SYMPTOM CHECKER

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Which of the following do your symptoms include?

Click the boxes to find products from Sudafed® that can treat your symptoms*

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Sudafed Congestion Symptom Checker

Which of the following do your symptoms include?

Headcold

Got a head cold?

SUDAFED® can help you clear your head and get back to your best

Discover our products

SUDAFED® Sinus Infection Symptoms & Pain Relief

Sinusitis Explained

Could the pressure you’re feeling be Sinusitis?

SUDAFED® Congestion, Cold & Flu Symptoms Checker

Unsure what product is right for you?

Try our interactive symptom checker

SUDAFED® Headcold Symptoms, Signs & Relief

Got a head cold?

SUDAFED® has products which can help you clear your head and get back to your best.

How Does SUDAFED® Work: Active Ingredients

Active Ingredients

Learn more about our active ingredients
Help unblock your stuffy nose, and breathe easier through your nose with SUDAFED®

SUDAFED® Congestion Tips & Advice - Eating Hot Chicken Soup

Tips and Advice

Looking for ways to help keep the germs at bay and feel better?

Read our expert tips and advice

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SUDAFED® Nasal Spray Solution

WHAT IT DOES

By targeting nasal mucus directly, SUDAFED® Nasal Spray Solution is clinically proven to start relieving congestion within minutes. One application of the nasal spray can help you breathe easy for up to 10 hours. And because you only need to take it 2-3 times a day, it won’t interrupt your busy schedule.

HOW IT WORKS

The main active ingredient in SUDAFED® Nasal Spray Solution is a decongestant called xylometazoline hydrochloride, which quickly gets to work on mucus congestion when sprayed directly into your nose. SUDAFED® Nasal Spray Solution is fast, effective and long lasting.

HOW TO USE

For nasal use. Adults and children 12 years and over: Nasal. One spray to be expressed into each nostril 2-3 times daily, as necessary. Maximum daily dose: 3 Sprays per nostril. Do not exceed the stated dose. Use for more than seven consecutive days is not recommended. Children aged 6 to 12 years: Nasal. One spray to be expressed into each nostril 2-3 times daily, as necessary. Maximum daily dose: 3 Sprays per nostril. Do not exceed the stated dose. Consult a doctor or pharmacist before use. Use only when simple measures have failed to bring adequate relief. Use for more than five consecutive days is not recommended

Sudafed Congestion Symptom Checker

Non-Drowsy SUDAFED® Decongestant Syrup

WHAT IT DOES

Non-Drowsy SUDAFED® Decongestant Syrup is formulated to provide relief from the symptoms of colds and flus including nasal congestion and blocked sinuses.

HOW IT WORKS

The syrup contains pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, which provides effective relief for nasal and sinus congestion, helping you recover the clear head you need.

HOW TO USE

For oral administration. Take every 4-6 hours, up to 4 times a day: Adults and Children over 12 years: Two 5ml spoonfuls. Children 6-12 years: One 5ml spoonful 4 times a day. Maximum daily dose: 20ml. A pharmacist or other healthcare professional should be consulted before use in children aged 6 to 12 years. Use only when simple measures have failed to provide adequate relief. Do not use for more than 5 days without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Children under 6 years. Not recommended. Consult a pharmacist or doctor before use in children aged 6-12 years.

Sudafed Congestion Symptom Checker

Non-Drowsy SUDAPLUS® Tablets

WHAT IT DOES

Non-Drowsy SUDAPLUS® Tablets help relieve the symptoms of pain and pressure caused by sinusitis, together with a stuffy nose, blocked sinuses, headache, fever, aches and pains.

HOW IT WORKS

The paracetamol helps bring down fever and reduce aches and pains and headaches. The tablets also contain pseudoephedrine hydrochloride to help tackle the congestion fast.

HOW TO USE

For oral use. Adult and Children aged 16 years and over: 2 tablets to be taken every four to six hours every four hours as needed. Do not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours. Adolescents 12-15 years: One tablet every four to six hours, up to four times a day. Maximum daily dose: 4 tablets Children under 12 years: Not recommended

Sudafed Congestion Symptom Checker

Non-Drowsy SUDAFED® Decongestant Tablets

WHAT IT DOES

Being bunged up makes it hard to concentrate. Non-Drowsy SUDAFED® Decongestant Tablets can be used to help clear blocked-up noses and sinuses caused by colds and allergies such as hay fever.

HOW IT WORKS

The tablets contain pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, an effective decongestant that can help clear your nose and sinuses, relieving that stuffy feeling and enabling you to get on with your day.

HOW TO USE

For oral use. Adults and Children over 12 years: One tablet every 4-6 hours up to 4 times a day Children 12 years and under: Not recommended

SUDAFED® Headcold Symptoms, Signs & Relief

Got a head cold?

SUDAFED® has products which can help you clear your head and get back to your best

Sinusitis - inflammation of the sinuses

Sinusitis Explained

Could the pressure you’re feeling be Sinusitis?

SUDAFED® Blocked Nose & Sinus Symptoms & Relief

Blocked Nose

It’s well-known that a blocked nose is often caused by having a cold or flu.

SUDAFED® Congestion Explained: How To Get Rid Of Mucus

Mucus

Cold and flu symptoms can leave you feeling very under the weather and in need of soothing relief.

SUDAFED® Symptoms of Hay Fever -  Treatment & Medication

Allergy

When pollen levels increase, allergy congestion can make breathing through your nose difficult.

SUDAFED® Active Ingredients

Every product in the SUDAFED® range contains some form of nasal decongestant for easier breathing through your nose. If you’re using a SUDAFED® product, you can enjoy the advantages of one of three active ingredients: Pseudoephedrine, Phenylephrine or Xylometazoline.

These active ingredients are designed to tackle congestion. They get to work on swollen nasal passages, helping to shrink the puffed up blood vessels that cause that stuffy feeling. As the blood vessels start to narrow and return to their original state, the surrounding tissue shrinks and the normal flow of air and mucus is resumed.

Our range of key active ingredients in SUDAFED® products, with each one contributing to your recovery:

  • Pseudoephedrine – a decongestant which narrows blood vessels to reduce swelling and congestion, helping to ease blocked noses.
  • Phenylephrine – a decongestant which can help clear up stuffy noses by decreasing swelling in the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe through your nose.
  • Xylometazoline – a decongestant, used to help clear blocked nose and sinuses caused by having a cold or flu. It works by contracting swollen blood vessels, reducing the feeling of stuffiness and congestion.

Other ingredients

The ingredients that complement our actives:

  • Guaifenesin – this ingredient helps loosen mucus, making it easier to cough up
  • Ibuprofen – an anti-inflammatory and painkiller helps relieve headaches and reduce any inflammation which could be contributing towards pain.
  • Paracetamol – a pain reliever which can be used to relieve mild to moderate pain, headaches and fevers which often accompany the common cold.
  • Caffeine – a stimulant, meaning it can help you feel more alert, as well as combatting the tiredness associated with colds.
How Does SUDAFED® Work: Active Ingredients

Active Ingredients

Learn more about our active ingredients

Help unblock your stuffy nose and breathe easier through your nose with SUDAFED®

SUDAFED® Congestion, Flu & Cold Product Range

Why choose SUDAFED®?

Treating congestion for over 30 years with our pioneering, clinically proven treatments.

How Does SUDAFED® Work: Active Ingredients

Allergy or Cold?

Our quick questions can provide extra information to differentiate between an allergy and a cold!

Sudafed Congestion Symptom Checker

Cold vs Flu

Cold and flu symptoms can be similar, but it’s important to be able to tell them apart to get the right treatment.

Sudafed Congestion Symptom Checker

Blocked Nose at Night

Out tips on how to sleep with a blocked nose, to help you get the rest your body needs to recover.

Sudafed Congestion Symptom Checker

Types of Headache and Treatment

Headaches can be uncomfortable and disruptive but there are ways to help ease the pain.
Sudafed Congestion Symptom Checker

Cold Home Remedies

Tips for home remedies that can help to alleviate cold symptoms.

Sudafed Congestion Symptom Checker

What is catarrh and ways to help get rid of it

Discover the causes, symptoms and treatments for catarrh.

Sudafed Ireland

Sudafed Congestion Symptom Checker

Non-Drowsy SUDAPLUS® Tablets

WHAT IT DOES

Non-Drowsy SUDAPLUS® Tablets help relieve the symptoms of pain and pressure caused by sinusitis, together with a stuffy nose, blocked sinuses, headache, fever, aches and pains.

HOW IT WORKS

The paracetamol helps bring down fever and reduce aches and pains and headaches. The tablets also contain pseudoephedrine hydrochloride to help tackle the congestion fast.

HOW TO USE

For oral use. Adult and Children aged 16 years and over: 2 tablets to be taken every four to six hours every four hours as needed. Do not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours. Adolescents 12-15 years: One tablet every four to six hours, up to four times a day. Maximum daily dose: 4 tablets Children under 12 years: Not recommended

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Common Cold

Common colds

The causes and symptoms of the common cold and advice on how to treat and prevent it.

Cold or Allergy? How to tell the difference

We all have that moment when the sniffles strike – and you start hedging your bets on whether it's because of a cold or allergies. The signs can be similar, making it tricky to tell them apart1.

Despite the overlap in symptoms, there are a few ways to identify whether an allergy or cold is the root cause. It's important to know these differences between allergies and colds so that you can find the best method of relief.

In this article, we'll explain:

Allergies vs cold

The main difference between colds and allergies is what causes them:

  • A cold is caused by a viral infection entering your body2
  • Allergies are your immune system reacting to substances (allergens) like pollen or pet dander3.

 

 

Viruses can strike all year round – though they’re generally more common in cooler weather between September and April4. Allergies, on the other hand, typically work on more of a seasonal basis5.

Some pollens are more prominent at different times of the year, which can trigger hay fever. Meanwhile, allergens like dust or pet dander are more likely to affect you during autumn and winter when you spend more time indoors5.

So, if you seem to get a cold at the same time every year, it could be your body reacting to a specific allergen7.

It’s probably a cold if…

The exact symptoms of a cold may vary from person to person or depend on the strain of virus that causes your symptoms8. Generally, the symptoms of a common cold can include:

05.png

Lady with itchy eyes
  • Stuffy, blocked or runny noses
  • Sneezing
  • Coughing9.

Of course, some of these cold symptoms can crop up when you have allergies too. With a cold, you may also get more severe symptoms, such as:

04.png

Lady blowing her nose
  • Body aches
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • A fever.10

These symptoms are rare with an allergic reaction and more common with a cold, so they can often be the deciding factor when working out which one it is11.

A change in your mucus

You may also notice changes in the colour and thickness of the mucus from your nose with a cold12. Typically, as your body fights an infection like the common cold, your mucus will become thicker13.

