Best Over The Counter Medicine For Sinus Drainage And Cough
Sinus drainage and cough are two common symptoms that can make you feel miserable. Sinus drainage occurs when excess mucus builds up in the sinuses and drips down the back of your throat. A cough is your body's way of trying to clear the airways of mucus and other irritants. If you're suffering from sinus drainage and cough, there are several over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can bring relief. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the best OTC medicine for sinus drainage and cough.
Decongestants
Decongestants are drugs that help reduce nasal congestion by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages. They are available in both oral and nasal spray forms. Popular OTC decongestants include pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and phenylephrine (Sudafed PE). Nasal sprays such as oxymetazoline (Afrin) and phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine) can provide fast relief for nasal congestion, but they should not be used for more than 3 days in a row as they can cause rebound congestion.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are drugs that help relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itching. They work by blocking the action of histamine, a compound that is released during an allergic reaction. Some antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), can also help relieve cough by reducing inflammation in the airways. Common OTC antihistamines include loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and fexofenadine (Allegra).
Expectorants
Expectorants are drugs that help loosen and thin mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up. The most common OTC expectorant is guaifenesin (Mucinex). It works by increasing the production of mucus in the airways, which helps to thin the mucus and make it easier to cough up. Expectorants are especially helpful if you have a productive cough with thick, sticky mucus.
Cough Suppressants
Cough suppressants are drugs that help reduce coughing by blocking the cough reflex. They are especially helpful if you have a dry, non-productive cough that is keeping you up at night. The most common OTC cough suppressant is dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM). It works by affecting the part of the brain that triggers the cough reflex. However, it should not be used if you have a productive cough with mucus as it can make it harder to clear the mucus from your airways.
Nasal Irrigation
Nasal irrigation involves flushing out the sinuses with a saline solution. It can help relieve nasal congestion and sinus pressure by removing excess mucus and other irritants from the sinuses. Nasal irrigation can be done using a neti pot or a saline nasal spray. Both are available over the counter and can be used as often as needed.
Conclusion
If you're suffering from sinus drainage and cough, there are several OTC medications that can bring relief. Decongestants can help reduce nasal congestion, antihistamines can relieve allergy symptoms and cough, expectorants can help loosen and thin mucus, and cough suppressants can reduce coughing. Nasal irrigation can also be helpful in relieving sinus pressure and congestion. However, it's important to read the labels and follow the instructions carefully to avoid side effects and drug interactions. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it's best to see a doctor.