Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Sudafed (pseudoephedrine HCI) are used to treat nasal congestion due to allergies. Benadryl is also an antihistamine used to treat other allergy symptoms (including hives, itching, watery eyes), insomnia, motion sickness, and mild cases of Parkinsonism.
Does Benadryl reduce mucus?
Benadryl for the family chesty cough and nasal congestion syrup helps to clear the phlegm of a productive cough and relieve nasal congestion (blocked and runny nose).
Do antihistamines help with congestion?
While antihistamines can’t block every allergy symptom, they’re particularly effective at preventing nasal congestion and helping some of those uncomfortable symptoms ebb away.
What is the difference between an antihistamine and a decongestant?
If you have nasal or sinus congestion, then a decongestant can be helpful. If you have drainage — either a runny nose or postnasal drip or itchy, watery eyes — then an antihistamine may be helpful. Over-the-counter antihistamines often make people drowsy; decongestants can make people hyper or keep them awake.
Does Benadryl make mucus thicker?
Do not take antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (one brand: Benadryl), loratadine (one brand: Claritin), or cetirizine (one brand: Zyrtec) for sinus symptoms because they make mucus thicker and harder to drain.
Does Benadryl help with wheezing?
Fresh air: Getting some fresh air can help if your wheezing is due to an indoor irritant, such as dust, pet dander, or a fragrance. Inhaler: If you are prescribed an inhaler, use it as directed. Antihistamines: Antihistamines, like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) can help in the case of an allergic reaction.
Can antihistamines make congestion worse?
Forceful blowing can irritate the nasal passages and propel bacteria-laden mucus back up into your sinuses. Avoid antihistamines unless prescribed. Antihistamines make mucus thick and hard to drain. Be careful with decongestants.
What is the best antihistamine for stuffy nose?
Antihistamines
- Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
- Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)
- Clemastine (Tavist)
- Desloratadine (Clarinex)
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- Fexofenadine (Allegra)
- Loratadine (Claritin)
Do Antihistamines dry up mucus?
Antihistamines and decongestants may dry out the mucous membranes in your nose and sinuses and slow the movement of the cilia (the tiny hairs that line the nose, sinuses, and the air passages inside the lungs and that remove irritants). This can make mucus thicker, adding to drainage problems.
What is a natural decongestant?
9 Ways to Naturally Clear Up Your Congestion
- Humidifier.
- Steam.
- Saline spray.
- Neti pot.
- Compress.
- Herbs and spices.
- Elevated head.
- Essential oils.
What is the most effective decongestant?
- Best Overall: GoodSense Nasal Decongestant. …
- Best Natural: Vicks Cool Mist Humidifier. …
- Best Spray: Flonase Allergy Relief Nasal Spray. …
- Best for Colds: Mucinex Sinus-Max Liquid. …
- Best for Sinus Infections: Sudafed PE Pressure + Pain + Relief. …
- Best Neti Pot: ComfyPot Ergonomic Ceramic Neti Pot.
What is the best decongestant for sinuses?
Decongestants . These medicines help reduce the swelling in your nasal passages and ease the stuffiness and sinus pressure. They come as nasal sprays, like naphazoline (Privine), oxymetazoline (Afrin, Dristan, Nostrilla, Vicks Sinus Nasal Spray), or phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine, Sinex, Rhinall).
Why are my sinuses worse at night?
When you lie down, blood pressure changes and blood may remain in the upper body longer than it does when you sit or stand. In addition, the pull of gravity on the body’s internal tissues can compress blood vessels in the sinuses. This can cause tissue to swell up, leading to worse sinus symptoms.
What will dry up mucus?
“Decongestants dry up the mucus that collects in the back of the throat as a result of the infection. Expectorants melt the mucus.” Look for over-the-counter decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, such as Sudafed.
Does patting your back break up mucus?
Chest physical therapy (CPT), or postural drainage and percussion (PD & P), uses gravity and percussion (clapping on the chest and/or back) to loosen the thick, sticky mucus in the lungs so it can be removed by coughing. Unclogging the airways is key to keeping lungs healthy.