When you need to breathe freely immediately, these techniques can offer temporary relief.

Emma's mom suggested she try using a humidifier in her room, but it didn't seem to be working. She then tried using saline drops, but they only provided temporary relief.

With her nose finally starting to clear up, Emma felt a sense of relief wash over her. She quickly got dressed and ran outside to join her friends, eager to make the most of the day.

Inhaling steam helps thin the mucus in your nose and reduces inflammation. You can fill a bowl with hot water, cover your head with a towel, and breathe deeply.

Press the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth, then apply pressure with a finger between your eyebrows, repeating for 20 seconds.

Defeated, Leo shuffled to the kitchen. On the counter, a forgotten gift from his sister sat: a small, terracotta pot of sinus-clearing balm. He pried off the lid. The scent was immediate—eucalyptus sharp as a winter morning, peppermint cool as a shadow, and something deeper, camphorous and ancient. He scooped a dab, rubbed it between his palms, and inhaled.