Chest congestion can occur when people get colds or the flu. It can make breathing difficult and cause chest pain. An expectorant is a substance that helps to free the breathing passages. It does this by thinning the mucus that lines the breathing passages. This helps people to be able to cough up the mucus. Expectorants help to treat the symptoms of colds and flu, but they do not speed up the recovery. Another class of medication is antitussives. An antitussive is a cough suppressant.
Guaifenesin
Guaifenesin is an expectorant found in over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicines. It can a come by itself or in combination with other medications, such as decongestants, cough suppressants and antihistamines. Guaifenesin comes in various forms, including tablets, capsules, granules that dissolve and liquid. It is important to follow package directions carefully when taking or giving medications.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is used as an expectorant, although there is a lack of quality scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. It can be found in cough drops and topical ointments. It is not recommended for use with infants or small children, especially near the nose and face.
Potassium Iodide
Potassium iodide is used as an expectorant. According to The Asthma Center, it can be a factor in the development of a goiter, which is an enlarged thyroid gland. It can also result in the inflammation of the salivary gland and a severe rash.
Liquids
Some liquids, especially warm liquids such as chicken soup, have the effect of loosening chest congestion and allow mucous to be more easily coughed up.