It may also turn a yellow, green or cloudy colour because of the increased waste and higher level of white blood cells your body pushes out as part of your immune response14

A progression of your symptoms

If your symptoms change every few days rather than staying consistent, you're more likely to have a cold than an allergy15. With a cold, your symptoms will vary and progress as the infection takes hold, then again as your immune system starts to fight it off16.

For example, you might start with a blocked or runny nose. This may develop into a sinus headache as your immune response starts to cause swelling in your nasal passages, before the symptoms begin to ease17

It’s probably allergies if…

While allergy symptoms often mimic those of a cold, there are a few tell-tale signs to help you spot the difference between an allergy and cold.

Just like when you get a head cold, you're likely to get a blocked or runny nose and start sneezing when experiencing an allergic reaction18 .

But there are also a few symptoms that are more common with allergies. These can include:

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Lady sneezing
  • Itchy or watery eyes
  • Itching skin
  • Rashes
  • Red rims around the eyes19.

Clear or watery mucus

With allergies, your body isn't fighting any germs or producing more white blood cells. As a result, the mucus from your nose will still be clear and reasonably thin20.

Consistent symptoms

While your cold symptoms will change as your body fights the viral infection, allergy symptoms usually remain pretty consistent21.

It lasts longer than a week

Most colds should clear up in around seven to 10 days. If your symptoms lasts any longer, it could be signs of an allergy.

Should your symptoms last for several weeks, it could be that you're experiencing a reaction during peak allergy season22 .

Your symptoms recur in certain situations

If you notice your symptoms start developing at around the same time every year, it's probably allergies23. This is because certain pollens and allergens are more prevalent at specific times of the year24.

For example, if you're allergic to grass pollen, you're more likely to get symptoms from May to August25. Or, if you start sneezing every time you sit with your sister's new cat the chances are that you're allergic to it26.

Allergies or cold symptoms checklist27

Wondering what your symptoms mean? Use our symptom checklist below to help you work out whether you have a cold or allergies.

 

 
Usually
Sometimes
Rarely
Never
Cold Cough, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, stuffy nose        General aches and pains, fatigue and weakness, fever    Itchy eyes  
Allergy Itchy eyes, sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose Cough, fatigue and weakness    Sore throat Fever, General aches and pains

How to treat a cold

If you have a cold, your immune system should successfully get rid of the infection in around a week28. But that doesn't mean you have to put up with uncomfortable symptoms until it does.

You can do several things to help ease cold symptoms, like a stuffy nose or sinus headache.

Pain relievers

If your cold causes aches and pains, you can take over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen or paracetamol. Just make sure any other medication you’re taking doesn't also contain paracetamol or ibuprofen29.

Decongestants

SUDAFED® Blocked Nose & Sinus Capsules can help ease some of the symptoms of a cold, such as a stuffy or blocked nose and sinus headaches30.

The active ingredient pseudoephedrine hydrochloride works to reduce the swelling in your nasal passages, helping you breathe more easily through your nose31.

bnand_sinus_tablets.png

Sudafed Congestion Symptom Checker

Get plenty of rest

Your body needs time to fight the infection and heal itself32. A few days of rest can help with this, especially if you feel worn out and fatigued.

Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of water can help loosen thick mucus and encourage it to drain out of your nose33. It should also reduce the chance of dehydration, which can help you feel better too34.

How to treat allergies

One of the most effective ways to ease and prevent any allergy symptoms is to avoid your triggers altogether35. Of course, that might not always be possible.

Instead, try and reduce your exposure as much as possible. Limit time outside during allergy season, wash after encountering any known allergens and protect your eyes from pollen with wraparound sunglasses36.

There are also several allergy medications you can try to help ease your symptoms.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines block the histamines produced by your immune system in response to an allergen38. In doing so, they help combat some of the symptoms such as stuffiness and a blocked nose39.

If taken in advance, they can also help prevent future allergic reactions40.

Decongestants

Like antihistamines, decongestant medications can reduce nasal swelling and inflammation to help you breathe through your nose more easily41.

By reducing the swelling, mucus can drain from your nasal passages and relieve much of the pressure in your sinuses42. Because they work to unblock your nose, you can use decongestants as both an allergy and a cold medication.

decongestant_tablets.png

Sudafed Congestion Symptom Checker

Immunotherapy

If your allergies are severe, your doctor may suggest you have immunotherapy. This is where you’re gradually exposed to increasing doses of an allergen to help your body build up an immunity43.

Frequently asked questions

QA Text: 
QA Question: 

Can you have a cold and allergies at the same time?

Yes. Allergies and colds have different causes and they can happen at the same time. Usually, though, you’ll recover from a cold much faster than allergies44.

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QA Question: 

Do antihistamines work on colds?

Yes. Some types of antihistamines can help relieve common symptoms of a cold, including a runny nose and sneezing45.

Antihistamines block the histamines produced by your immune system that cause your nose to itch and swell46.

Not all antihistamines are proven to help cold symptoms though. Those that might include:

  • Brompheniramine
  • Chlorpheniramine47
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QA Question: 

References

1 https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/allergies-or-cold

2 https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/allergies-or-cold

3 https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/allergies-or-cold

4 https://www.verywellhealth.com/when-is-common-cold-season-770443

5 https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/allergies-or-cold

6 https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/seasonal-allergies

7 https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/seasonal-allergies.html

8 https://www.webmd.com/allergies/sinus-nose-tool/allergies-or-cold?page=2

9 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/expert-answers/common-cold/faq-20057857

10 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/expert-answers/common-cold/faq-20057857

11 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/expert-answers/common-cold/faq-20057857

12 https://www.webmd.com/allergies/sinus-nose-tool/allergies-or-cold?page=2

13https://www.webmd.com/allergies/sinus-nose-tool/allergies-or-cold?page=2

14https://www.webmd.com/allergies/sinus-nose-tool/allergies-or-cold?page=2

15https://www.webmd.com/allergies/sinus-nose-tool/allergies-or-cold?page=2

16https://www.webmd.com/allergies/sinus-nose-tool/allergies-or-cold?page=2

17https://www.webmd.com/allergies/sinus-nose-tool/allergies-or-cold?page=2

18https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/expert-answers/common-cold/faq-20057857

19https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/allergies/symptoms/

20https://www.webmd.com/allergies/sinus-nose-tool/allergies-or-cold?page=1

21https://www.webmd.com/allergies/sinus-nose-tool/allergies-or-cold?page=1

22https://www.webmd.com/allergies/sinus-nose-tool/allergies-or-cold?page=1

23https://www.webmd.com/allergies/sinus-nose-tool/allergies-or-cold?page=1

24https://www.allergyuk.org/assets/000/000/921/13013_-_Four_Seasons_Booklet_individual_pages_original.pdf

25https://www.allergyuk.org/assets/000/000/921/13013_-_Four_Seasons_Booklet_individual_pages_original.pdf

26https://www.webmd.com/allergies/sinus-nose-tool/allergies-or-cold?page=1

27https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/expert-answers/common-cold/faq-20057857

28https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/allergies-or-cold

29https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/cold-remedies/art-20046403

30https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/cold-remedies/art-20046403

31https://www.sudafed.co.uk/products/decongestant-tablets

32 https://www.sudafed.co.uk/products/decongestant-tablets

33 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/cold-remedies/art-20046403

34https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/cold-remedies/art-20046403y

35https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/allergies-or-cold

36https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/allergic-rhinitis/treatment/

37https://www.webmd.com/allergies/understanding-eye-allergies

38https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/allergies-or-cold

39https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/allergies/treatment/

40https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/allergies/treatment/

41https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/allergies-or-cold

42https://www.sudafed.co.uk/products/decongestant-tablets

43 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/allergies/treatment/

44 https://blog.hif.com.au/healthy-lifestyle/cold-or-hay-fever-how-to-spot-the-difference-and-get-the-right-treatment

45https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/decongestants-antihistamines-cold

46https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/decongestants-antihistamines-cold

47https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/decongestants-antihistamines-cold

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How To Deal With Colds & Congestion

If you do come down with an illness, there are ways you can get back to your usual self quickly, as well as preventing others from picking up the illness from you. Read through our congestion tips and advice below:

Congestion tips & Advice

  • Use Tissues

    - Always sneeze and cough into tissues, and throw away used ones immediately. Wash your hands afterwards.

  • Use Your Own Utensils

    - Stick with your own cup or mug, plates, cutlery and other kitchen utensils to minimise the risk of passing on any bacteria to another member of your family.

  • Steam

    - inhalation can help shift congestion and have you breathing more freely – simply fill a bowl with hot water, place a towel over your head and breathe deeply. Add a few drops of your favourite scented oils – eucalyptus is a great choice.

  • Gargle

    - with warm salt water – this can help relieve the symptoms of a sore throat for some time.

  • Vitamins

    - Make sure you’re getting your vitamins! Vitamin C is thought to protect the immune system, so try eating fruits and vegetables like strawberries, oranges, brussel sprouts, red and green peppers and broccoli.

  • Hydration

    - Stay hydrated and sip on green tea regularly. It’s packed full of antioxidants, which can help to stimulate your recovery.

  • Soup

    - Chicken soup is a go-to for many suffering from a cold or congestion – and for good reason! There’s some evidence to show that it could help with flu-like symptoms, as well as offering some much-needed comfort when you’re feeling under the weather.

Tips to Avoid Illness

It's sometimes possible to alleviate the symptoms of allergies such as hay fever by taking some basic precautions, such as:

  • Sunglasses

    - Wearing wraparound sunglasses to help stop pollen getting in your eyes when you're outdoors

  • Remove Pollen

    - Taking a shower and changing your clothes after being outdoors to remove the pollen on your body

  • Stay Indoors

    - Staying indoors when the pollen count is high (over 50 grains per cubic metre of air)

  • Vaseline

    - Applying a small amount of Vaseline (petroleum gel) to the nasal openings to trap pollen grains

Avoid Allergy Symptoms

You can also take precautions to boost your chances of avoiding illness altogether:

  • Wash Hands

    - Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly and regularly – particularly if you’ve come into contact with public doorknobs or handles, bathroom taps, or any kind of food.

  • Bacterial Wipes

    - Keep your most commonly-handled objects clean with an antibacterial wipe – that means your wallet, your purse, your mobile phone, your credit cards or your keys.

  • Keep Surfaces Clean

    - Clean surfaces in your home regularly to keep them free of germs and harmful bacteria. This includes your work surfaces and even your computer keyboard.

Treatment And Prevention

Treatment And Prevention

Hayfever Symptoms & Relief

Symptoms of Hay fever

Hay fever is caused by an allergic reaction to pollen, which can make the nose, eyes, throat and sinuses become swollen, irritated and inflamed. It’s a common allergy and will affect around one in five people at some point in their lifetime. More than ten million people are thought to suffer with hay fever in England alone.

