Sip warm water often
Drink warm tea with honey
Gargle with warm salt water
Swallow repeatedly to clear the throat
Cough gently to loosen mucus
Use steam from a hot shower
Inhale steam from a bowl of hot water
Use a humidifier
Blow your nose to reduce postnasal drip
Stay well hydrated
Avoid dairy if it makes mucus feel thicker
Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
Avoid alcohol
Avoid very cold drinks if they worsen symptoms
Try lozenges to stimulate saliva
Sleep with your head elevated
Use saline nasal spray or rinse
Take an over-the-counter expectorant if appropriate
Seek medical care if mucus lasts more than a few weeks or comes with trouble breathing, chest pain, fever, or blood