A congested nose can make it hard to concentrate on your day.Thick mucus in the nose can be a symptom of many illnesses, but you don't have to live with it.The mucus in your nose can be loosened by hot drinks, steamy showers, and nasal rinses.Take medication to treat the cause of the mucus.If things don't improve after a few days, see your doctor.
Step 1: Drink lots of water.
Staying hydrated will keep mucus from drying out.Water helps break up thick mucus.Children need between 1 and 1.5 liters (0.22–0.33 imp gal; 0.26–0.40 US gal) a day, while adults need 2 liters.A good rule of thumb is to drink 8 glasses a day, each containing 8 ounces of water.
Step 2: For short-term relief, consume hot liquids.
Tea and soup can help clear mucus and keep your nose clear for up to 30 minutes.There are some great hot foods and drinks.
Step 3: You can breathe in the steam by taking a hot shower.
You can breathe easier with the help of steam.Allow the steam to fill the room by taking a hot shower.It will be easier to breathe after this because the mucus in your nose will loosen.If you have a facial steamer, turn it on.You can get the same effect by holding your face over the steam.
Step 4: It's a good idea to use a humidifier in dry areas.
Dry air can cause mucus to build up in your nose.The air will become moist with the addition of a humidifier.The mucus in your nose will loosen when you breathe in the humid air.Purchase a Humidifier at an electronics store, pharmacy or drug store.
Step 5: You can rinse out your nostrils with a solution.
The mucus from your nose can be flushed out with a senna rinse.You can buy saline solutions at your pharmacy.They come with a rubber bulb syringe to apply them.You should rinse your nose at least once a day.To do a rinse, place the tip of the syringe in the solution and squeeze the bulb to draw it up.Lean over the sink and tilt your head to the left.The solution won't enter your ears.Put the tip of the needle in your right nostril.The bulb should be squeezed slowly.The solution shoots up your right nostril and leaves your left nostril.You can breathe through your mouth.tilt your head until the solution comes out of your nose.The process is repeated with the left nostril.Blow your nose to get rid of the solution.
Step 6: Once the mucus is loosened, blow your nose one nostril at a time.
Blowing too hard can make thick mucus worse.Wait until you have thin and watery mucus.Blow each nostril 1 at a time with a tissue.Blowing your nose can cause a nose bleed.If your nose bleeds, take a couple of days off from blowing it.
Step 7: If you have allergies, take an over-the-counter antihistamine.
Symptoms of a seasonal allergy include sneezing, itchy eyes, and a sore nose.If your allergies are to blame for your congestion, an antihistamine can help.Benadryl is one of the most common antihistamines.Follow the instructions on the label when taking an antihistamine.Don't take more than the recommended dose.antihistamines can cause drowsiness.Call your doctor if you're not sure which medication is right for you.
Step 8: If you have a lot of people, use a decongestant.
The mucus in your nose and throat can be loosened with a decongestant.If congestion is your only symptom, this is a good choice.Purchase over-the-counter decongestants at a pharmacy.Follow the instructions on the label.Sudafed and Contac are common ones.Problems falling asleep, anxiety, dizziness, and tremors can be caused by the side effects of decongestants.Once you stop taking the medication, your congestion may return.The package has precautions.If you have high blood pressure, don't use a decongestant because it can make it worse.
Step 9: If you have a cold, use a combination of drugs.
If your thick mucus is the result of a cold with multiple symptoms, you should try a medication that contains both an antihistamine and decongestant.There are side effects such as anxiety, dizziness, and a racing pulse.Claritin-D Advil Cold is included.
Step 10: If you have a cough, take an over-the-counter expectorant.
An expectorant can help break up the mucus if you have a wet cough.Mucinex and Robitussin Mucus are some expectorants.Follow the instructions on the label.Don't take more than one type of over-the-counter medication.
Step 11: If you have a stuffy nose, apply a spray to it.
The medicine is delivered directly to your nostrils.They are able to provide relief for a stuffy nose.Steroids, scurvy, and other drugs are typically contained in over-the-counter nasal sprays.If you want to use a spray, place the tip in one nostril.You can close the other nostril with your finger.As you press down on the cap, breathe in slowly.The solution will enter your nose.Go back and forth with the other nostril.Afrin, Dristan, and Neo-Synephrine are some of the popular over-the-counter sprays.You should only use nasal sprays for a short period of time because they can cause rebound swelling of the tissues after frequent use.
Step 12: Try to thin the mucus with saline sprays.
You can use the sprays for as long as you need to because they don't contain any medicine.They are made up of a solution that helps to thin out mucus without drying it out.
Step 13: If your symptoms get worse, see your doctor.
A thick mucus can be treated at home.You should see a doctor if your symptoms last longer than 10 days.If you develop a yellow or green mucus, you should go to the doctor.You have blood in your mucus.
Step 14: Undergo tests for infections.
Your doctor will look at your symptoms.They can take saliva from your nose and throat to see if you have an illness.If your doctor thinks you have an allergy, they may do a blood or skin test.
Step 15: Take your medication according to your doctor.
An antibiotic may be prescribed to you by your doctor if he or she determines that you have a disease.They can give you drugs if you have a virus.If you have allergies, you may be able to get an antihistamine.Follow the instructions on the label.Follow your doctor's instructions if you get a diagnosis.