If you are suffering from the common cold, you may feel congestion in the back of your throat that has dripped down from your nasal passages. As mucus drips down the back of your throat, it may feel irritated, sore or itchy. In most cases, throat congestion due to the common cold is not serious and does not require the care of a doctor. Consult a doctor if your congestion does not go away within a week.
Saltwater Gargle
Gargling with saltwater can help cut congestion in the back of the throat and help soothe the pain of a sore throat. Combine 1/2 tsp. of salt and 8 oz. of warm water in a tall glass and mix well. Take one mouthful of water at a time, then tip your head back and gargle the water for several seconds. Spit the water out, then take another mouthful. Continue until all of the saltwater in the glass is completely gone. Repeat, as necessary, to help reduce throat congestion and pain throughout the day.
Lemon and Honey
Drinking a solution of lemon and honey can help reduce the pain of a sore throat, while the steam of hot water can help cut mucus in the back of the throat. Mix a small amount of lemon and honey in a mug of hot water, and mix with a spoon. Slowly sip the hot water, lemon and honey solution as you inhale the steam from the cup to help loosen congestion, suggests the Mayo Clinic. Drink as often as desired to help cut mucus and soothe your throat.
Saline Nasal Spray
If your throat congestion is due to nasal congestion dripping down into the throat, use a saline nasal spray to help cut mucus in the nasal passages. Add 1/2 tsp. of salt and a pinch of baking soda to 1 cup of lukewarm water and mix thoroughly, recommends Barbara P. Yawn, MD, associate professor of clinical family medicine and community health at the University of Minnesota in “The Doctors Book of Home Remedies.” Load the liquid into a bulb syringe and spray it up each nostril while sniffing. Blow your nose to clear out your nasal passages.
Steam
When congestion collects into the back of the throat, use steam to help loosen it. Stand in the bathroom with the door closed and run the shower. Sit in the bathroom while breathing in and out of your mouth slowly to help loosen and dissolve the congestion in the back of your throat.
