Review your symptoms, consult your health care provider or pharmacist as needed, and read the labels on the products you are choosing. Follow recommended dosages on the product label. For congestion, stuffy nose, and ear pressure. Congestion is caused by swelling of the mucous membranes in the respiratory passages. Drinking extra fluids and taking hot, steamy showers can help relieve this congestion.
Decongestants can also help to shrink swollen membranes and reduce stuffiness.
Don't use these if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease or heart disease. A productive cough performs a useful function by loosening mucus and bringing it up, helping the body to rid itself of the secretions caused by the virus. A nonproductive cough, which may also warrant treatment, is the dry, hacking kind that can interfere with sleep. An expectorant cough product that contains guaifenesin may help to liquify and loosen secretions and improve the cough. Ample fluid intake can help loosen secretions, so cough sufferers should consume 6-8 cups of fluid each day.