Nasal mucus or snot is a thick, clear, sticky liquid that acts as a filter against unwanted airborne particles to prevent them from entering the body through the nose. This mucus fluid is a natural part of the body's defenses, but sometimes it is produced in excess. This too much mucus can be frustrating as you try to deal with it, and it may even seem like it's never going to stop. The best way to remove mucus from the nasal passages is to determine the cause and treat the problem. Common things that cause excessive mucus production in the nose are allergic reactions, nonallergic rhinitis, infections, and structural abnormalities of the nose.
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Method 1 of 4: Seeking Medical Help
Step 1. Visit a doctor if there are signs of infection
If your sinus problems and sinus congestion have been going on for a long time, there may be bacteria growing in your sinuses and causing a sinus infection.
- Symptoms of a sinus infection include prolonged sinus pressure, blockage, and pain, or a headache for more than 7 days.
- If you have a fever, you likely have a sinus infection.
Step 2. Watch for changes in the snot
If your mucus changes color from clear to greenish or yellowish or starts to smell, there may be bacterial growth in your sinus tract.
- When your sinuses become blocked, mucus and naturally occurring bacteria are trapped. If the sinus congestion and pressure are not removed, trapped bacteria can lead to a sinus infection.
- You may also have a viral sinus infection if the blockage and pressure are caused by the flu.
- Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections. If you have a cold, treat it with zinc, vitamin C, and/or pseudoephedrine.
Step 3. Take antibiotics as prescribed
If your doctor states that you have a sinus infection caused by bacteria, antibiotics may be prescribed for you. Be sure to take this medication as prescribed and for the recommended length of time.
- Even if you start to feel better in a short time, keep taking the medication as prescribed. Because if not, as a result the bacteria will become resistant to the drug. Taking the medication is also beneficial because there may still be bacteria remaining in your sinus tract.
- Be aware that some doctors may prescribe antibiotics before obtaining test results that identify the real cause of the infection. You can ask your doctor to do a culture test to make sure the antibiotics you have prescribed are correct.
- If your symptoms do not improve after finishing the prescribed antibiotics, tell your doctor about this. You may need a different antibiotic.
- Talk to your doctor about allergy testing or other preventive measures if you experience this problem frequently.
Step 4. Seek medical help for intractable problems
In some cases, excessive mucus production persists over a long period of time, no matter what treatment you try.
- Consult a doctor if you have problems with prolonged rhinitis, or excessive mucus production over a long period of time.
- You may need to undergo a series of tests to determine if you are allergic to objects you come into contact with at home or at work.
- What's more, polyps may also form in the nose, or there are changes in the structure of the sinuses that play a role in this intractable problem.
Step 5. Consult about any structural abnormalities of the sinuses
The most common structural abnormality causing excessive mucus production is the formation of polyps in the nose.
- Polyps in the nose can form over time. Small polyps often go unnoticed and don't cause any problems.
- Larger polyps can block the flow of air through the sinus passages, and cause irritation that triggers excessive mucus production.
- Other possible structural abnormalities include deviated septum and enlarged adenoids, but they usually do not cause excessive mucus production.
- Injury to or around the nose can also cause structural abnormalities, and is sometimes associated with symptoms such as excessive mucus production. Talk to your doctor if you've ever had an injury to your face or nose.
Method 2 of 4: Changing Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Use a neti pot
A neti pot is a utensil that resembles a small teapot. If used properly, a neti pot can remove trapped mucus and irritants, as well as moisten your sinus passages.
- This device works by injecting salt water or distilled water into one nostril and letting it out through the other along with unwanted irritants and germs.
- Fill a neti pot with about 120 ml of saline solution, then lean over the sink, tilt your head to one side, and place the funnel in the upper nostril.
- Tilt the neti pot so that the water in it enters one nostril and flows into the other nostril. Repeat this step on the other nostril.
- This process is known as irrigation because you rinse your nose with liquid to get rid of unwanted mucus and irritants. Use a neti pot once or twice a day.
- Neti pots can have a moisturizing and soothing effect on the sinuses. Neti pots can be purchased inexpensively without a prescription. Be sure to clean the neti pot after each use.