When pollen levels increase, allergy congestion can make breathing through your nose difficult.

As the number one selling decongestant brand in the UK*, with a long-lasting reputation for offering effective relief from all congestion, allergy-related or not, SUDAFED has a treatment for you.

SUDAFED'S® Congestion Relief 0.1% Nasal Spray provides rapid relief from allergy congestion. Just one spray gets to work fast, and can provide lasting relief for up to 10 hours. It also moisturises the lining of the nose.

*For verification visit https://www.ccc-consumercarecenter.com/UCUConfiguration?id=a075800001645pJ

Relieve your symptoms with SUDAFED®

If you’re suffering from hay fever, congestion may occur, making it harder to breathe through your nose SUDAFED® Congestion Relief Nasal Spray helps to clear the stuffy, blocked up feeling in your nose caused by allergies like hay fever. It also contains a soothing moisturising agent to moisturise the lining of the nose.

Blocked nose at night

If you’ve suffered from a blocked nose or congestion, you’ll know that sleeping with a stuffy nose at night isn't always easy.

Your blocked nose can feel worse at night because more blood flows to it when you lie down, which can add to the nasal inflammation and congestion1.

There are a number of reasons why your blocked nose will feel worse when sleeping, making it more difficult to get a good night’s sleep. But there are also plenty of things you can try to help relieve it and improve your chances of getting the rest you need.

Find out what makes a blocked nose at night worse and how you can ease it to help you sleep.

Why is my blocked nose worse at night?

You might think your blocked nose feels worse when you’re sleeping because there are fewer distractions to stop you thinking about it. That’s partly the case, but it's not the whole story2.

These are some of the main reasons your blocked or stuffy nose at night might feel worse:

Blocked Nose Night

Increased blood flow

Lying down can increase blood flow to your upper body – including your face and nose. As more blood flows to your nose, the blood vessels in this area become more inflamed3. This is because the vessels need to expand in order to let white blood cells, proteins and other immune cells get to the infected area4.

As they expand to accommodate the blood flow, your blood vessels split, allowing water and other fluids to get inside, causing the swelling and inflammation associated with a blocked nose5.

Less mucus drainage

Lying down also makes it harder for your body to drain the excess mucus in your nose and sinuses that can cause a blocked nose6. When you're up and moving around, gravity helps pull the mucus down to your throat or out of your nose7.

As you lie in bed, or even if you start lounging on the sofa in the evening, mucus may start to pool within your nasal cavities instead of draining properly8.

Acid reflux

It's easier for your stomach acid to reach your throat and nasal passageways and cause irritations when you lie down9.

If this happens, you may also notice other symptoms like a sore throat, postnasal drip and a cough10. You might find that your symptoms are worse first thing in the morning until the reflux settles down as well11.

How to sleep with a blocked nose

Getting a good night's sleep can help your body recover from a cold or blocked nose12. But having a stuffy nose at night can sometimes make that feel like an impossible task.

That's why we've put together a few top tips to help you get some much-needed shut-eye if you’re experiencing congestion at night. 

Sudafed Blocked Nose Spray

Prop yourself up

The best position to sleep with a stuffy nose is typically on your back with your head slightly elevated13. A blocked nose at night often feels worse as your body position causes more blood to flow to your nose, increasing the swelling14.

It also means your body can't drain mucus properly15. Elevating your head with an extra pillow can help the mucus drain from your nose easier, so you can get a decent night's sleep16.

Drink warm tea before bed

Warm drinks like herbal or decaffeinated teas could help relieve your congestion and soothe inflammation in the lining of your nose and throat17.

Take a hot shower

Before heading to bed, have a hot steamy shower to help loosen some of the mucus in your nose18. Take in plenty of deep breaths of the steamy air, and you should slowly start to feel some relief in your nose19

Use a humidifier

Turning on a humidifier in your bedroom can add moisture to the air20. This may help prevent your nose from drying out and feeling sore or painful while you sleep21.

You could also try adding essential oils to help relieve the discomfort of your congestion22:

  • Peppermint oil contains soothing menthol, which can make breathing through your nose feel easier25

Be prepared

Needing to get up for tissues or water in the middle of the night is bound to disturb your sleep26. Make sure you take a glass of water, tissues and any pain relief you might need to bed with you27. Keep it by the side of your bed within easy reach when you need it. 

Wear a nose strip

You might associate nose strips with regular snorers, but they can also help relieve a stuffy nose at night. They help to open your nasal passageways, which can make breathing through your nose easier28

Cold and flu medication

Taking cold and flu medicines as part of your bedtime routine could contribute to a better night’s sleep.

Try to avoid taking 'daytime' medications that contain caffeine too late in the day.29

Decongestants

Taking an over-the-counter decongestant  can help relieve the swelling in your nose and sinuses, making it easier to breathe comfortably through your nose as you sleep30

Decongestant Tablets

When to see a doctor

The common cold is caused by a virus, so it can’t be treated with antibiotics31. Instead, it’s best to stay as hydrated as possible and get plenty of rest to help your body fight the illness32

In most cases you should only see a doctor if you:

  • Have a weakened immune system and your cold symptoms develop into flu-like symptoms33
  • Have a baby under two months old who develops signs of congestion34
  • Can’t get rid of congestion that lasts for more than two weeks35
  • Have a high fever of 39.5°C (103.1°F) or it lasts for longer than a few days36
  • Experience an asthma attack while suffering from congestion37
  • Struggle to breathe and experience symptoms including a fast heart rate, blue lips, rapid and shallow breathing, dizziness, or severe mood swings38.

Is it dangerous to sleep with a blocked nose?

Getting plenty of sleep is key to helping your body fight infections like the common cold39. Nasal congestion is rarely anything to be seriously worried about40.

So, while it may be a little uncomfortable, sleeping with a blocked nose is not only safe but essential41. Try using some of the tips we’ve suggested to help yourself sleep easier, so your body has the energy it needs to fight off the infection.

Sudafed Blocked Nose Spray

For quick relief from your blocked nose at night, try the SUDAFED® Decongestant range . With active ingredients like pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, our decongestant tablets fight nasal congestion by reducing swelling so you can breathe more easily through your nose42.

Home remedies for a cold

Having a cold is no fun. The symptoms can leave you feeling pretty miserable between the sniffling, blocked nose,¹ cough and sore throat2. While there’s no cure for the common cold, there are some home remedies that might help alleviate your cold symptoms.

Take a look at some of our tips for treating your cold at home.

10 Cold Home Remedies

1. Getting plenty of rest

Adequate rest is one of the most appropriate things to do when suffering from the common cold.3 Quality sleep is a vital part of your recovery as your body needs time to fight the cold4 . Plus, a lack of sleep may increase the risk of catching a cold or developing flu5 in the first place. Resting at home is also recommended to avoid spread of the infection to others6.

2. Keeping Warm

NHS recommends keeping warm to aid in a quicker recovery from common cold. 7

Having warm drinks like herbal or decaffeinated teas could help relieve your congestion and soothe inflammation in the lining of your nose and throat8. Placing a warm compress, heat pack, or warm face cloth over your eyes and the top of your nose could help to ease your cold symptoms9. The warmth heats your sinuses, which can help loosen the thick mucus behind your blocked nose or headache10.

Cold Home Remedies

3. Staying hydrated

Perhaps one of the easiest home remedies to try for a cold is to stay hydrated. An adequate amount of fluid is needed while sick.13 Water, juice, broth or warm lemon water with honey can help loosen congestion, reducing that stuffy feeling of a blocked nose14. It also helps to prevent dehydration. Try to avoid alcohol, coffee and other caffeinated drinks, which can make dehydration worse15.

4. Saline Nasal Solutions

There are a few different saline nasal solutions you could try:

  • Saline nasal sprays such as SUDAFED ® Natural Relief Block Nose Spray.
  • Saline nasal irrigation methods – also known as a saltwater flush. This is generally a safe procedure to do at home. You can make your own saline solution or buy one. If you are making your own, remember to use sterile, boiled, or distilled water to decrease the risk for further infection.26

When ready with your solution, start by standing with your head over a sink and tilting your head to one side and using a squeeze bottle, bulb syringe, nasal spray or neti pot, squeeze the saline solution into the upper nostril.27 Remember to breathe through your mouth and let the saline solution run through your nasal passages.28 Clear your nose and repeat the process on the other side.

Natural Relief Spray

5. Steam inhalations

Inhaling steam can help loosen up your stuffy nose16. Simply hold your head over a large bowl of hot water and breathe slowly and deeply through your nose17.

Taking a hot, steamy shower is a safe option and could also ease your symptoms18. If your cold makes you dizzy, you can get the same effect from sitting in a chair in the bathroom with the shower running or relaxing in a steamy bath19.

6. Staying Healthy

Although no specific diet or supplementation is required, it’s best to eat healthy when you are sick.29 The following are suggestions on how to keep healthy while sick with the common cold:

Chicken soup

You’ve probably heard people recommend chicken soup as a good meal choice30 when you’re feeling under the weather. Enjoying a warm bowl of this hearty soup with vegetables, either prepared from scratch or bought from the shop can aid in keeping your body warm and hydrated, which according to the NHS can help with a quicker recovery.31.

Eating more ginger

Ginger root can be used to try to provide cold relief at home. Adding a few slices or grated raw ginger root to a cup of boiling water may soothe the cough or sore throat that comes with your cold32 . Ginger can also help to reduce nausea33 which sometimes accompanies a cold.

Adding a little honey

Honey has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, so adding a small amount to warm water or tea could help ease your throat and provide a home remedy for cold symptoms34 . By soothing your throat, honey could also help you get that much-needed sleep to aid your recovery35.

Getting the right vitamins

Vitamin C supplementation may reduce the duration of colds and can be used by common cold sufferers to see if it benefits them.36 However, if you are not sure, it may be best to consult your physician or pharmacist.

Vitamin C is an essential micronutrient and can help boost your immune system, adequate intake may reduce your risk of developing colds in the future.37

Considering probiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria that support gut health. There is some evidence that it may decrease the duration of acute upper respiratory infections as well as reduce antibiotic use38. One probiotic of note is Lactobacillus casei which may be helpful for older adults39

L. casei can be found in various foods, including40

  • Yoghurt
  • Yogurt-like Fermented Milk
  • Fermented Cheeses

You can also find probiotic supplements online and in some shops 41

Eating berries

Many types of berries have antiviral properties, which means they could help in fighting cold and flu viruses42. Elderberries and cranberries may support your immune function and reduce symptoms43. Other berries contain high levels of vitamin C, which also supports your immune system44. These include45 :

  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Blackberries
  • Raspberries.

