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.
Do Antihistamines help chest congestion?
In summary, clinical evidence suggests that antihistamines are, at best, a modestly effective therapy for congestion associated with allergic rhinitis. However, their decongestant action is generally insufficient and inferior to that of intranasal steroids.
Does antihistamine help with phlegm?
Decongestants, expectorants and antihistamines can go a long way toward managing mucus. Decongestants limit blood flow in your nose and reduce the amount of mucus produced there.
What medicine dries up phlegm?
“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 Benadryl help with phlegm?
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).
Does post nasal drip cause chest tightness?
It leads to irritation and narrowing of the airways, causing cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness and wheezing. Inflamed lungs pump out mucus, and that means chest congestion.
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.
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.
How do I get rid of phlegm?
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.
What is difference between phlegm and mucus?
Though they’re always at work, you typically only notice the sticky substances when you’re sick. 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.
How can I get rid of phlegm naturally?
Taking the following actions can help to eliminate excess mucus and phlegm:
- Keeping the air moist. …
- Drinking plenty of fluids. …
- Applying a warm, wet washcloth to the face. …
- Keeping the head elevated. …
- Not suppressing a cough. …
- Discreetly getting rid of phlegm. …
- Using a saline nasal spray or rinse. …
- Gargling with salt water.
What naturally kills mucus?
6 foods to eliminate excess mucus as suggested by Luke Coutinho
- Ginger. Ginger can be used as a natural decongestant and antihistamine. …
- Cayenne pepper. Excessive cough and mucus can be eliminated with the help of cayenne pepper. …
- Garlic. …
- Pineapple.
What is the best medicine to stop 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.
Is NyQuil good for mucus?
It works by thinning the consistency of mucus in your air passages. This loosens up mucus in your chest so you can cough it up and out. NyQuil temporarily treats common cold and flu symptoms such as fever, cough, nasal congestion, minor aches and pains, headache, and runny nose and sneezing.
Which mucinex dries up mucus?
Try Maximum Strength Mucinex® D for relief. It contains pseudoephedrine HCl and guaifenesin, which may help you clear excess mucus and nasal congestion (as well as the resulting post-nasal drip).