When they dry out mucus, they can actually thicken it. Newer antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin, Alavert), fexofenadine (Allegra), cetirizine (Zyrtec), levocetirizine (Xyzal), and desloratadine (Clarinex), may be better options and are less likely to cause drowsiness.
Does Claritin 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 Claritin get rid of mucus?
If it’s caused by allergies, an allergy medication like Claritin can help dry out the mucus that causes congestion, coughing, and a sore throat. Other medications like nasal sprays, Mucinex, and Sudafed might be used if postnasal drip is being caused by a cold or the flu.
Can antihistamines thicken mucus?
Antihistamines can thicken mucus, which can be a problem for people with asthma. Both of these medications may mix poorly with other drugs, like those that treat heart disease, and they may worsen some conditions, like high blood pressure.
Can allergies cause thick mucus?
When the nose becomes irritated, it may produce more mucus, which becomes thick and pale yellow. The mucus may begin to flow from the front of the nose as well as the back. Substances in the mucus may irritate the back of the throat and cause coughing.
Is Claritin good for sinusitis?
Along the same lines as OTC options, antihistamine medications, such as Sudafed, Claritin, Zyrtec or Benadryl, can also offer sinus infection symptom relief. While these medications specifically target allergy symptoms, sinus infection symptoms can be similar, making antihistamines worth a try.
Why do I constantly have phlegm in my throat?
When mucus starts to build up or trickle down the back of the throat, the medical name for this is postnasal drip. Causes of postnasal drip include infections, allergies, and acid reflux. A person may also notice additional symptoms, such as: a sore throat.
What medication dries 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.
How do I stop mucus from draining down my throat?
A simple way to thin it out is to drink more water. Other methods you can try include: Take a medication such as guaifenesin (Mucinex). Use saline nasal sprays or irrigation , like a neti pot, to flush mucus, bacteria, allergens, and other irritating things out of the sinuses.
Does Claritin get rid of post nasal drip?
Over-the-counter decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help reduce congestion and eliminate postnasal drip. Newer, nondrowsy antihistamines like loratadine-pseudoephedrine (Claritin) can work to get rid of postnasal drip. However, these are more effective after you take them for several days.
What dries up mucus naturally?
Steam. Keeping the air moist can loosen mucus and reduce congestion and coughing. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommend using a cool-mist humidifier or steam vaporizer. People with difficulty sleeping may wish to use a humidifier at night.
How do you loosen sinus mucus?
Home Treatments
- Use a humidifier or vaporizer.
- Take long showers or breathe in steam from a pot of warm (but not too hot) water.
- Drink lots of fluids. …
- Use a nasal saline spray. …
- Try a Neti pot, nasal irrigator, or bulb syringe. …
- Place a warm, wet towel on your face. …
- Prop yourself up. …
- Avoid chlorinated pools.
What is the difference between phlegm and mucus?
Mucus and phlegm are similar, yet different: Mucus is a thinner secretion from your nose and sinuses. Phlegm is thicker and is made by your throat and lungs.
What color is allergy mucus?
Rajani said a runny nose and mucus is typically clear in allergy sufferers. Yellow or green-colored mucus likely points to a viral condition, such as the flu.
Can allergies cause mucus in throat?
Excess mucus is common if you have a cold or allergies. This mucus buildup can become thick and encourage bacteria and other germs to build up in your sinus cavity, leading to a bacterial or viral infection. Most sinus infections are viral and go away in a week or two without treatment.
Can’t clear mucus in back of throat?
Gargling warm salt water can help clear phlegm that’s hanging on the back of your throat. It may even kill germs and soothe your sore throat. Mix together a cup of water with 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of salt. Warm water works best because it dissolves the salt more quickly.