Drink plenty of water
Sip warm liquids like tea or broth
Gargle with warm salt water
Swallow repeatedly to help clear the throat
Cough gently to loosen mucus
Use steam from a hot shower or humidifier
Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
Avoid dairy if it seems to thicken mucus for you
Use a saline nasal rinse if postnasal drip is the cause
Try honey if you are not allergic and are over 1 year old
Keep your head elevated when lying down
Use an over-the-counter expectorant if appropriate
See a doctor if mucus lasts a long time, is bloody, or comes with trouble breathing