To avoid dehydration, pace your water intake. Drink at least 1 cup (8 oz) of water each hour to be hydrated throughout the day. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks like coffee, which can dehydrate you.
Heat other liquids in place of hot tea if you prefer, like warm apple juice or even chicken noodle soup. Heat up a glass of water and mix in 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of lemon juice and honey instead. [3] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source If you don’t like tea, try simply eating a spoonful of honey every few hours; it can soothe your mucus membranes better than some medicine! Remember not to give honey to any kids under 1 year old, as it can cause botulism.
Inhale steam (either method works) 1 to 2 times daily until your symptoms improve.
If you prefer, purchase an essential oil diffuser and put it in your bedroom (or whichever room you’re in), so you inhale the oils all day.
There are many different hot compresses besides a heating pad, including a microwavable heat pack, a hot water bottle, or even a warm, damp hand towel. To make a steaming cloth, dampen a hand towel with water and set it in the microwave for 60–90 seconds. Be careful not to scald your chest; use a room-temperature piece of cloth as a barrier, just like the heating pad. Applying a hot pack or steaming hot cloth on your throat and chest will help soothe congestion and warm the airways externally!
Gargle with salt water 3 to 4 times a day until your congestion starts to break up.
Instead of a dropper, use a Neti pot to rinse out your nose with saline solution.
If you use the humidifier nightly, aim to refill it every 3 to 4 days (or whenever it runs dry). Be sure to clean the humidifier regularly, too.
Repeat the deep cough several times until you start to cough up mucus. If the deep coughing doesn’t get rid of all the phlegm, try a “huff” cough. Take a slightly deeper breath than normal and then exhale rapidly 3 times in a row, contracting your stomach muscles and making “ha” sounds each time.
There are lots of ways to keep yourself entertained while resting! For example, read a book, put on your favorite movie, or binge-watch a new show.
Alternatively, lift up the head of your mattress and slip a 2 in × 4 in (5. 1 cm × 10. 2 cm) or 4 in × 4 in (10 cm × 10 cm) piece of wood beneath it to permanently raise the mattress. Getting into a leaning or reclining position during the day can also help. For example, if the congestion is in the lower part of your lungs, do the child’s pose in yoga and have someone clap your lower back.
Although vapor rub is meant to be breathed in, don’t place it directly under your nose. That can actually have the opposite effect and make breathing harder.
Expectorants aren’t safe for children younger than 6 years old, so check with your doctor for a child-safe alternative. Don’t take a cough suppressant while you have congestion. Suppressants stop you from getting rid of mucus, causing congestion. Coughing is just your body’s way of solving the problem! Always read the instructions on a medicine bottle before taking it, and take no more than the recommended daily dosage.
Ask about an antibiotic shot, nasal spray, pills, or prescription vitamin therapy to clear up stubborn or deep chest congestion. If they prescribe anything, follow their directions carefully each time you take it. Also, see the doctor if you’re developing more serious symptoms such as a fever, shortness of breath, a rash, or if you are wheezing.
