I just joined curezone & saw your question. I have the same problem, used the q-tip but I was afraid I'd get it stuck in my throat. I bought long tweezers which helped.I was getting chronic sinus infections. So, every year my ENT did surgery to clean out my sinuses. Dr also gave me a Neilmed sinus rinse to use with warm water & salt 2x a day. Yes it did help but I get sick on salt. That rinse is the only thing that helped. I didn't like it, I get sick on salt. As far as being dehydrated I was told to stop drinking so much water. I drink almost a gallon of water everyday. I didn't like it. I hope this helps.