Natural Remedies for Stuffy Noses DON’T LET CONGESTION GET THE BEST OF YOU
heating system. Try using a humidifier or vaporizer when you sleep. You may also find a warm compress helps ease congestion: Soak a washcloth in warm water mixed with a couple of drops of eucalyptus essential oil (consult the oil distributor for the exact ratio), then place the washcloth over your nose and cheeks for several minutes. Drinking plenty of water and sleeping upright at night can also help ease further congestion.
FLUSH YOUR NASAL PASSAGE Use a saline nasal spray or a nasal irrigator, like a neti pot, to flush and moisturize your nasal passage. These devices flush out allergens and keep your nasal passage moist, easing congestion and preventing further buildup. When using a neti pot or other nasal irrigator, always use sterile, distilled water or water that has been boiled and cooled.
Nasal congestion can have many different causes, including allergies, colds, or the flu, but the symptoms are often very similar: sinus pressure, headaches, and a stuffed-up nose. This is the result of membranes in your nasal passage becoming irritated and your body responding by producing mucus to try and flush out the irritants. Unfortunately, that response also causes nasal congestion. This is intensified by winter weather when dry air and heaters can further dry out your already irritated nasal passage. So, what is the best way to ease nasal congestion and sinus pressure? Try these at-home remedies that focus on moistening your nasal passage.
While over-the-counter decongestants can temporarily help ease
congestion, they are not intended for long-term
use and may further dry out the nasal passage. Adding and maintaining moisture is the best
MAINTAIN MOISTURE Humidifiers add moisture into the air, creating a more humid environment, and can be especially helpful if you have a forced-air
way to prevent or ease sinus congestion. If the problem persists, talk to your doctor.
ONLINE VISION EXAMINATIONS: WORTH IT? The Benefits and Risks of Virtual Prescriptions
The internet has given us access to nearly anything we can imagine — for every doubt or need, we can turn to Google and find answers. But the internet can’t do everything for us. In recent years, companies like Opternative, Glasses On, and Essilor have been offering virtual vision exams for people who need a new prescription for glasses, contacts, or both. But does this service actually replace in-person appointments? If not, what’s lacking?
the results, along with your prior prescription, and issue a new prescription for your glasses, contacts, or both. CAN DIGITAL EXAMS REPLACE IN-PERSON ONES? No. Vision exams only test the superficial limitations of your eyes — other conditions that would be caught in an in-person vision exam, such as astigmatism, are too specified for an online exam to detect accurately. Many eye professionals doubt whether digital exams are beneficial at all; accessing your glasses prescription alone won’t give you a full picture
VISION EXAMS VS. EYE EXAMS If you’re looking to update your lenses’ prescription and/or get new glasses, you’ll need a vision exam. A vision exam will test the quality of your vision, while an eye exam is a more comprehensive evaluation of your eye health. Generally, a flat-screen and the digital world are only capable of vision exams; don’t trust a website that promises a comprehensive eye exam. Some people are skipping in-person vision exams in favor of digital ones. The results from these digital tests are sent to an eye doctor licensed in your state who will review
of the current health of your eyes and whether you may be developing things like glaucoma, retina problems, or even diabetes. Also, vision exam websites typically don’t accept medical or vision insurance, either. For busy patients who can’t seem to find the time at all to walk into a clinic, convenience is an important benefit to online exams. Just know that these tests are not comprehensive, the cost may not justify the purchase, and you run the risk of missing out on additional information about your eyes that can impact your future health.
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