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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Medications such as nasal decongestants and cough suppressants may help manage symptoms of upper respiratory infections. Most respiratory infections clear up with self-care at home.A respiratory infection affects body tissues that are involved in breathing. This type of infection can cause symptoms such as stuffy nose, sore throat, and cough.Respiratory infections are often viral but can also be caused by bacteria.Upper respiratory infections (URIs) are some of the most common respiratory issues. In fact, an estimated 17.2 billion URIs occurred worldwide in 2019. While medications may sometimes be used to treat URIs, many URIs will eventually go away on their own.Medications are often used to manage the symptoms of a URI. Additionally, some medications, such as antibiotics and antivirals, can directly treat certain types of infection.Below, we’ll explore some of the common types of medication used to treat URIs.Nasal decongestantsNasal decongestants can relieve a stuffy nose. They work by decreasing the swelling of blood vessels in your nose, helping to open up your nasal passages.These medications are available in many forms, including pills or tablets, nasal sprays, and liquids. Most are available over the counter (OTC).An example of a nasal decongestant is pseudoephedrine, which is present in many products, including Sudafed.While some may contain only a decongestant medication, others are combinations of a decongestant and other medications, such as:cough medicationsantihistaminespain relieversCough medicationsCough medications may help reduce cough due to a URI. They typically come in liquid, pill, or capsule form. There are two general types of cough medication.Cough suppressants inhibit your coughing reflex. The most commonly used cough suppressant is dextromethorphan. Many products contain dextromethorphan, including Robitussin, Theraflu, and Vick’s.Expectorants can thin the mucus in your airways. The most common expectorant is called guaifenesin. An example of a product that may contain guaifenesin is Mucinex.These medications are also typically available OTC. Some products for cough also contain additional medications such as:nasal decongestantsantihistaminespain relieversAnti-inflammatory medicationsAnti-inflammatory medications can ease pain due to a URI. They may be helpful in treating symptoms such as sore throat, headache, and muscle aches and pains. These medications may also reduce fever.aspirinibuprofen (Motrin)naproxen (Aleve)These medications are typically
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