Wet Cough and Sinus Congestion

Congestion is often a main symptom of allergies and upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) and is frequently the focus of treatment for these conditions. It impacts negatively on patient quality of life by interfering with both sleep and daytime activities.1,2

Congestion may also exert secondary effects on the paranasal sinuses, ears, throat, voice and chest resulting in:1

  • Irritated throat
  • Headaches
  • Impairment in hearing
  • Reduced ability to smell
  • Problematic snoring
     

Wet Cough and Sinus Congestion

When treating congestion, patient preference should be considered. Adherence and compliance to medications may be affected by barriers to access medications, including issues of preferred product or formulation availability.1,2

A variety of OTC medications are available for the treatment of congestion.3 Mucolytic medications have been shown to reduce congestion by breaking the bonds that hold the mucus (or phlegm) together.3,4,5 Clearing the mucus and phlegm from your sinuses, nasal passages and lungs can also help to prevent a more serious infection from developing.6

References
1.

Meltzer EO, Caballero F, Fromer LM, et al. Treatment of Congestion in Upper Respiratory Diseases. IJGM. Int J Gen Med. 2010;3:69-91. doi:10.2147/ijgm.s8184

2.

Corey JP, Houser SM, Ng BA. Nasal Congestion: A Review of its Etiology, Evaluation, and Treatment. Ear Nose Throat J. 2000;79(9):690-693, 696, 698 passim

3.

Sandoz SA (Pty) Ltd. Professional Information. Sep 2020

4.

Kryukov AI, Turovsky AB, Izotova GN, et al. Treatment of Acute Sinusitis. Russian Medical Journal. 2012;9:485-488

5.

Zaitseva OV. Rational Choice of Mucolytic Therapy in Treatment of Respiratory Diseases in Children. Russian Medical Journal. 2009;17(19):1217-1221

6.

Knowles MR, Boucher RC. Mucus clearance as a primary innate defense mechanism for mammalian airways. J Clin Invest. 2002;109(5):571-577.