Drink plenty of water
Use a humidifier or steam inhalation
Cough deeply to loosen mucus
Practice controlled huff coughing
Take warm fluids like tea or broth
Gargle with warm salt water
Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
Use saline nasal spray or rinse
Try chest physiotherapy or postural drainage
Stay physically active as tolerated
Sleep with your head elevated
Use prescribed expectorants if recommended by a doctor
Avoid allergens and irritants
Seek medical care if mucus is thick, bloody, persistent, or accompanied by shortness of breath or fever