Can decongestants cause chest congestion?
Decongestants, for example, can cut down the mucus that flows from your nose. This mucus isn’t considered phlegm, but it can lead to chest congestion.
What is an alternative to pseudoephedrine?
Alternatives to decongestants In the drug realm, antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and loratadine (Claritin) can help with a stuffy nose are safe for the heart.
Does Sudafed help with lung congestion?
No. Sudafed contains pseudoephedrine and is used for nasal congestion or a stuffy nose. Mucinex contains guaifenesin and is used to loosen chest congestion.
Does Sudafed cause breathing problems?
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
Does Covid cause mucus in lungs?
While fever, fatigue, and a dry cough are the most common symptoms of a COVID-19 infection, you may also end up with a wet mucus-producing cough if you catch SARS-CoV-2. Your lungs and airways start to produce extra mucus to clear out infections when you catch a virus like SARS-CoV-2.
Should I take Sudafed if I have Covid?
What about over-the-counter treatments like Nyquil, Theraflu, and Sudafed? You can use over-the-counter (OTC) medications to help relieve common symptoms of the flu or COVID-19. But these medications are not a treatment for the flu or COVID-19, meaning they do not work to kill the viruses that cause these infections.
Is there a decongestant that doesn’t raise blood pressure?
Pseudoephedrine is found in Sudafed, as well as many combination products. Phenylephrine is the only other oral nasal decongestant known to be safe and effective for nonprescription use.
Does Sudafed break up chest congestion?
It helps loosen congestion in your chest and throat, making it easier to cough out through your mouth. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).
Who should not take pseudoephedrine?
high blood pressure. significant uncontrolled high blood pressure. severe disease of the arteries of the heart. enlarged prostate.
Is taking Sudafed everyday bad?
Is it safe to take for a long time? Decongestants should only be used for a short time, usually less than 10 days. If you take them for longer, you’re more likely to get side effects. Only take pseudoephedrine for longer than 10 days if a doctor has said it’s OK.
Are there any decongestants without pseudoephedrine in them?
Sounds just like me! The pharmacist told me that there are no decongestants without pseudoephedrine. That’s why I feel like those cold medicines that market their products as being heart safe are able to sell their products for more money than something like plain old Diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
Are there any side effects to taking decongestants?
Indeed, millions of people use it each year without any dire consequences. That doesn’t mean it’s risk free. Over the years, there have been reports of heart attacks, strokes, disturbed heart rhythms, and other cardiovascular problems linked with use of pseudoephedrine. Alternatives to oral decongestants are available.
Are there any side effects to taking pseudoephedrine?
One pseudoephedrine side effect is a possible increase in blood pressure. In general, this increase is minimal in people with controlled high blood pressure. But prior studies found a small percent of people had marked increases in blood pressure.
How does a decongestant work for nasal congestion?
A decongestant is a type of medication that helps clear up congestion. Dilated blood vessels in the nasal and airway membranes are what cause congestion in the nose, sinuses, and chest.