Nasal stuffiness can be controlled without drugs. It takes a conscious effort to make it happen and it takes daily attention to remain drug free with clear nasal passages.

The first thing, if you're currently hooked on a nasal spray of some type, is to switch to a nasal spray that contains the active ingredients in hot peppers. Yes, it sounds painful - and there is a bit of a "bite" when you use it. However, I can attest that it works - very well. Instead of reaching for the decongestant bottle, reach for a Sinus Buster. We first stocked this product years ago and we have sold hundreds of bottles. All but just a few people tell us that it is almost miraculous. Their nasal passages clear quickly. After just a few days, the intervals between sprays get longer. What may have been a twice-an-hour addiction to a nasal decongestant spray can be replaced with a twice-a-day shot of pepper spray.

Next, you will want to keep your sinuses clean and clear. The Netti Pot is a common device for cleaning the sinuses. It was even highlighted once on the Oprah show. You mix a little salt with water, place it in the Netti Pot, and irrigate your sinuses, while keeping your head over a sink. It works, but I find that it is messy and slow. It also takes some manipulation to angle the device properly to allow the water and salt to flow into the sinuses from one nostril - and back out the other side.

The company that makes the Netti Pot also offers a plastic bottle with a special nasal tip. It's called NeilMed SINUS RINSE. Again, you add a salt packet - of table salt - to water. Instead of pouring it into your nostril, you gently force the mixture into the nostril - while leaning over a sink or while in the shower. The water goes up one side and out the other - most of the time. Sometime a blockage will slow the exit and the water comes back out the nostril it went in. One trick is to cough gently as you infuse the solution. Most people with sinus problems would do well to rinse their sinuses at least once daily. When allergies pop up, you can rinse two or more times a day. It is harmless - and it is especially good for you.

These two devices are available at any local chain pharmacy and usually cost around  $10.00.

The final suggestion for improved sinus health is to use a probiotic capsule every day. No, don't put it in your nose. One positive approach for allergies is to improve the digestion and absorption of nutrients. You can't do better than to take a good probiotic every day. We recommend Florajen 3. Some people believe that a cup of yogurt will be enough. That isn't the case. In addition to a few colonies of probiotics, most yogurts are flavored and contain sugar or artificial sweeteners. Yogurt might be fine if you make your own and don't add sweeteners. Still, the best approach is to use the probiotic.

There you have it;

1.       Switch to pepper spray: Sinus Buster

2.       Use a sinus rinse one or more times a day (Neil Med Sinus Rinse)

3.       Take a daily dose of a quality probiotic like Florajen 3

4.       Don’t ever go back to using a nasal decongestant