Medical Questions » Medicines Questions » Question No. 646
| Question: | What is the difference between a decongestant and an expectorant? I find these medical terms very confusing. |
| Answer: | A decongestant is designed to unplug the phlegm that is blocking the nose, sinuses and throat of someone with a cold or flu. It will contain drugs that prevent the formation of phlegm, liquefy the phlegm that is produced, and shrink down the lining of the nose and sinuses. Some also contain painkillers.
An expectorant is designed to remove the excess secretions that have accumulated in the lung. Someone with tightness in the chest and a productive cough would be helped by an expectorant, as the drugs it contains will open up the airways, liquefy the phlegm and assist effective coughing.
Many brands of both types of medication are available without prescription from chemists. |
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