Step 2. Make your own saline solution
Use distilled or sterile water to make a saline solution if you decide to make your own. You can also use water that has been boiled and allowed to cool. Do not use water directly from the tap as it may be contaminated and contain irritants.
- To 240 ml of water, add teaspoon of kosher salt and teaspoon of baking soda. Don't use regular table salt. Stir until evenly distributed, then put this solution into a neti pot.
- You can store this solution for up to 5 days in a tightly closed container, or better yet, in the refrigerator. Allow the saline solution to come to room temperature before use.
Step 3. Apply a warm compress to your face
A warm compress can relieve pain from sinus pressure, as well as help loosen mucus and allow it to drain out of your sinuses.
- Wet a towel or small cloth in very warm water. Place the towel on the part of your face that feels the most pressure.
- In general, compress your eyes, just above your eyebrows, nose, and cheeks, just below your eyes.
- Wet the cloth again every few minutes and reapply for sinus pain and pressure.
Step 4. Sleep with your head up
This sleeping position can help mucus drain out at night and prevent it from building up in the nasal passages.
Adequate rest is also useful to help the body stay strong against sinus infections due to excessive mucus production in it
Step 5. Humidify the room you live in
Dry air can be irritating and cause sinus problems that include a runny nose and stuffy nose.
- Humidifiers are available in two main options, cold and warm air, but there are many variations of each. If you are constantly experiencing dry sinus passages that cause discomfort, irritation, and runny nose, consider installing a humidifier in your home.
- Plants in the house can also increase the humidity of the room air. This option might work for you, or in addition to using a humidifier.
- Another simple way is to temporarily humidify the room air by boiling water on the stove, opening the bathroom door during a hot shower, or even drying your clothes indoors.
Step 6. Use steam
The steam can help thin the mucus in your chest, nose and throat, making it easier for you to expel.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and place your face over a bowl of hot water, then inhale it for a few minutes.
- Cover your head with a towel to concentrate the steam exposure on your face.
- In addition, you can also take a hot bath to help thin the mucus.
Step 7. Avoid irritants
Exposure to irritants, such as smoke, changes in temperature, or strong chemical odors, can cause the sinuses to produce even more mucus. Sometimes this mucus will run down the back of the throat, which is known as postnasal drip, and sometimes the irritating material in it can cause the lungs to produce mucus called phlegm. You may feel like you have to cough to get rid of the phlegm.
- Quit smoking if you are a smoker. Try to avoid secondhand smoke or cigars.
- If you know smoke is triggering your problem, also be aware of situations such as an outdoor trash can, or stand upwind to avoid the smoke of a campfire.
- Other pollutants we breathe can also cause sinus problems. Watch out for dust, pet dander, yeast and mold, both at home and in the office. Be sure to change your air filter regularly to reduce your exposure to irritants in the air in your home.
- Exhaust fumes, chemicals used in work, and even smog can trigger excessive mucus production, although they are not allergenic substances. This condition is known as nonallergic rhinitis.
Step 8. Protect your sinuses from sudden temperature changes
If your job requires you to be outside in cold temperatures, this can result in a build-up of mucus that will come out when you enter a warmer room.
- Take steps to keep your face and nose warm while you have to be outside in cold temperatures.
- Wear a hat to protect your head, and consider choosing a hat that also protects your face, much like a ski mask.
Step 9. Blow your nose
Blow your nose gently and correctly. Some experts claim that blowing your nose causes more problems than fixes it.
- Blow your nose gently. Clean your nostrils one by one.
- Blowing your nose too hard can cause small gaps in the sinuses. If you have bacteria or unwanted irritants in your nose, you're more likely to blow it further into your sinuses.
- Always use a clean cloth to blow your nose, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward to prevent the spread of bacteria or germs.
Method 3 of 4: Using Over-the-counter Drugs
Step 1. Take antihistamine medication
Over-the-counter antihistamines are especially useful for reducing sinus problems associated with exposure to allergens, or allergic rhinitis.
