Drink plenty of fluids (water, warm tea, broths)
Use warm steam or a humidifier
Take a warm shower or inhale steam from a bowl of hot water
Do saline nasal rinses (sterile/distilled or previously boiled water)
Use saline nasal spray as needed
Gargle with warm salt water
Use honey for cough (do not give to children under 1 year)
Stay hydrated to thin mucus
Try an expectorant like guaifenesin (follow label directions)
Consider an OTC saline gel or nasal moisturizer if nasal passages are dry
Use a decongestant nasal spray for short-term relief only (follow label; do not use longer than 3 days)
Avoid smoke, vaping, strong fragrances, and other irritants
Manage allergies with an OTC antihistamine or steroid nasal spray (follow label)
Keep indoor air clean and reduce dust/pets if allergy-related
Sleep with your head elevated
Eat warm, soothing foods (soups, teas) if helpful
If mucus is from post-nasal drip, treat the underlying cause (cold, allergies, sinus issues)
Seek urgent care if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, bluish lips, severe dehydration, confusion, or high fever
Seek medical care if symptoms last more than 10 days, worsen after initial improvement, or you have recurrent sinus infections
Get checked if you cough up blood, have unexplained weight loss, or have chronic mucus production with smoking history