What Causes Nasal Congestion, and How Can It Be Treated Naturally? - #15563

For the past several weeks, I’ve been dealing with chronic nasal congestion, and it’s driving me crazy! My nose feels completely blocked, especially at night, and I wake up gasping for air because I can’t breathe properly through my nose. Sometimes, it’s accompanied by sneezing, post-nasal drip, or a mild headache, but there’s no fever, so I don’t think it’s an infection. I’ve tried using over-the-counter decongestant sprays, and while they work for a few hours, my congestion comes back worse than before once they wear off. I recently read about something called rebound congestion, where the nose becomes dependent on nasal sprays—could this be what’s happening to me? I want to understand what’s causing my nasal congestion in the first place. Could it be allergies, a deviated septum, or chronic sinusitis? How do you tell the difference between seasonal allergies and long-term nasal congestion? Since I don’t want to rely on medication long-term, I’m looking for natural remedies to relieve nasal congestion. I’ve heard that steam inhalation, saline rinses, and essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint can help clear nasal passages—do these actually work? Are there any Ayurvedic herbs or dietary changes that can reduce mucus buildup and inflammation? I’ve seen mentions of Trikatu (ginger, black pepper, and long pepper) and turmeric—has anyone tried these for congestion relief? Another issue is that my nasal congestion gets worse at night. I wake up with a completely stuffy nose, even when I’m fine during the day. Does sleeping position affect nasal congestion? Are there any breathing techniques or nighttime remedies that can keep my nose clear while sleeping? For those who have struggled with chronic nasal congestion, what helped you find relief? Did you discover a root cause, or did you just find ways to manage the symptoms? I’d really appreciate any advice!