7. Blowing your nose

Blowing your nose regularly when you have a cold will help to get rid of mucus from your nasal passages. Sniffling, a common alternative, can drag mucus back into your head23. Try not to blow too hard though, as this can push phlegm into your ear passages, which can cause earache24. Our top tip for blowing your nose correctly is to press a finger over one nostril and blow gently to clear the other25 .

8. Gargling with saltwater

Gargling with warmed saltwater could help soothe sore throat.20 Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle around four times a day21. The saltwater could help by moistening your sore or scratchy throat, provide temporary relief, and prevent your infection from worsening22.

9. Sleeping with an extra pillow

Lying flat can cause mucus to pool at the back of your throat11. To prevent that from happening and affecting your sleep, try propping your head up with an extra pillow12. Find an angle that’s comfortable, so you don't wake up with neck ache.

Treat your cold symptoms with SUDAFED®

Aside from natural home remedies, our range of over-the-counter decongestants can provide effective relief from cold and flu symptoms46 . Whether you’ve got a blocked nose, sinus headache or irritated nasal passages, there’s a SUDAFED product to help.

Cold vs flu – how to tell the difference

The common cold and flu are both respiratory illnesses caused by viruses1. A key difference between cold and flu is the type of virus behind each one:

  • Influenza viruses cause flu2
  • Viruses including rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus and seasonal coronavirus cause the common cold3

Many cold and flu symptoms are the same, which can make it tricky to work out which one you’re suffering from4. Generally, flu symptoms can come on more quickly, are more severe and may lead to other health complications5.

Discover the difference between cold and flu symptoms, stages of the illnesses and how to treat them.

Cold and flu symptoms – and how to tell them apart

Many symptoms of cold and flu overlap, these can include6:

Cold Vs Flu – How To Tell The DifferenceCold Vs Flu – How To Tell The Difference Cold Vs Flu – How To Tell The Difference Cold Vs Flu – How To Tell The Difference
  • Congestion
  • A runny or stuffy nose
  • Coughing
  • Sore throat

The similarities when it comes to cold vs flu can make it difficult to identify which one you have. However, there are a few other pointers that can help.

A cold is usually a much milder respiratory illness, with different stages. Flu symptoms can be more intense and appear suddenly7.

Signs of a cold

The first signs of a cold are usually a scratchy or sore throat followed by a runny or blocked nose, congestion and cough8. Cold symptoms in adults don’t tend to include a fever but this can sometimes be the case for children9.

Other signs of a cold can include sneezing, headaches and mild tiredness as your body fights off the virus10.

The first symptoms of a cold normally appear gradually and improve after a week, with most adults recovering in around seven to 10 days11. You can catch a cold at any time of the year, although they’re usually more common in winter12.

 

Sometimes common cold and allergy symptoms can be confused due to their similarities. If your symptoms improve after a week then it may be a cold, but if they last for longer then it could be an allergic reaction13

Signs of the flu

Flu symptoms are different to those of a cold as they normally come on suddenly and all at once14. Along with a dry cough, sore throat and runny/stuffy nose, flu symptoms can include15:

  • Fever or feverish chills
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Severe tiredness
  • Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea (more common in children)
  • Loss of appetite

Most people who have the flu start to recover within a few days, but symptoms can last for up to two weeks16.

If you develop further symptoms, such as breathing difficulties, dizziness and confusion, or persistent chest pain – and normal flu symptoms don’t ease – it could be a sign of flu complications17. If this happens, you should contact a doctor.

Cold or flu symptom checker

Colds and flu have lots of similarities. Use the cold or flu symptom checker below to identify your illness18:

Symptom Cold Flu
Fever Rare Usual – 3 to 4 days
Headache Uncommon Common
Sore throat Common Sometimes
Sneezing Usual Sometimes
Fatigue Sometimes Usual – can last up to 3 weeks
Body aches and pains Sometimes Usual
Runny, stuffy nose Common Sometimes

Stages of a cold

Cold Vs Flu – How To Tell The Difference

Early symptoms of a cold normally start to appear between one and three days after your exposure to the virus that causes it19.

Symptoms of a head cold can vary depending on the specific virus and how your body reacts. However, the general stages of a cold may go as follows20:

  • Day 1 – The first symptoms of a cold are often a tickly or scratchy throat, which can develop into a sore throat21.
  • Day 2 – After a tickly throat you may start to notice signs of congestion, with a runny, stuffy nose as the virus impacts your respiratory system22. You might feel body aches and fatigue as your immune system reacts to the virus.
  • Day 3 – Nasal symptoms – including postnasal drip – can continue to develop, which may lead to a cough.
  • Day 4 – The virus will usually be at its peak three or four days in, which can lead to a mild fever in some instances as your body works to eradicate the viral intruder23. Not everyone who has a cold will experience this though.
  • Day 5 – Mucus from a runny nose may get thicker, with a green/yellow tinge as your immune system produces more white blood cells to fight the virus24. This will likely clear up in a day or two.
  • Day 6 – Your symptoms may start to ease around now, as most people have a cold for between seven and 10 days on average25.
  • Day 7 – A week on from the early symptoms of a cold appearing, you should feel some improvement, even if it hasn’t fully cleared up.

 

If your cold symptoms don’t improve after 3 weeks, or suddenly get worse you should contact a doctor26. However, some people experience a post-infectious cough after a cold than can last up to 18 days – even if all your other symptoms have gone27

Stages of flu

Cold Vs Flu – How To Tell The Difference

Flu symptoms usually begin between one and four days after being exposed to the virus28. The main difference is that even though you can experience some cold-like symptoms, they often come on suddenly and together.

The exact symptoms of flu, how severe they are and how long they last can differ from person to person, but the cycle usually progresses in a similar way29.

Common stages of the flu can include:

  • Day 1 – Flu symptoms can affect you quickly. You might wake up and feel ok but within a few hours you may experience common early flu symptoms including head and body aches, a high fever, chills and tiredness30.
  • Day 2 – All the initial flu symptoms will likely feel worse on the second day. You may also experience congestion and coughing31.
  • Day 3 – Around three days in, most of your flu symptoms will be at their peak, especially any congestion and body aches. Staying in bed to get plenty of rest and drinking lots of fluids may help you recuperate. 
  • Day 4 – By the fourth day your fever might have broken, so you could feel a bit better. Body aches and congestion may ease, though your flu cough could get worse32.
  • Day 5 – If you’re not feeling better by the fifth day of the flu or your symptoms feel more severe, you should consider calling a doctor as it could be a sign of something else. 
  • Day 6 – You may be free from fever by day six and find breathing easier, though still feel tired from the illness.
  • Day 7 – After a week you should be well on the way to recovery, though you might still have a lingering flu cough and some tiredness33.

You should be fever-free after a week or so, but if it returns it could be a sign of a second infection. While the flu could be gone, some symptoms like a dry cough, weakness and fatigue may be around for a few more weeks34.

Treatment for cold and flu

Most people who suffer from a cold or flu recover without treatment within two weeks – but there are things you can try to relieve your symptoms35.

As colds and flu are both respiratory viral infections, some of the same treatments may help ease your cold or flu symptoms. However, antibiotics aren’t effective at treating either36.

Cold Vs Flu – How To Tell The Difference

Some common treatments you can try to treat both symptoms of cold and flu include37:

  • Drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
  • Getting plenty of rest to counter tiredness.
  • Avoiding smoking to speed up recovery and prevent complications38.

However, specific treatments may be more effective when you’ve identified if you have a cold or the flu.  

How to treat a cold

Alongside drinking plenty of water and resting, there are a few other things you can try to treat a cold, such as39:

 

If you use painkillers and cough or cold medicine, check the ingredients to avoid taking more than the daily recommended dose of paracetamol and/or ibuprofen40.

How to treat the flu

Drinking fluids and resting can aid recovery from the flu, while you can try a few other things to control and soothe your symptoms, such as41:

  • Using over-the-counter pain relief to treat aches and pains42.
  • Trying decongestants to relieve a blocked, stuffy nose.
  • Taking any antiviral medication prescribed by a doctor – which can shorten the duration and prevent complications43.
  • Using a humidifier to help ease congestion and coughs44.

When to see a doctor

If it’s been seven to 10 days and your symptoms haven’t started to improve, you should call a doctor as it could be a sign of another illness.

You should also see a doctor if you experience any of these severe symptoms with a cold or flu45:

  • An ongoing fever.
  • Persistent coughing.
  • Painful swallowing.
  • Constant congestion and headaches.

These could all be early signs of another bacterial infection e.g. strep throat, bronchitis, asthma or sinusitis, which may require specialist medical diagnosis and treatment46.

Frequently asked questions

Common Cold: Symptoms & Treatment | SUDAFED®

As its name suggests, the common cold is an extremely common infection. Every year, adults usually experience two to three colds, with that number being even higher in children.

Common cold symptoms can include, but aren’t limited to:

  • Coughing and sneezing
  • A sore throat
  • A runny, stuffy, or blocked nose
  • Headaches
  • A temperature

There’s rarely a reason to worry. Most common cold symptoms can be treated at home and should pass within two weeks without needing to see a GP.

In this guide, we’ll look at the causes and symptoms of the common cold, as well as advice on how to treat and prevent it.

What is the common cold?

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Sudafed Congestion Symptom Checker

The common cold is a contagious respiratory illness, caused by over 200 different types of viral infections. On average, adults experience around two to three colds per year, with children suffering as many as five to eight.

While people tend to recover from a cold within one to two weeks without needing to see a GP, they can last longer and may require a visit to the GP if symptoms persist or suddenly worsen. While usually non-threatening, symptoms of the common cold can include congestion, sneezing, sore throats and coughing and can be uncomfortable.

What causes the common cold?

While the common cold is caused by a variety of viral infections, the most prolific are rhinoviruses, parainfluenza, and seasonal coronaviruses (not to be confused with COVID-19). The virus can be passed on by direct contact with an infected person or by touching contaminated surfaces. Droplets can also be distributed by an infected person’s coughs or sneeze, which can cause infection to those in their vicinity.

Here are some of the most notable viral infections that can lead to the common cold:

  • Rhinovirus – the most likely cause of your common cold, this virus accounts for up to 40% of all colds. Infection rates from Rhinovirus peak in late autumn, early spring, though colds in the summer months are likely to be attributed to other viruses.
  • Parainfluenza and RSV – are responsible for approximately 20% of colds. These also have the potential to lead to more severe infection in younger children.
  • Seasonal coronaviruses – these infections are most common in the winter and early spring and are thought to be responsible for roughly 20% of cases of the common cold.
  • Unknown viruses – 20-30% of adult colds have an unknown cause but are presumed to be due to unidentified viruses.

