How To Get Rid Of Lingering Congestion After You've Been Sick

Colds and viruses typically run their course in a couple of weeks, but congestion after getting sick can last much longer. It can be incredibly frustrating to deal with a stuffy nose and persistent cough after the rest of your symptoms have left. According to HuffPost, this lingering congestion is called postnasal drip. When you get a cold, your body produces mucus to protect your sinuses and get rid of the infection. Even when your immune system has successfully beaten the cold or virus, it takes a while for all that mucus to clear out.

There are, however, a few ways you can expedite the process. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, as this will help clear the remaining mucus out. Stick to water, tea, and broth for the best results. You should also continue to get plenty of rest, which is a remedy that will help your body fight many ailments.

If drinking lots of water and getting plenty of sleep isn't clearing up your congestion, there are some other methods you can try. Over-the-counter medications like nasal sprays and decongestants can be helpful in a pinch, but it is easy to become dependent on these drugs when you use them frequently (via Everyday Health). For that reason, it's a good idea to stick to home remedies unless you feel like you need to use medication.

According to Healthline, adding a humidifier to your home can also provide quick relief from congestion. If you don't have a humidifier, breathing in steam from your sink or during a hot shower can provide similar benefits. Draining your sinuses is another drug-free way to get relief from congestion. You can do this using a neti pot or a similar sinus rinse kit. You can also use a saline spray to rinse away mucus in the nose and kill any lingering bacteria. If your congestion will not go away, visit your doctor. Your symptoms may be caused by an underlying health issue.