How to Eliminate Mucus Build-up in Throat
Excess mucus can make you feel miserable and can make breathing, sleeping, lying down, and swallowing difficult. A variety of health conditions, including gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), sinusitis, allergies, viral and bacterial infections may cause excess mucus production. Each of these conditions requires a different treatment approach. Regardless of the cause, some self-help measures are effective in reducing excess mucus. Sleeping is likely the most challenging time of day for people troubled by excess mucus. Consult a medical professional to evaluate your personal situation and to obtain recommendations for any specific treatments.
Things You'll Need
- Vacuum cleaner with HEPA filter
- Hypoallergenic pillows
- Hypoallergenic mattress pad
- Air cleaner with HEPA filtration system
- Saline nasal wash
- Himalayan salt or non-iodine sea salt
- Disposable 4 oz cup
Instructions
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Create a Clean Environment
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1
Mucus-aggravating dust particles, dust mites, and pet dander accumulate in your carpets, drapes, and upholstery. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter at least twice per week to keep your space clean and comfortable. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters eliminate 99.97% of airborne particulates, which is good enough to trap these household irritants.
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Use a high-quality HEPA filter in your furnace. Replace the filter according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Professionally clean your HVAC system once every year.
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3
Cover your mattress with a hypoallergenic mattress pad. Use hypoallergenic pillows and bed linens. Prop the pillows up at a slight angle so you are not lying flat. Launder the linens at least once per week and replace the pillows every three to six months.
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4
Place a HEPA air purifier in your bedroom and keep it running 24 hours a day.
Care for Yourself
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Make a saline gargle solution by adding 1/2 teaspoon sea salt to 8 ounces of lukewarm water. Gargle with the solution twice a day.
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Using a saline nasal wash product, irrigate your nasal passages once or twice a day.
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7
Consider reducing or eliminating milk from your diet for one week to see whether the mucus has decreased. Some individuals with asthma benefit by reducing their consumption of milk.
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Tips & Warnings
Ask your physician if an antihistamine would be appropriate for you. Over-the-counter medicines such as Claritin and Zyrtec are effective at blocking the production of mucus caused by allergies.
These recommendations are not intended to be a substitute for your doctor's advice and treatment plans. Consult your physician before using any of these strategies.