While the common cold is more likely to occur in winter months, there’s no generally accepted explanation for its seasonality.

In fact, there are many myths that have been disproven relating to the common cold. For example, there’s no evidence to suggest common colds are linked to getting cold or wet. Other than infection from another person, the few known increased risk factors are stress, or allergies that affect the throat and nose.

Common cold symptoms

A common cold’s symptoms can vary, but they typically affect the nose, throat, sinuses, and upper airways. Head colds in particular are felt in the head or sinuses, while chest colds bring on symptoms of congestion and coughs.

While common cold symptoms usually only last around10 days or less, they can be prolonged in children. Those under five years old may suffer for 10 to 14 days.

Common cold symptoms often include:

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Sudafed Congestion Symptom Checker
  • Runny or blocked nose
  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Sore throat
  • Hoarse voice
  • Pressure in face and ears
  • Loss of smell and taste
  • Feeling generally unwell.

While more serious symptoms may present themselves – such as headaches, a high fever, or muscle aches – they may be indicative of the flu rather than a cold.

The incubation period for the common cold is active a few days before your common cold symptoms appear and you’ll remain infectious until they disappear. This means most people are infectious for around two weeks. Symptoms tend to be more pronounced in the first two to three days, which is when you’re most likely to spread the virus.

Common cold treatment and prevention

While common cold treatments exist, prevention is the best approach. There are plenty of ways to lower the risk of infection, such as washing your hands regularly, not sharing items with someone who is ill, not touching your nose or eyes, and generally staying fit and healthy.

There’s no cure for the common cold, but there are treatments available to soothe your symptoms and aid your recovery. In most cases, even if you become sick, you shouldn’t need to see a GP and instead could try:

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Sudafed Congestion Symptom Checker

  • Getting plenty of rest
  • Drinking a lot of fluids
  • Gargling salt water to soothe your sore throat
  • Staying home and minimising contact with others
  • Regularly washing your hands
  • Using tissues when you cough or sneeze to contain germs and dispose of them quickly.

Over the counter medication is also available, which can help to alleviate common cold symptoms. You could consider:

Antibiotics aren’t recommended for common colds, as they’re not effective in treating viruses, so won’t help alleviate your symptoms or aid your recovery.

When to see a doctor

While most colds aren’t serious, there may be instances where you should contact your GP. These include:

  • If your symptoms suddenly worsen, or you still have symptoms after three weeks
  • You have a high temperature or feel hot and shivery
  • You develop a shortness of breath or chest pains
  • You suffer with a long-term medical condition or weakened immune system
  • You’re concerned about your child’s common cold symptoms.

Hay fever symptoms and treatment

Hay fever, sometimes known as allergic rhinitis, is a common condition that causes your immune system to react to pollen1, which can be irritating if you enjoy spending the warmer months outside. Hay fever symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of a common cold2. They can include:

  • Sneezing
  • Congestion
  • Runny nose

Most people with hay fever notice symptoms during the spring and summer months, from late March to September3. The exact timing will depend on which type, or types, of pollen you're allergic to4.

Because of its similarity to the common cold, congestion associated with hay fever can be managed with over-the-counter decongestants5.

In this article, we look at what causes hay fever, common hay fever symptoms, potential treatments and more.

What is hay fever?

Hay fever, the common name for allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction to pollen that affects one in five people at some point in their lives. In fact, there are an estimated 10 million people with hay fever in the UK6.

The reaction can cause inflammation and irritation in the nose, which contributes to several of the main symptoms of hay fever7. Usually, treatments can reduce the intensity of symptoms8, but if left untreated symptoms can become long-term9.

Hay fever affects people of all ages and can develop at any stage of life, from childhood to teenage years and even into adulthood10. However, it’s more common for the condition to develop in childhood and it affects more boys than girls11.

What causes hay fever?

Hay fever is caused by an allergy to different types of pollen12. An allergic reaction is when your immune system mistakes a harmless substance, known as an allergen, for a harmful one13. With hay fever, the allergen is pollen14.

When this happens, your immune system will start to produce and release antibodies15. The antibodies then cause your blood vessels to widen and trigger the release of histamines to fight the allergen16. This causes the familiar sniffling, runny nose and itchy eyes that you associate with hay fever17.

Sudafed Blocked Nose Spray

There are around 30 different types of pollen that can cause hay fever and you may find you react to just one or several18. The most common types of pollen that cause an allergic reaction include:

  •  Tree pollen – affects around 25% of hay fever sufferers in the UK19
  •  Grass pollen – affecting 90% of hay fever sufferers in the UK20
  •  Weed pollen – less common than tree or grass allergies21

Within each of these categories, there are several different pollen species which could cause a reaction. So having a tree allergy doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll react to every type of tree. Several factors can increase your risk of developing hay fever. These include:

  •  Having asthma
  •  A family history of hay fever
  • An existing allergic condition, such as eczema
  • Exposure to pollution, tobacco smoke and diesel exhaust particles during childhood22.

Hay fever symptoms

The primary symptoms of hay fever are usually the same in every case. These can include sneezing, itchy eyes and a blocked or runny nose23.

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Hay fever symptoms and treatment

Frequent sneezing

One of the most common and recognisable signs of hay fever, sneezing is your immune system's way of trying to push the pollen out of your body24.

Runny or blocked nose

The histamine produced by your immune response to pollen can cause your nasal passages to become inflamed, triggering excess mucus production, causing a blocked or runny nose25.

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Sudafed Congestion Symptom Checker

Itchy, red or watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)

If our eyes come into contact with pollen, they may start to water as a way of flushing the allergen out26. The itchiness and redness are typically caused by your immune response trying to fight off the allergen27.

An itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears

Any itchiness in your throat, mouth, nose and ears is likely to be a result of the histamines produced by your immune response reacting to pollen28.

 

 

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Hay fever symptoms and treatment

Cough

A hay fever cough can develop because of a postnasal drip. This is where excess mucus produced by your immune response drips down your throat from the back of the nose29.

Loss of your sense of smell (anosmia)

Your allergic reaction to pollen may can irritate the mucous membranes inside your nose which can impact your ability to smell and taste30.

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Hay fever symptoms and treatment

Facial pain

Some people find that their hay fever blocks their sinuses, this is known as sinusitis31. Sinuses are small chambers and passages in your head which can cause facial pain when blocked32.

Earache

Because your sinuses are close to your ears, they can cause earache when swollen33.

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Sudafed Congestion Symptom Checker

Hay fever headache

Allergies like hay fever can sometimes cause one of two different types of headache:

  • Sinus headache
  • Migraine34

A hay fever headache will usually develop around the areas above your sinuses35. That's around your cheekbones, eyes, the bridge of your nose and your forehead36. You might also experience pain in one side of your head, nausea and sensitivity to light if your allergies trigger a migraine37.

 

 

 

Tiredness and fatigue

When your hay fever is bad, you may find your stuffy nose makes it harder to sleep38. Plus, an allergic reaction also causes your body to produce certain chemicals, making you feel tired39.

Hay fever or cold?

While hay fever symptoms are like those of the common cold40, there are some key differences between the two conditions.

The main difference between the two conditions is that a cold will usually cause a fever and body aches, while hay fever only tends to affect the head area41. Find out more about how to spot the differences between hay fever and a cold.

When to see a doctor

You can usually manage your hay fever by speaking to a pharmacist and taking their recommendations for over-the-counter allergy relief42.

When is hay fever season?

Hay fever season typically falls between late March and September44. This is because pollen counts are usually at their highest at this time of year. The warmer, more humid weather can also contribute to a rise in hay fever.

The specific time your hay fever will be at its worst will typically depend on which pollens you're allergic to45.

  • Tree pollen is typically at its peak from late March to mid-May46
  • Grass pollen levels are usually highest from mid-May to July47
  • Weed pollen tends to peak at the end of June through to September48.
Hay Fever Symptoms And Treatment

Hay fever treatment

Hay fever doesn't have to get in the way of you enjoying the warm weather during spring and summer. There are plenty of ways you can minimise the impact of your pollen allergy and reduce your symptoms. Here are our top 10 tips to help you manage your hayfever symptoms.

1. Vaseline

  • Putting Vaseline around the rim of your nostrils can help trap pollen and stop it from entering your nose49.

2. Pick the right sunglasses

  • Wraparound sunglasses protect your eyes from pollen, reducing the risk of them becoming itchy, red or watery50.

3. Change your clothes

  • If you've been outside for a while, change your clothes as soon as you get home and shower to wash away any pollen spores51.

4. Dry your clothes inside

  • Being able to hang your washing outside might be a nice bonus to some people during the warmer weather, but it increases the risk of pollen sticking to the fibres of your clothes. Dry your clothes inside to keep them clean and reduce the risk of a reaction53.

5. Stay inside

  • If you can, stay inside as much as possible and keep windows and doors shut where you can54.

6. Spring clean

  • Keep your home pollen-free by regularly vacuuming and dusting surfaces with a damp cloth55.

7. Stop smoking

  • Smoking or being around cigarette smoke can make your allergy symptoms worse, so it’s best avoided56.

8. Use a pollen filter

  • You can buy a pollen filter for your car's air vents to keep your air conditioning system pollen-free56.

9. Avoid fresh flowers

  • They might look lovely but having fresh flowers about the house could trigger hay fever symptoms57.

Allergy nasal sprays

Using a hay fever nasal spray can help to relieve a number of your allergy symptoms including a blocked or runny nose. Our nasal sprays containing the active ingredient xylometazoline, such as SUDAFED® Blocked Nose Spray, provide rapid relief from nasal congestion. Alternatively, SUDAFED® Natural Relief Blocked Nose Spray, a preservative-free isotonic saline solution, can be used to provide natural congestion relief and wash away allergens from the nose.

SUDAFED® is the most popular decongestant brand on the market and has been pioneering clinically proven over-the-counter congestion treatments for over 30 years58.

sudafed-2-products-v2.png

Sudafed Congestion Symptom Checker

Frequently asked questions

QA Text: 
QA Question: 

How can I relieve hay fever?

There are a few ways to help minimise your symptoms. Staying inside and reducing your contact with pollen is one option59. But if you want go outdoors, you could try rubbing Vaseline around your nostrils to catch some of the pollen60.

You can also try SUDAFED® Natural Relief Blocked Nose Spray to help wash away allergens from your nose or an over-the-counter decongestant to help relieve a blocked or stuffy nose.

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QA Question: 

Can hay fever cause a cough?

Yes, it can sometimes. The excess mucus produced by your immune response to pollen can cause a postnasal drip61. This is where mucus drops from your nose down the back of your throat and can cause a hay fever cough62.

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QA Question: 

What are hay fever symptoms?

