How can I help my toddler breathe more quietly?

My son is two and a half years old and lately he's been breathing so loudly! It sounds like he has a lot of mucous or something, but he's not sick. My husband's family is full of these loud breathers and they turn into MONSTER snorers and I'm just wondering if there's anything I can do. My son doesn't yet know how to clear his throat or blow his nose and I'm going CRAZY! I'm trying to be more sympathetic with him, but he's been breathing like this for a couple months now. Help!