利群细烟价格 How to Get Rid of Chest Mucus: Remedies, Medications, When to Get Help

How do I get rid of chest phlegm with home remedies?

For many people, home remedies are an effective first-line treatment. Try these options:

1. Drink liquids

Drink lots of fluids. It sounds cliché, but you likely hear this advice often because it works.

Liquids help thin mucus. Warm liquids can help clear mucus in the chest and nose, relieving congestion and giving you a small respite from your symptoms.

2. Gargle with salt water

Research shows that gargling warm salt water can help relieve the symptoms of a cold, which can include excess mucus.

Try mixing a cup of warm, filtered, or bottled water with half to three-quarters teaspoon (tsp) of salt. Take a sip, tilt your head slightly back, and gargle for 30-60 seconds. Alternatively, use saline solution in spray or neti pot form.

3. Elevate your head

Try to keep your head upright, especially at night. This will help the mucus drain out faster. You can do this by propping up a few pillows under your head.

4. Use a humidifier

Steam can also help loosen mucus and clear up congestion. You can pick up a humidifier at your local drugstore. You may find it beneficial to use it at night near your bed. This can help ease congestion while you’re sleeping.

Depending on your needs, you can make your own steam room or humidifier at home in the following ways:

Breathe in steam in the showerLean over a bowl of hot water, placing a hand towel over your head to help trap the steam around your face.5. Take honey

Honey has been used as a natural remedy throughout history and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. There is some evidence that it may be particularly helpful in relieving nighttime coughs in children.

One 2018 meta-analysis of six randomized studies also found evidence to suggest that honey may be more effective than no treatment, a placebo, and diphenhydramine (Benadryl).

However, it wasn’t necessarily more effective than the common cough suppressant Dextromethorphan (Mucinex, Robitussin, and others).

6. Use essential oils

Certain essential oils may help loosen mucus in the chest. A 2020 meta-analysis of seven studies suggests that essential oils may help relieve some symptoms of respiratory illnesses, though the studies’ results were mixed.

Peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil are also used as natural decongestants.

You can make use of essential oils in one of two ways:

Diffuse it: Pick up a diffuser from your local drugstore, and add a couple of drops of the oil to a hot bath to release the scent into the air.Breathe it in: Fill a bowl with hot water and a few drops of essential oil. Lean over the bowl and cover your head with a hand towel to help trap the steam. Breathe in the steam for 5 to 10 minutes.Apply topically: Mix 12 drops of carrier oil for every 1 or 2 drops of essential oil. Do a skin patch test first. If there’s no irritation in 24 hours, you can apply it directly to your chest.

While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before you begin using essential oils and be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.

7. Take a decongestant

Decongestants are ailable in liquid, tablet, or nasal spray form at your local drugstore. Common OTC options include:

oxymetazoline (Vicks Sinex): This is a nasal spray that shouldn’t be used for longer than three days.pseudoephedrine (Sudafed): People with certain conditions may need to oid taking Sudafed.

Follow the directions on the packaging. A decongestant can speed up your heart rate and make it harder to fall asleep. You may find it better to take it during the day.

»Learn more:Drugs to Relieve Common Cold Symptoms8. Apply vapor rub on your chest

Vapor rubs contain decongestive ingredients, but they’re applied topically instead of ingested.

You can usually rub it onto your chest every night until the symptoms stop. Be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging.

In one older 2010 study, researchers studied children who received either vapor rub treatment, petrolatum ointment, or no medication. Vapor rub scored the highest in providing relief from cough and congestion.

Another 2017 study found that people with a cold who used Vicks VapoRub could sleep better at night, though the study didn’t determine whether this is definitely due to the relief of symptoms like a cough.

9. Avoid smoking, if you smoke

Smoking can actually increase mucus in your airway, so it’s a good idea to oid it.

Read more about how to quit smoking.

10. Eat spicy foods

Try adding more onion, garlic, lemon, or cayenne pepper to your food.

A 2018 survey suggests they may help relieve symptoms of colds and coughs, which includes reducing mucus. Spicy foods containing capsaicin might also provide temporary relief of sinus congestion by stimulating the flow of mucus.