The most common symptoms of hay fever include:

  • Sneezing
  • A blocked or runny nose
  • Itchy, red or watery eyes
  • Fatigue
  • Sinus pain63
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QA Question: 

Can you suddenly get hay fever?

Most people develop hay fever in childhood or their early teens, but it is possible to develop the condition later in adulthood64.

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QA Question: 

What triggers hay fever?

Hay fever is triggered by your immune response reacting to pollen spores. It is an allergic reaction triggered by your body mistaking harmless pollen for a dangerous substance, causing your immune response to spring into action to protect you65.

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QA Question: 

Is hay fever worse at night?

If your hay fever is causing a blocked nose, you might notice your symptoms become worse at night66. This is because it’s harder for your nose to drain when you're lying down67. Plus, pollen levels are usually at their highest in the early evening and the morning, which can make your symptoms worse68.

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QA Question: 

References

1 https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/immune-system/hay-fever#about-hay-fever

2 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160665

3 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/

4 https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/immune-system/hay-fever#causes-of-hay-fever

5 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/

6 https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/immune-system/hay-fever#about-hay-fever

7 https://www.healthline.com/health/hay-fever-symptoms

8 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160665

9 https://www.healthline.com/health/hay-fever-symptoms

10 https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/immune-system/hay-fever#about-hay-fever

11 https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/immune-system/hay-fever#about-hay-fever

12 https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/immune-system/hay-fever#causes-of-hay-fever

13https://www.healthline.com/health/hay-fever-symptoms

14https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/immune-system/hay-fever#causes-of-hay-fever

15https://www.healthline.com/health/hay-fever-symptoms

16https://www.healthline.com/health/hay-fever-symptoms

17https://www.healthline.com/health/hay-fever-symptoms

18https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/immune-system/hay-fever#causes-of-hay-fever

19https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/immune-system/hay-fever#causes-of-hay-fever

20https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/immune-system/hay-fever#causes-of-hay-fever

21https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/immune-system/hay-fever#causes-of-hay-fever

22https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/immune-system/hay-fever#causes-of-hay-fever

23https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/

24https://www.zyrtec.com/allergy-guide/understanding-allergies/types/why-pollen-causes- sneezing

25https://www.healthline.com/health/hay-fever-symptoms

26https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/news/hay- fever

27https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/news/hay- fever

28https://www.priyabansal.com/anosmia.php

29https://www.healthline.com/health/hay-fever-symptoms

30https://www.priyabansal.com/anosmia.php

31https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/immune-system/hay-fever#about-hay-fever

32https://www.webmd.com/allergies/picture-of-the-sinuses

33 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/allergies-ear-pain

34https://acaai.org/allergies/symptoms/allergy-headaches

35https://acaai.org/allergies/symptoms/allergy-headaches

36https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/sinus-cavities#:~:text=There%20are%20four%20pairs%20of,your%20nose%2C%20near%20your%20eyes.

37https://acaai.org/allergies/symptoms/allergy-headaches.

38https://www.healthline.com/health/can-allergies-make-you-tired#:~:text=How%20do%20allergies%20cause%20fatigue,cause%20you%20to%20feel%20tired

39https://www.healthline.com/health/can-allergies-make-you-tired#:~:text=How%20do%20allergies%20cause%20fatigue,cause%20you%20to%20feel%20tired

40https://www.healthline.com/health/hay-fever-symptoms

41https://www.healthline.com/health/hay-fever-symptoms

42https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/

43https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/

44https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/

45https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/immune-system/hay-fever#causes-of-hay-fever

46https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/immune-system/hay-fever#causes-of-hay-fever

47https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/immune-system/hay-fever#causes-of-hay-fever

48 https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/immune-system/hay-fever#causes-of-hay-fever

49https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/

50 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/

51https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/

52https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/

53https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/

54https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/

55https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/

56https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/

57https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/

58https://www.sudafed.co.uk/about-us

59https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/

60https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/

61https://www.verywellhealth.com/is-post-nasal-drip-caused-by-allergies-83154#:~:text=Post%20nasal%20drip%20may%20be,and%20a%20runny%2C%20itchy%20nose.

62https://www.verywellhealth.com/is-post-nasal-drip-caused-by-allergies-83154#:~:text=Post%20nasal%20drip%20may%20be,and%20a%20runny%2C%20itchy%20nose.

63https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/

64https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/immune-system/hay-fever#about-hay-fever

65https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160665#what-is-hay-fever

66https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327263#:~:text=Congestion%20tends%20to%20be%20worse,the%20sinuses%20drain%20more%20easily.

67https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327263#:~:text=Congestion%20tends%20to%20be%20worse,the%20sinuses%20drain%20more%20easily.

68https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1272842/hayfever-symptoms-why-is-hay-fever-worse-at-night-tips

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Types of headache and treatment

Headache pain can be uncomfortable and affect your day, can last between 30 minutes and a few hours1. In most cases, headaches go away on their own and aren’t a sign of anything more serious – but you may want to get some relief from the symptoms2.

There can be different causes of a headache. Identifying the location and type of headache you’re suffering from can help you work out what might be the best way to help relieve your symptoms3.

If your headache is caused by sinus or head congestion, there are various treatments you can try to help soothe your symptoms4.

Learn more about the different things you can do to help get rid of a headache, along with the potential causes and symptoms.

Causes of a sinus headache

Our bodies have four pairs of sinuses in the skull and face bones that form part of the nose and respiratory system5. Air flows through these empty cavities when you breathe. They also produce mucus to moisten them, which helps remove unwanted bacteria6.

When the linings of these sinuses become inflamed and swell – often because of an irritant or infection – it can cause congestion. This is because more mucus is being produced but it can’t drain properly7

This can be one of the main causes of a sinus headache as it creates a build-up of pressure in your sinuses – often behind the cheeks, eyes and forehead8. You might experience a headache on either side of your head or anywhere in a sinus area9.

Congestion can be one of the main sinus headache causes. In turn, this congestion may be caused by10:

Symptoms of a sinus headache

The most common symptoms of a sinus headache include1112:

  • Deep and ongoing pain in your cheekbones, forehead, or the bridge of your nose
  • Headache pain and pressure that gets worse when you lean forward, lie down, strain or move your head suddenly
  • Nasal discharge that’s green or yellow.

You might also experience some other sinus issues, which could indicate that it’s a sinus headache. These can include1314:

  • Feeling fatigued
  • Aching in your top jaw
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Fever
  • Redness and swelling of your cheeks, nose or forehead.

There can be some overlap between the symptoms of a sinus headache and those of a migraine or tension headache15. As the best treatment for a headache differs depending on the type, it’s important to work out whether sinuses are the cause or if it’s something else.

When sinusitis or another type of infection is the cause of your headache, you’re more likely to experience a fever as one of the symptoms16. With a tension headache, this is less likely.  

Sudafed Blocked Nose Spray

However, if you experience any of the below with your headache, then it could be a sign that it’s a migraine and not a sinus headache17:

  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Increased sensitivity to light.

Treatment for a sinus headache

The cause of your sinus headache can help you work out what might be the most appropriate treatment. The aim is usually to treat the underlying infection that’s responsible for your inflamed sinuses18.

If your headache is caused by sinusitis, a few ways to try and treat it could include19:

  • Drinking lots of fluids
  • Having plenty of rest
  • Taking over-the-counter medication.

Where an allergic reaction is the cause, treatment for a sinus headache may include taking preventative allergy medication prescribed by a doctor and avoiding any triggers20.

To soothe your symptoms, some decongestants can work to provide pain relief and ease congestion at the same, helping to treat a sinus headache: 

Headache And Treatment

Sudafed Capsules

Headache And Treatment

A few home remedies could also help, such as21:

  • Running a humidifier to moisten the air at home and encourage decongestion
  • Breathing in steam or applying a warm flannel to sinus areas to promote drainage and relieve pressure
  • Using a saline solution or saltwater nasal spray to cleanse the area.

Learn more about home remedies here.7

Causes of head congestion

Head congestion can also cause a headache. The feeling of fullness and pressure can lead to pain and discomfort22. Congestion is a common symptom of having a head cold or flu , which are two of the main causes of a headache23.

When you catch a head cold  your body is infected by a virus that attacks the lining of your nose or throat24. While your body creates more white blood cells to fight it off, the virus can cause nasal swelling and extra mucus production, resulting in inflamed sinuses, mucus build-up and congestion25.

This head congestion can create pressure behind your eyes and face, causing a headache and pain in your forehead26.

It’s similar when you catch flu, although in this case a different type of virus – the influenza virus – is responsible for nasal swelling, congestion and causing a headache27.

Other possible causes of head congestion can include28:

  • Sinus infection – Sinusitis and sinus infections usually cause a sinus headache, but some may result in head congestion. 
  • Air pollution – Irritants in polluted air can affect sensitive nasal passages, causing their linings to become inflamed and resulting in congestion and headaches.

Symptoms of headaches caused by head congestion

Headache And Treatment

The main symptoms of a headache brought on by head congestion are similar to those of a sinus headache and other types of headache. You may experience a sharp or dull pain that comes on suddenly or gradually and affects one or both sides of your head29.

Other associated symptoms of a headache caused by head congestion can include30:

  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Tingling, scratchy or sore throat
  • Tiredness and fatigue
  • Body aches
  • Coughing.

The fact head congestion and sinus headaches have similar symptoms can make it tricky to pinpoint the exact cause of your headache. However, the main difference is how long your symptoms may last31.

Symptoms of sinus congestion can last up to four weeks, whereas head congestion and its symptoms such as a headache caused by a cold should clear up within seven to 10 days32.

If you experience any of the following symptoms you should speak to your doctor as it could be a sign of a migraine or cluster headache33:

  • Throbbing pain at the front or side of your head
  • Feeling or being sick and finding light or noise painful
  • The headache keeps returning
  • Painkillers have no effect.

Treatment for headaches caused by head congestion

There are a few things you can try to stop a headache from getting worse when you’re congested, such as34:

  • Drinking plenty of water
  • Relaxing and getting lots of rest
  • Avoiding alcohol
  • Taking painkillers
  • Staying away from screens and straining your eyes.

However, to treat a headache caused by head congestion, it might help to soothe the source. Decongestants work to reduce inflamed sinuses and the pressure build-up behind head congestion headaches35.

Along with an active decongestant ingredient to make breathing easier and help clear nasal passages, many SUDAFED® products contain other ingredients that can help ease pain and other symptoms associated with your headache36.

Learn more about how decongestants work to help ease congestion and associated headaches.

What is catarrh and how to get rid of it

Catarrh is a build-up of mucus in an airway or cavity in your body, such as the sinuses, nose and throat1. It’s often temporary and can be caused by a cold, infection, nasal polyps, hay fever and other allergies2

Post nasal drip is commonly associated with catarrh. This is when excess mucus drips from the back of the nose into the throat. The two have similar symptoms, causes and treatments3

Catarrh isn’t harmful, but it can be irritating if mucus in your throat won’t go away and you’re constantly trying to clear it4. Decongestants and other treatments can help provide relief from these uncomfortable symptoms5.

