Best Medicine For Stopped Up Nose And Cough
Dealing with a stopped up nose and cough can be frustrating, especially when it seems like nothing is working to relieve your symptoms. Luckily, there are several over-the-counter medicines that can help clear your nasal passages and calm your cough. In this article, we'll explore the best medicine for a stopped up nose and cough, how they work, and what you need to know before taking them.
Decongestants
Decongestants are a common medication used to relieve a stopped up nose. They work by shrinking the blood vessels in the nasal passages, which reduces inflammation and allows air to flow more freely. Decongestants come in both oral and nasal spray forms, and are usually available over-the-counter.
One common ingredient in decongestants is phenylephrine. This ingredient is found in many medications, including Sudafed PE and Afrin nasal spray. It's important to note that phenylephrine can raise blood pressure, so people with high blood pressure should avoid using these medications. Additionally, decongestant nasal sprays can be habit-forming if used for more than three days in a row, so it's important to follow the recommended dosage and not overuse them.
Antihistamines
If your stopped up nose and cough are caused by allergies, an antihistamine may be the best medicine for you. Antihistamines work by blocking histamine, a chemical in the body that causes allergy symptoms like a runny nose and sneezing.
Common antihistamines include loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec). These medications are available over-the-counter and typically come in pill form. While antihistamines are generally safe for most people, they can cause drowsiness in some individuals. If you plan on driving or operating heavy machinery, be sure to check the label for warnings about drowsiness.
Expectorants
An expectorant is a medication that helps thin mucus in the lungs, making it easier to cough up. Expectorants are typically used for coughs that produce phlegm or mucus. The most common ingredient in expectorants is guaifenesin, which is found in medications like Mucinex and Robitussin.
It's important to note that while expectorants can help thin mucus, they don't actually treat the underlying cause of your cough. If your cough persists for more than a week or is accompanied by other symptoms like fever or chest pain, you should see a doctor.
Cough Suppressants
If your cough is keeping you up at night or interfering with your daily activities, a cough suppressant may be the best medicine for you. Cough suppressants work by blocking the cough reflex in the brain, which reduces the urge to cough.
One common ingredient in cough suppressants is dextromethorphan (DM). DM is found in medications like Robitussin DM and Delsym. It's important to note that while cough suppressants can be effective, they should not be used for coughs that produce phlegm or mucus. Additionally, cough suppressants can be habit-forming if used for extended periods of time, so it's important to follow the recommended dosage and not overuse them.
Conclusion
When it comes to finding the best medicine for a stopped up nose and cough, there are several options to choose from. Decongestants can help relieve nasal congestion, antihistamines can help with allergy symptoms, expectorants can help thin mucus, and cough suppressants can help reduce coughing. It's important to choose the right medication based on your symptoms and to always follow the recommended dosage. If your symptoms persist or worsen, be sure to see a doctor.