This hack to unblock a stuffy nose in 15 seconds is all over TikTok

This hack to unblock a stuffy nose in 15 seconds is all over TikTok

With COVID-19 still a concern, seasonal allergies in full swing, and other respiratory viruses raging across the country, many people are struggling with illness right now. Constipation is arguably one of the more frustrating, unpleasant symptoms of fighting a viral infection (or something more routine, like allergies).

How to tell the difference between COVID-19 and seasonal allergies

If you're currently struggling with a stuffy nose, you may be looking for solutions in unexpected places, such as: E.g. TikTok. The app actually hosts many videos touting hacks to get rid of a stuffy nose quickly. One clip in particular from creator James Moore, a licensed massage therapist, has resonated with users.

The video includes a seemingly simple hack for relieving sinus pressure, demonstrated by Moore on himself. It applies pressure to specific areas of the face and apparently clears its nasal airways within seconds. It's no wonder the clip has more than 600,000 views to date, but does it really work? Read on to find out.

What is the Stuffy Nose Hack?

Moore's trendy hack on the platform promises to clear a stuffy nose in just 15 seconds without supplies, equipment or medication. All it takes is a facial massage technique.

ICYDK, nasal congestion occurs when the nasal lining swells due to inflamed blood vessels, according to Mount Sinai. This can cause nasal discharge (also known as runny nose). It can also cause postnasal drip, which occurs when excess mucus runs down the throat, causing a cough or sore throat.

How to get rid of a cold in 24 hours

According to Moore, you may be able to relieve some of the pressure caused by the swelling. This is how it works in the popular clip: With your right hand, place two fingers on the left side of your nose and press to the right. With the thumb of your left hand, press the area of ​​your cheek to the left of your nose inward and upward. Hold this position for 15 seconds and breathe deeply to clear your stuffy nose, repeating on the other side if necessary.

Does the hack to unblock a stuffy nose work?

The comments section of Moore's post is filled with notes from people who have tried the hack and say it works. According to the masseur, there are several reasons for this.

"This technique uses self-massage pressure to relieve sinus pressure," Moore, who learned the trick during massage school, tells Shape. "When [you] have pressure and pain in the sinuses, the sinuses and muscles right next to the nose can become tender and tight. By moving the nose over them and then massaging these areas, the face gets better blood flow and circulation," he explains.

According to Moore, the proof is in the results. But is this stuffy nose hack medically approved for its effectiveness?

“[This method] appears to use the principles of sinus acupressure, which is nothing [proven] by the medical literature,” says Nicole Aaronson, MD, a board-certified otolaryngologist (also known as an ear, nose and throat doctor). However, sinus acupressure has not been disproven, she notes.

Cold vs. Flu: What's the Difference?

“The infraorbital nerve runs exactly in the area on the cheek where pressure is applied,” says Dr. Aaronson. "Stimulating this nerve with pressure could cause some change in sensation in the parts of the nose supplied by this nerve. This could be the reason for the temporary relief."

Is the Stuffy Nose hack safe?

According to Dr. To Aaronson, the hack seems safe as long as you don't apply too much pressure when executing it. However, you should get to the root cause of nasal congestion rather than just temporarily relieving the symptom.

"It's helpful to find out the underlying cause of the congestion to know what treatment is best," says Dr. Aaronson. For example, if your nasal congestion is due to seasonal allergies, oral allergy medications might be a good treatment option, she suggests. Alternatively, if you have non-allergic rhinitis — meaning you're congested, sneezing, and have a runny nose without allergies — a nasal spray might be a better option, adds Dr. Aaronson added.

"Another thing that I find very helpful when there is a lot of mucus production (such as during a cold or when indoor allergens cannot be avoided) is saline nasal rinses," she says. “Whatever the underlying cause, hydration is key to keeping mucus as thin as possible.”

You Can Clear a Stuffy Nose with Sinus Acupressure: True or False?

Hard evidence of its effectiveness may be lacking, but if you want to try this hack at home, there seems to be no reason not to use it when you're in a pinch. However, the best way to relieve nasal congestion is to get to the root of the problem and, from there, determine a treatment plan with a doctor.