Learn more about what catarrh is, its causes, symptoms and treatments.

Symptoms of catarrh and post nasal drip

Catarrh and post nasal drip symptoms can be annoying and uncomfortable to live with, as you may feel like there’s mucus in your throat that won’t go away.

Constant throat clearing to try and get rid of this is a common sign of catarrh and post nasal drip6. This may result in a persistent cough, which can get worse at night, affecting your sleep and making you feel tired7

Depending on where the mucus builds up, it may also lead to an ear or sinus infection8.

Some other common catarrh symptoms can include9:

  • A blocked, stuffy and/or runny nose.
  • Headache and/or pains in your face.
  • It feels like mucus is stuck in your throat and running down the back.
  • A reduced sense of smell and taste.
  • Temporary hearing loss and a crackling in your ear.
  • Sore, scratchy throat with a hoarse voice10.

While some of these symptoms can overlap with other conditions, if it feels like mucus is stuck in your throat, nose and chest  and you don’t have any other signs of a common cold or allergies, it may be due to catarrh or post nasal drip.

Post nasal drip

Post nasal drip and catarrh are closely linked, with many of the same symptoms and treatments. In some cases, the terms are used interchangeably. But there is a difference – mainly that catarrh can affect airways and cavities other than your nose and throat (such as your ears)11

What is post nasal drip?

Post nasal drip is when your body produces thicker mucus than normal or more of it, and you can notice it running down the back of your nose and into your throat12.

Mucus production is perfectly healthy, as the glands in your nose, throat and airways produce it to moisten these areas and get rid of bacteria and viruses before they can cause an infection13.

Normally, a small amount of mucus mixed with saliva drips down your throat and you swallow it without realising14. But if you feel like you have constant phlegm in your throat, then it may be a sign of post nasal drip.

 

Symptoms of post nasal drip can include15:

  • Constantly clearing your throat of mucus.
  • Coughing that won’t go away and gets worse at night.
  • A hoarse, sore and scratchy throat.
  • Bad breath.
  • Nausea from excess mucus.

 

What causes post nasal drip?

The causes of post nasal drip are similar to those of catarrh. These include allergies, a viral infection (such as a cold or flu) and sinus infections16. Certain foods, cold temperatures, weather changes and dry air can also trigger it.

Sometimes excess mucus isn’t the cause of post nasal drip. It can also be because throat or nose can’t drain and clear regular mucus production properly. This could be due to a deviated septum, problems swallowing or gastric reflux17.

 

Catarrh and post nasal drip treatment

In many cases, catarrh and post nasal drip should pass in a few days or weeks when the underlying cause or condition starts to clear up18.

However, the symptoms may still be uncomfortable and tiring – whether it’s trying to clear the constant phlegm in your throat or the irritation of a blocked nose. There are a few things you can try to soothe and relieve many of these symptoms while waiting for the condition that’s causing your catarrh to clear up.

Sudafed Blocked Nose Spray

As the symptoms of post nasal drip and catarrh are similar, many of the same treatments can help to ease them. Some potential treatments include19:

  • Avoiding triggers for your catarrh and post nasal drip symptoms – such as allergens and smoky environments.
  • Sipping cold water rather than coughing, as throat clearing could make symptoms worse.
  • Using a saline nasal rinse, such as SUDAFED® Natural Relief Spray, a few times each day – or creating your own by putting half a teaspoon of salt in a pint of boiling water, then leaving to cool before rinsing your nose with it.
  • Staying away from warm, dry atmospheres where possible – such as rooms with air conditioning or close to car heaters.
  • Placing plants or bowls of water in warm, dry rooms where you spend a lot of time to increase the humidity.
  • Keeping well hydrated throughout the day. 

If you experience chronic catarrh that lasts for a few months or longer, or it becomes hard to live with, then speak to your GP20. They may identify an underlying cause, such as nasal polyps or allergies, and refer you for specialist treatment21.  

You should also seek medical attention if your catarrh or post nasal drip symptoms include22:

  • A high fever.
  • Mucus that contains blood or has a foul smell.
  • Wheezing and shortness of breath.

What causes catarrh and post nasal drip?

The main catarrh causes are triggered by your immune system reacting to an infection or irritant23. This can lead to the lining of your nose and throat swelling up and producing excess mucus that drips down the back of your throat.

Woman Sneezing

Common triggers and causes of post nasal drip and catarrh can include:

There are also other potential causes of post nasal drip and catarrh that aren’t related to infections or allergies. These may include24:

  • Hormone changes during puberty, pregnancy or from using oral contraceptives.
  • Environmental factors such as weather changes, being surrounded by smoke, fumes, smog and pollution.
  • Problems with nasal structure such as a deviated septum, which can cause problems with mucus drainage.
  • Certain spicy foods that increase mucus production.

The exact causes of chronic catarrh aren’t clear. Medical experts don’t believe they’re related to allergies or infection, instead it could be due to an increased sensitivity to mucus or if it travels abnormally within the nose25.

Foods that may cause catarrh

When we eat, our bodies produce saliva to help us chew, swallow and digest food26. Producing mucus is also a sign your body’s working as it should. It normally mixes with saliva to drip down your throat without being noticed.

However, research has linked eating some foods with excess or thick mucus which may cause catarrh and post nasal drip27. Spicy foods in particular could increase mucus production and lead to symptoms of catarrh28

Eating foods that you’re allergic to could be one reason for producing more mucus than usual29. It’s the same for certain ingredients, even if you’re not allergic to them.

Sudafed Food Bag

Research has shown foods that cause catarrh can include30:

  • Dairy products – milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, butter and eggs.
  • Breads, pasta and cereal.
  • Fruit and vegetables – bananas, cabbage, potatoes.
  • Corn and corn products.
  • Soy products.
  • Sweets and desserts.
  • Drinks – tea, coffee, soda and alcoholic beverages.
  • Red meat.

Just as there are foods that are thought to cause catarrh, there are also various foods and drinks that could help reduce your mucus production31.

Whether you want to prevent catarrh coming on or cut your mucus production to relieve symptoms, these foods may help32:

  • Fish – salmon, tuna, sardines and flounder.
  • Fruits – grapefruit, pineapple, lemon, pumpkin (and pumpkin seeds).
  • Roots – celery, ginger, onion and garlic.
  • Watercress.
  • Pickles.
  • Honey or agar.
  • Cayenne pepper.
  • Chamomile.
  • Olive oil.
  • Broth.
  • Decaffeinated tea

Frequently asked questions

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We also disclose information collected through the Service:

  • to our affiliates for the purposes described in this Privacy Policy. A list of our affiliates is available at  https://investors.kenvue.com/financials-reports/sec-filings/default.aspx. Johnson & Johnson Limited is the party responsible for the management of the jointly-used Personal Information;
  • to our third party partners with whom we offer a co-branded or co-marketed promotion;
  • to our third party service providers who provide services such as website hosting and moderating, mobile application hosting, data analysis, payment processing, order fulfilment, infrastructure provision, IT services, customer service, e-mail and direct mail delivery services, auditing, and other services, in order to enable them to provide services; and
  • as permitted by applicable law, to a third party in the event of any reorganization, merger, sale, joint venture, assignment, transfer, or other disposition of all or any portion of our business, assets, or stock (including in connection with any bankruptcy or similar proceedings).

In addition, we may use and disclose your information as we believe to be necessary or appropriate: (a) to comply with legal process or applicable law, which may include laws outside your country of residence; (b) as permitted by applicable law to respond to requests from public and government authorities, which may include authorities outside your country of residence; (c) to enforce our terms and conditions; and (d) to protect our rights, privacy, safety, or property, and/or that of our affiliates, you, or others. We may also use and disclose your information in other ways, after obtaining your consent to do so.

We may use and disclose information we collect automatically as described above, under “Automatic Information Collection and Use.” In addition, where allowed by applicable law, we may use and disclose information that is not in personally identifiable form for any purpose. If we combine information that is not in personally identifiable form with information that is identifiable (such as combining your name with your geographical location), we will treat the combined information as personal information as long as it is combined.

CHOICES AND ACCESS

Your choices regarding our use and disclosure of your personal information.

We give you choices regarding our use and disclosure of your personal information for marketing purposes. You may opt out from:

  • Receiving marketing communications from us: If you no longer want to receive marketing communications from us on a going-forward basis, you may opt out of receiving them by contacting us. In your request to us, please provide your name, identify the form(s) of marketing communications that you no longer wish to receive, and include the address(es) to which it/they are sent. For example, if you no longer wish to receive marketing e-mails or direct mail from us, tell us that, and provide your name and e-mail or postal address. You may also opt out of receiving marketing communications from us by visiting the Service to update your online profile. In addition, you may opt out of receiving marketing e-mails from us by following the unsubscribe instructions provided in any message.
  • Our sharing of your personal information with affiliates and third-party partners: If you previously opted in to receiving marketing communications from our affiliates or third party partners, you may opt out of our sharing of your personal information with those parties for their direct marketing purposes on a going-forward basis by contacting us. In your communication to us, please state that we should no longer share your personal information with our affiliates and/or third-party partners for their marketing purposes, and include your name and e-mail address.

We will seek to comply with your request(s) as soon as reasonably practicable. Please note that if you opt out as described above, we will not be able to remove your personal information from the databases of our affiliates with which we have already shared your information (i.e., as of the date that we implement your opt-out request). Please also note that if you opt out of receiving marketing-related messages from us, we may still send you important transactional and administrative messages, from which you cannot opt out.

How you can access, change, or delete your personal information.

If you would like to review, correct, update, restrict, or delete your personal information, or if you would like to request to receive an electronic copy of your personal information for purposes of transmitting it to another company (to the extent these rights are provided to you by applicable law), please contact us. We will respond to your request as soon as reasonably practicable and no later than one month after receipt. If circumstances cause any delay in our response, you will be promptly notified and provided a date for our response. You may also visit the service to update your online profile.

CROSS-BORDER TRANSFER

Your personal information may be stored and processed in any country where we have facilities or service providers, and by using our Service or by providing consent to us (where required by law), your information may be transferred to countries outside of your country of residence, including to the United States, which may provide for different data protection rules than in your country. Appropriate contractual and other measures are in place to protect personal information when it is transferred to our affiliates or third parties in other countries.

