Drink plenty of warm fluids (water, tea, broth)
Use steam inhalation or a hot shower to loosen mucus
Use a humidifier, especially at night
Try saline nasal spray or rinse to reduce post-nasal drip
Do chest percussion or gentle tapping over the chest and back
Practice deep breathing and coughing (stay hydrated to help bring mucus up)
Use the “huff cough” technique (breathe in, then exhale forcefully with an open mouth)
Maintain good hydration to thin mucus
Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
Avoid strong irritants (dust, fumes, perfumes)
Sleep with your head elevated
Consider an expectorant like guaifenesin (follow label directions)
Consider a mucolytic like acetylcysteine (if available and appropriate; follow label directions)
If you have allergies, use an appropriate allergy treatment (e.g., antihistamine or intranasal steroid) as directed
If symptoms suggest acid reflux, avoid late meals and consider reflux management (discuss options if needed)
Seek urgent care if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, bluish lips, coughing up blood, or high fever
Seek medical care if symptoms last more than 3–5 days without improvement, or if you have recurrent/worsening mucus, wheezing, or weight loss
Get evaluated promptly if you have asthma/COPD, immune suppression, or recent pneumonia exposure