5. Keep the Nasal Passages Moist
Plain saline nasal sprays can help moisturize dry nasal passages and loosen secretions.
They differ from medicated decongestant nasal sprays and generally do not produce the same rebound-congestion problem associated with prolonged inappropriate use of certain medicated sprays.
Nasal irrigation can also be useful for some people experiencing allergies or thick nasal mucus, but water safety is extremely important.
Use Safe Water for Nasal Rinsing
For nasal irrigation, use water that is distilled, sterile, or previously boiled and then cooled appropriately.
Do not simply fill a nasal-rinsing device with untreated tap water.
The irrigation bottle or device should also be washed and allowed to dry according to its instructions.
Do not add essential oils, hydrogen peroxide, household disinfectants, or other unapproved ingredients to nasal-rinsing solutions.
6. Avoid Smoke and Vaping
Cigarette smoke is a powerful respiratory irritant.
It can increase mucus production while interfering with normal airway clearance mechanisms. Long-term smoking can also contribute to chronic respiratory disease.
Secondhand smoke can irritate the respiratory tract as well.
Vaping aerosols are not harmless moisture and can contain substances capable of irritating the airways.
Reducing exposure to smoking and vaping is therefore much more important than searching for a food or drink that supposedly “dissolves” mucus.
7. Reduce Other Respiratory Irritants
Smoke is not the only environmental trigger.
Symptoms can sometimes worsen around:
Dust
Strong fragrances
Cleaning sprays
Wood smoke
Air pollution
Chemical fumes
Mold
Pet dander
Pollen
Pay attention to when symptoms occur. If throat clearing becomes much worse at work, in one room, during cleaning, or during a particular season, that pattern may offer an important clue.
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