allegra-D® Allergy & Congestion 12 Hour [Drug Facts]. Chattem, Inc, a Sanofi company; 2017
- Bernstein JA, Bernstein JS, Makol R, Ward S. Allergic rhinitis: a review. JAMA. 2024;331(10):866-877. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.0530.
- Sussman GL, Mason J, Compton D, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1999;104(1):100-106.
- Eccles R, Jawad MS, Jawad SS, Angello JT, Druce HM. Efficacy and safety of single and multiple doses of pseudoephedrine in the treatment of nasal congestion associated with common cold. Am J Rhinol. 2005;19(1):25-31.