Your Ingredient List for Congestion Relief

This decongestant helps relieve a stuffy or runny nose, and can also ease sinus congestion and pressure. It comes in a mist form you spray directly into your nose. 

Like pseudoephedrine, it works by reducing swelling in the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe. But doctors recommend you use it for an even shorter time than pseudoephedrine – typically only a few days. Using it longer won't improve your nasal congestion and may actually make it worse. Overuse of nasal sprays like oxymetazoline can cause rebound congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa), where your nose becomes even more congested. 

If you're still feeling stuffed up after three days, it's a good idea to check in with a health care provider. They might recommend other options like saline nasal sprays or nasal rinses to help you breathe easier.

It may not be a good choice for you if:

• You're pregnant or breastfeeding.
• You have certain medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, or thyroid disease.
• You're taking certain medications, like ACE inhibitors or diuretics.

Expectorants: Cough It Out

Expectorants help by changing how thick your mucus is, and how easily you can clear it out. They don't stop you from coughing. Coughing can be a frustrating symptom of sickness, but it has a purpose – clearing germs from your body. Expectorants help your cough make a difference by loosening up mucus so your cough can push it out. 

Coughing up mucus can help relieve the discomfort of chest congestion. It also helps reduce your risk of getting an infection.

Some studies say it works well, while others say it doesn't make a big difference. Drinking water can help thin out and loosen mucus alongside an expectorant. 

Guaifenesin

This is the most common expectorant you'll find at the pharmacy. It hydrates your mucus so it's less sticky. Guaifenesin is an ingredient in most cold and flu medications. It's the only expectorant approved by the FDA. 

Natural expectorants

Natural expectorants are another option if you're trying to loosen up mucus and relieve chest congestion. Some natural expectorants include:

Menthol: Menthol is a natural chemical that comes from plants in the mint family. Menthol is a common ingredient in cough drops (throat lozenges) and cough syrups. It gives you a cooling sensation and can sometimes soothe a sore throat and may improve your cough.

Ivy leaf extract: Ivy leaf extract is a natural expectorant known for its effects on mucus production. 

Hydration: No matter what kind of expectorant you use, keeping hydrated is important. Drink extra water or make a cup of tea to increase your fluid intake. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as much as you can.

Steam: Inhaling warm, moist air can do wonders for a persistent cough. The steam can help loosen the mucus in your airway. 

Honey:Honey may help loosen up mucus and relieve your cough. You can add honey to a cup of tea or even mix it with warm milk. But don't give honey to babies younger than 12 months old – they have an increased risk of botulism.

Common Combination Medications

Often, medications for congestion pair ingredients to help treat a range of cold and flu symptoms. These multi-symptom formulas can target nasal or chest congestion, a headache, fever, cough, or runny nose all at once. Here are some of the most commonly used combinations:

• Decongestant + pain reliever/fever reducer (ibuprofen) can treat nasal congestion, sinus pressure, fever, and body aches
• Decongestant + antihistamine (loratadine or cetirizine) treats allergy symptoms like sneezing or a runny nose plus nasal congestion
• Decongestant + cough suppressant (dextromethorphan) eases coughing and nasal or chest congestion
• Decongestant + expectorant combines two ingredients to treat congestion to both thin mucus and clear nasal passages

Congestion Medication Shopping Smarts

Always read the ingredients on the medications you buy at the pharmacy. Even if you often buy the same product, it's good to check on what you're taking before you dose yourself. Use these tips:

• Identify active ingredients. Match these ingredients to your symptoms. It may be tempting to reach for a multi-symptom medication, but overlap – like multiple pain relievers – can lead to overdosing. Look for the word "Purpose." This tells you the drug category and what it does.
• Beware of duplicates. Avoid taking more than one medicine with the same basic active ingredient.
• Read warnings. If you have conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, stomach ulcers, kidney or liver issues, or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, some ingredients may not be safe.
• Measure and time it right. Take only what you need, and follow guidelines for spacing doses apart. Look under "Directions." This will tell you:
  • How to take the medication
  • How much of the medication to take
  • How often to take the medication
  • How long to take it (for example, how many days)
• Check age limits. Some medications aren't safe for children under a certain age.

When to See a Doctor

It's good to have over-the-counter treatments you can take at home for mild colds or flu causing congestion, but see your doctor if:

• You have a fever higher than 102 F for more than three days.
• You have chest pain or trouble breathing.
• Your congestion is dark yellow, green, or bloody, especially if you have sinus pain with it.
• You've used nasal sprays for three days without relief.
• You're not getting relief from treatment at home.