Drink plenty of water
Sip warm fluids like tea or broth
Use a humidifier or vaporizer
Gargle with warm salt water
Take a hot shower and breathe in steam
Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
Limit alcohol and caffeine
Use saline nasal spray or rinse
Sleep with your head elevated
Eat spicy foods if tolerated
Suck on lozenges or hard candy
Cough gently to clear mucus
Consider an over-the-counter expectorant
Avoid dairy if it seems to thicken mucus
Seek medical care if symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsening