Why That Mucus in Your Throat Won’t Go Away
Sometimes, antihistamines can even make things worse. “Antihistamines can also be drying, leading to thicker mucus that is more difficult to clear,” she says.
What you can try at home
Saline nasal rinses—using a squeeze bottle or neti pot—can help wash out mucus and allergens, Hsu says. If you’re preparing the rinse yourself, use distilled, sterile, or previously boiled and cooled water, not water straight from the tap, and follow the device’s cleaning instructions.
For allergy-related symptoms, a steroid nasal spray such as Flonase or Nasacort is another option, Hsu says. But check the label: “Not all nasal sprays are the same,” Hershcovitch says. Steroid sprays are different from decongestants such as Afrin, which he advises using for no more than two or three days. Longer use can cause rebound congestion, leaving you stuffier.
It’s also worth looking for triggers at home and work, including dust mites and pet dander, Hsu says. To help reduce airborne allergens, Hershcovitch suggests using an air purifier and keeping its filters clean.
