How to Relieve Mucus

Your nose becomes stuffy--congested with mucus--when the tissues that line it become swollen. Inflamed blood vessels cause the swelling. A virus or bacteria, the common cold, the flu or a sinus infection all can cause stuffiness. In these cases, the mucus usually goes away within a week. Hay fever or other allergies, excessive use of nasal sprays, pregnancy, nasal polyps and vasomotor rhinitis (a non-allergic reaction) can also cause stuffiness.

Instructions

• 1

  Keep your apartment or house warm, but not overheated. Use a cool-mist humidifier or vaporizer to moisten the air if the air is dry. Doing so can help ease congestion and coughing. Make sure you keep the humidifier and vaporizer clean to prevent the growth of molds and bacteria.

• 2

  Try saline nasal drops or sprays. Available over the counter, these products are safe, effective and nonirritating, even for children, for up to three days. According to Medline Plus, after that time, decongestant nasal sprays and drops can make the congestion worse. Experts recommend saline drops for infants and nasal sprays for older children.

• 3

  Drink plenty of fluids. Broth, hot tea or chicken soup may be especially helpful. According to the Mayo Clinic, chicken soup helps because it temporarily moves the mucus faster through the nose and decreases the inflammation of the tissues.

• 4

  Take antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). While they can relieve a stuffy nose, they can also make you drowsy. In fact, diphenhydramine is the active ingredient in some over-the-counter sleeping pills.

• 5

  Avoid lying down. Try positioning your head in an upright position to relieve mucus without the use of medication. This method is especially helpful for children.