- Antihistamines work by inhibiting the reaction caused by exposure to allergens. In this reaction, histamine is released, and antihistamines can help reduce the body's response to allergens and irritants.
- Antihistamines are most useful for allergy sufferers. Some allergies are seasonal, and some are risky throughout the year.
- Seasonal allergy problems are caused by the release of plant compounds in the environment when they begin to bloom in spring or fall. Fall allergies are often caused by ragweed plants.
- In allergy sufferers throughout the year, allergies are caused by other objects that are difficult to avoid in the surrounding environment. This could include dust, pet dander, or cockroaches and other insects living in and around the house.
- Antihistamines can help, but for people with severe seasonal allergies or year-round allergies, more intensive therapy may be necessary. Talk to your doctor about other options.
Step 2. Use a decongestant
Decongestants are available in oral and nasal sprays. Oral decongestants contain the active ingredients phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine. Common side effects of this drug include nervousness, dizziness, a feeling of increased heart rate, a slight increase in blood pressure, and sleep disturbances.
- Oral decongestants work by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages, thereby helping to deflate swollen tissue. This medicine can drain mucus in the short term, and lower sinus pressure while increasing airflow so you can breathe more easily.
- Drugs containing pseudoephedrine, originally marketed as Sudafed, can be purchased without a prescription, but are kept on the inner shelves of pharmacies for fear of misuse.
- You may be asked to provide personal data, such as an ID card, and your purchase will be recorded. This is only done for your safety to control the illegal use of pseudoephedrine.
- Talk to your doctor about using an oral decongestant if you have heart problems or high blood pressure.
Step 3. Use a nasal spray
Decongestants in nasal sprays or drops are also available over-the-counter, but should be used with caution. While this medication can help clear sinus passages and relieve pressure quickly, taking it for more than three days can make the problem worse.
Problems in the sinus tract will get worse as the body will adjust to the medication used, so the sinus congestion and pressure will return, maybe even more severe than before when you try to stop taking the drug. Limit the use of this drug to no more than three days to prevent it
Step 4. Consider the use of nasal corticosteroids
Nasal corticosteroids are available as sprays and can help reduce inflammation in the sinus passages, stop colds, and excessive mucus production from allergens or irritants. This drug is used in the treatment of chronic sinus and nasal problems.
- Some nasal corticosteroids are over-the-counter, and some must be purchased by prescription. Fluticasone and triamicinolone are drugs that you can buy without a prescription.
- Nasal corticosteroid users can often resolve sinus problems and excessive mucus production within a few days. Be sure to follow the instructions for using the drug on the package.
Step 5. Use a saline solution spray
A saline spray can help clear mucus from your nasal passages and moisturize them. Use this spray as directed, and be patient. The effect may be felt after a few days, but you have to use it over and over again to feel the full benefits.
- The saline spray works like a neti pot. This spray will moisturize damaged and irritated sinus tissue, while helping to get rid of allergens and irritants.
- Salt solution sprays are effective at relieving colds and excessive mucus production that clogs the nose and causes postnasal drip.
Method 4 of 4: Using Natural Remedies
Step 1. Drink plenty of fluids
Drinking water and other fluids can help thin mucus. Even if you want to get over your runny nose and stuffy nose right away, drinking fluids can clear up your mucus. Fluids can help your body clear mucus, so you can get back to normal.
- Drinking warm fluids has two benefits. You are giving your body the fluids it needs, and you can also inhale the vapors of the warm or hot liquids you drink.
- You can drink any warm liquid, such as coffee, hot tea, or even a cup of broth or soup.
Step 2. Drink hot toddy
To make a hot toddy, you will need hot water, a small glass of whiskey or other alcoholic beverage, a fresh lemon, and a tablespoon of honey.
- Scientific evidence shows that hot toddy has benefits for treating nasal congestion, mucus buildup, sinus pressure, sore throat, and sinus symptoms associated with the flu.
- Limit your alcohol intake because excessive alcohol consumption can make the sinus passages more swollen, making them feel more congested, and increase mucus buildup. Consuming alcohol in large or repeated quantities is also not good for your overall health, and should be avoided.
