6. Take over-the-counter remedies

There are also OTC medicines you can use. Decongestants, for example, can cut down the mucus that flows from your nose. This mucus isn’t considered phlegm, but it can lead to chest congestion. Decongestants work by reducing swelling in your nose and opening up your airways.

You can find oral decongestants in the form of:

tablets or capsules

liquids or syrups

flavored powders

There are also many decongestant nasal sprays on the market.

You can try products like guaifenesin (Mucinex), which thins mucus so it won’t sit in the back of your throat or your chest. This type of medication is called an expectorant, which means it helps you expel mucus by thinning and loosening it.

This OTC treatment usually lasts for 12 hours, but you should follow the package instructions. There are children’s versions for kids ages 4 and older.

Chest rubs, like Vicks VapoRub, contain eucalyptus oil to ease coughs and potentially get rid of mucus. You can rub it onto your chest and neck up to three times each day.

Younger children should not use Vicks at its full strength, but the company does make a baby-strength version.