Drink plenty of water
Sip warm liquids
Gargle with warm salt water
Use steam inhalation
Try a humidifier
Cough gently to clear mucus
Swallow or spit out phlegm as needed
Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
Avoid alcohol and excess caffeine
Limit dairy if it seems to thicken mucus
Use saline nasal spray or rinse
Sleep with your head elevated
Suck on lozenges or hard candy
Try honey if you are not allergic and are over 1 year old
Avoid irritants like dust, strong odors, and pollution
See a doctor if it lasts more than a few weeks, is bloody, or comes with fever, shortness of breath, or chest pain