Over-the-counter products can be effective at treating UARS, says Park, so this is a great first step. Many people benefit from breathing strips, such as “Breathe Right.”
To see if breathing strips might work for you, try this simple test: Looking in a mirror, press the side of one nostril firmly to close it off. Then close your mouth and try to breathe. If you feel resistance as you inhale through the open nostril, try holding it wider open with your pinky finger or the flat side of a toothpick. Try this on both sides. If you notice that you breathe more easily with your nostril propped open, you're a good candidate for breathing strips.
Some people also find great benefit from the nasal dilator Nozovent, available online. Other steps to try include irrigating the nasal passages with a saline nasal spray and taking a non-sedating allergy medication such as Claritin if you suspect congestion from allergies. You can also ask your doctor for a prescription nasal spray containing itraconazole (Sporanox), xylitol, mupirocin (Bactroban), and dexamethasone.