- Make a non-alcoholic hot toddy using your favorite tea instead of water and alcohol. Keep adding fresh lemon and honey.
Step 3. Drink herbal tea
In addition to the benefits of inhaling the moisture from a hot cup of tea, the herbal ingredients may also help relieve your sinus problems.
- Try adding peppermint to a cup of hot tea. Peppermint contains menthol and is great for helping to relieve pressure and sinus congestion, as well as mucus buildup when inhaled and drunk with a cup of tea.
- Peppermint is commonly used to help treat problems with excessive mucus production and sinuses. Peppermint and menthol can also help with coughs and chest tightness.
- Do not drink peppermint oil directly. Do not use peppermint or menthol on babies.
- Green tea and green tea supplements have been shown to contain ingredients that are beneficial for overall health and help with some of the symptoms commonly associated with the flu. Increase the intake of green tea you drink gradually to avoid unwanted side effects such as stomach upset or constipation.
- In addition to the content of other active ingredients, green tea also contains caffeine. Patients with certain diseases, and pregnant women should consult a doctor before drinking green tea on a regular basis.
- Green tea can interact with various medications. Examples are antibiotics, birth control pills, cancer drugs, asthma drugs, and stimulants. Always consult with your doctor before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle, especially when it comes to taking herbal supplements.
Step 4. Refuse with other herbal products
Be careful when choosing herbal products, and always consult your doctor before starting to use herbal supplements.
- Some research suggests that a combination of herbs may be beneficial for treating sinus problems. Over-the-counter herbal sinus remedies contain a mixture of herbal ingredients.
- Look for herbal products that contain cowslip, gentian root, elderflower, verbena, and roselle. Side effects that may be caused by the combination of the above herbs are stomach pain and diarrhea.
Step 5. Consider using ginseng
The roots of North American varieties of ginseng have been studied to further study their benefits in the treatment of diseases. The study yielded promising evidence in the treatment of sinus and nasal symptoms associated with flu symptoms.
- Ginseng root is classified as an herb that is "possibly effective" in adults for relieving the frequency, severity, and duration of cold symptoms, which also include sinus symptoms. There are no known research results regarding the benefits of ginseng root in children.
- Side effects reported from using ginseng root are changes in blood pressure, hypoglycemia or low blood sugar, gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, itching and skin rashes, difficulty sleeping, headaches, nervousness, and vaginal bleeding.
- Drug interactions are common with ginseng, and include medications for schizophrenia, diabetes, depression, and blood thinners such as warfarin. People who are about to undergo surgery and chemotherapy should not use ginseng products or ginseng root.
Step 6. Drink elderberry, eucalyptus, and licorice
These herbal medicines are generally used to treat the problem of excessive mucus production and sinus. Interactions are possible with prescription drugs, so consult your doctor before using them.
- People with certain conditions should not use the mentioned herbal medicines. Talk to your doctor first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune disease, kidney, liver, low potassium levels, hormone sensitive cancer or other hormone-related diseases, heart, or a condition that requires you to take aspirin or other medications. blood thinners such as warfarin.
- Elderberry is useful for dealing with excessive mucus production and sinus problems. A standardized elderberry extract containing vitamin C and other herbs is used to treat nasal congestion.
- Eucalyptus oil is a high grade eucalyptus preparation and is toxic if swallowed. However, eucalyptus is found in many medicinal products, especially cough suppressants. Products containing eucalyptus can be used topically, as a balm, or used in very small amounts in lozenges. You can also use it in a humidifier as the steam can help clear a stuffy nose.
- Licorice root is used quite often. However, there is little scientific evidence to support the use of licorice to treat sinus congestion and excessive mucus production.
Step 7. Learn about the benefits of echinacea
Many people use echinacea, which is an herbal supplement, to treat nasal congestion and buildup of mucus, as well as to treat symptoms associated with the flu.
- Scientific research has not shown any real benefit from using echinacea to treat sinus congestion and clear mucus, or other nasal symptoms associated with the flu.
- Echinacea is available in a variety of products made from different parts of the plant. The part of the plant used is not always clear, so the potency of the product may also be unknown.