Some non-European Economic Area (EEA) countries are recognized by the European Commission as providing an adequate level of data protection according to EEA standards (the full list of these countries is available here. For transfers from the EEA to countries not considered adequate by the European Commission, we have ensured that adequate measures are in place, including by ensuring that the recipient is bound by [EU Standard Contractual Clauses, EU-US Privacy Shield Certification, or an EU-approved code of conduct or certification], to protect your Personal Information. You may obtain a copy of these measures by contacting our data protection officer in accordance with the “Contacting Us” section below.

SECURITY

We seek to use reasonable organizational, technical, and administrative measures designed to protect personal information under our control. Unfortunately, no data transmission over the internet or data storage system can be guaranteed to be 100% secure. If you have reason to believe that your interaction with us is no longer secure (for example, if you feel that the security of any account you have with us has been compromised), please immediately notify us in accordance with the “Contacting Us” section below.

RETENTION PERIOD

We will retain your personal information for as long as needed or permitted in light of the purpose(s) for which it was obtained. The criteria used to determine our retention periods include: (i) the length of time we have an ongoing relationship with you and provide the Service to you; (ii) whether there is a legal obligation to which we are subject; and (iii) whether retention is advisable in light of our legal position (such as in regard to applicable statutes of limitations, litigation, or regulatory investigations).

If we collect your personal information for our HCP Service, we will store it for a period of 18 months from receipt of the request.

Please note, however, that this is not an exhaustive list of retention periods. Your personal information may be stored for a longer period using the criteria set forth in the first paragraph of this section, especially points (ii) and (iii).

THIRD PARTY SITES AND SERVICES

This Privacy Policy does not address, and we are not responsible for, the privacy, information, or other practices of any third parties, including any third party operating any site or online service (including, without limitation, any application) that is available through this Service or to which this Service contains a link. The availability of, or inclusion of a link to, any such site or property on the Service does not imply endorsement of it by us or by our affiliates.

CONTACTING US

JNTL Consumer Health I (Ireland) Limited, located at Airton Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland is the company responsible for collection, use, and disclosure of personal information under this Privacy Policy.

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us, or please write to the following address:

Ref: Sudafed, JNTL Consumer Health I (Ireland) Limited, Airton Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland. You may also contact our data protection officer responsible for your country or region, if applicable, at [email protected].

LODGING A COMPLAINT WITH A REGULATOR

You may lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority competent for your country or region. Please click here for contact information for such authorities.

UPDATES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We may change this Privacy Policy. Any changes to this Privacy Policy will become effective when we post the revised Privacy Policy on the Service. Your use of the Service following these changes means that you accept the revised Privacy Policy. We recommend that you regularly review the Privacy Policy when you visit the Service. This policy was last updated on 4 May 2023.

Contact Us

If you have a medical emergency or if you need specific medical advice, you should contact your doctor or your local hospital.

If you would like to speak to someone in person, please contact us on the phone number listed below.

For medical and product usage enquiries call:
01344 864042

For product quality issues and feedback call:
01344 864042

If you would like to contact us in writing please use the following address:

Johnson & Johnson Limited
50-100 Holmers Farm Way,
High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire, HP12 4DP

Please click here to contact us.

Privacy Policy

Click here for the Irish privacy policy

Johnson & Johnson Limited cares about your privacy and wants you to be familiar with how we collect, use, and disclose information. This Privacy Policy describes our practices in connection with information that we or our service providers collect through the website or application (hereinafter the “Service”) operated and controlled by us from which you are accessing this Privacy Policy. By providing personal information to us or by using the Service, you acknowledge that you have read and understand this Privacy Policy.

USE BY MINORS

An individual under the age of 16 may use the Service only with the prior consent of his or her parent or legal guardian. Instructions for obtaining your parent’s or legal guardian’s consent are given on the Service.

INFORMATION COLLECTION

We may ask you to submit personal information in order for you to benefit from certain features (such as newsletter subscriptions, tips/pointers, or order processing) or to participate in a particular activity (such as sweepstakes or other promotions). You will be informed what information is required and what information is optional.

We may combine the information you submit with other information we have collected from you, whether on or offline, including, for example, your purchase history. We may also combine it with information we receive about you from other Johnson & Johnson affiliates.

If you submit any personal information relating to another individual to us, you represent that you have the authority to do so and to permit us to use the information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

SENSITIVE INFORMATION

Unless we specifically request or invite it, we ask that you not send us, and you not disclose, any sensitive personal information (e.g., Social Security numbers, information related to racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religion or philosophical beliefs, health or medical conditions, sex life or sexual orientation, criminal background, or trade union membership, or biometric or genetic data) on or through the Service or otherwise to us.

AUTOMATIC INFORMATION COLLECTION AND USE

We and our service providers may collect certain information automatically as you navigate around the Service. Please read the Cookie Policy for detailed information about the cookies and other tracking technologies used on the Service. Except where allowed by applicable law, we place cookies after having received your consent through the cookie banner or preference center. The Cookie Policy includes information on how you may disable these technologies.

We and our service providers may also automatically collect and use information in the following ways:

Through your browser:  Certain information is collected by most browsers, such as your Media Access Control (MAC) address, computer type (Windows or Mac), screen resolution, operating system name and version, and Internet browser type and version. We may collect similar information, such as your device type and identifier, if you access the Service through a mobile device. We use this information to ensure that the Service functions properly.

IP address:  Your IP address is a number that is automatically assigned to your computer by your Internet Service Provider. An IP address is identified and logged automatically in our server log files whenever a user visits the Service, along with the time of the visit and the pages visited. Collecting IP addresses is standard practice and is done automatically by many online services. We use IP addresses for purposes such as calculating Service usage levels, diagnosing server problems, and administering the Service. We may also derive your approximate location from your IP address.

Device Information:  We may collect information about your mobile device, such as a unique device identifier, to understand how you use the Service.

HOW WE USE AND DISCLOSE INFORMATION

We use and disclose information you provide to us as described to you at the point of collection. Please see the section entitled “Choices and Access,” below, to learn how you may opt out of certain of our uses and disclosures.

Where required by applicable law, we will obtain your consent to our use of your personal information at the point of information collection. We may also use information from or about you as necessary to perform a contract, to comply with a legal obligation (for example, due to our pharmacovigilance obligations), or for our legitimate business interests. We may also rely on other legal bases, specifically for:

  • Providing the functionality of the Service and fulfilling your requests.
    • to provide the functionality of the Service to you and providing you with related customer service;
    • to respond to your inquiries and fulfill your requests, such as to send you documents you request or e mail alerts;
    • to send you important information regarding our relationship with you or regarding the Service, changes to our terms, conditions, and policies and/or other administrative information.

We will engage in these activities to manage our contractual relationship with you and/or to comply with a legal obligation.

  • Accomplishing our business purposes.
    • for data analysis, for example, to improve the efficiency of the Service;
    • for audits, to verify that our internal processes function as intended and are compliant with legal, regulatory, or contractual requirements;
    • for fraud and security monitoring purposes, for example, to detect and prevent cyberattacks or attempts to commit identity theft;
    • for developing new products and services;
    • for enhancing, improving or modifying our website or products and services;
    • for identifying Service usage trends, for example, understanding which parts of our Service are of most interest to users; and
    • for determining the effectiveness of our promotional campaigns, so that we can adapt our campaigns to the needs and interests of our users.

We will engage in these activities to manage our contractual relationship with you, to comply with a legal obligation, and/or because we have a legitimate interest.

  • Analysis of Personal Information to provide personalized services.
    • to better understand you, so that we can personalize our interactions with you and provide you with information and/or offers tailored to your interests;
    • to better understand your preferences so that we can deliver content via the Service that we believe will be relevant and interesting to you.

We will provide personalized services either with your consent or because we have a legitimate interest.

We also disclose information collected through the Service:

  • to our affiliates for the purposes described in this Privacy Policy. A list of our affiliates is available at https://investors.kenvue.com/financials-reports/sec-filings/default.aspx - access Kenvue’s subsequent filings with the Securities Exchange Commission. Johnson & Johnson Limited is the party responsible for the management of the jointly used Personal Information;
  • to our third party partners with whom we offer a co branded or co marketed promotion;
  • to our third party service providers who provide services such as website hosting and moderating, mobile application hosting, data analysis, payment processing, order fulfillment, infrastructure provision, IT services, customer service, e mail and direct mail delivery services, auditing, and other services, in order to enable them to provide services; and
  • as permitted by applicable law, to a third party in the event of any reorganization, merger, sale, joint venture, assignment, transfer, or other disposition of all or any portion of our business, assets, or stock (including in connection with any bankruptcy or similar proceedings).

In addition, we may use and disclose your information as we believe to be necessary or appropriate: (a) to comply with legal process or applicable law, which may include laws outside your country of residence; (b) as permitted by applicable law to respond to requests from public and government authorities, which may include authorities outside your country of residence; (c) to enforce our terms and conditions; and (d) to protect our rights, privacy, safety, or property, and/or that of our affiliates, you, or others. We may also use and disclose your information in other ways after obtaining your consent to do so.

We may use and disclose information we collect automatically as described above, under “Automatic Information Collection and Use.”

In addition, where allowed by applicable law, we may use and disclose information that is not in personally identifiable form for any purpose. If we combine information that is not in personally identifiable form with information that is identifiable (such as combining your name with your geographical location), we will treat the combined information as personal information as long as it is combined.

CHOICES AND ACCESS

Your choices regarding our use and disclosure of your personal information

We give you choices regarding our use and disclosure of your personal information for marketing purposes. You may opt out from:

  • Receiving marketing communications from us:  If you no longer want to receive marketing communications from us on a going forward basis, you may opt out of receiving them by contacting us via this.  contact form. In your request to us, please provide your name, identify the form(s) of marketing communications that you no longer wish to receive, and include the address(es) to which it/they are sent. For example, if you no longer wish to receive marketing e mails or direct mail from us, tell us that, and provide your name and e mail or postal address. In addition, you may opt out of receiving marketing e mails from us by following the unsubscribe instructions provided in any such message.
  • Receiving reminders from us::  If you no longer want to receive medical reminders from us on a going forward basis, you may opt out of receiving them by contacting us via this.  contact form. In your response to us, please provide your name and the e mail address or phone number at which you receive reminders from us.
  • Our sharing of your personal information with affiliates and third party partners::  If you previously opted-in to receiving marketing communications from our affiliates or third party partners, you may opt out of our sharing of your personal information with those parties for their direct marketing purposes on a going forward basis by contacting us via this.  contact form. In your communication to us, please state that we should no longer share your personal information with our affiliates and/or third party partners for their marketing purposes, and include your name and e mail address.

We will seek to comply with your request(s) as soon as reasonably practicable. Please note that if you opt out as described above, we will not be able to remove your personal information from the databases of our affiliates with which we have already shared your information (i.e., as of the date that we implement your opt out request). However, we will make reasonable efforts to inform our affiliates of your request. Please also note that if you opt out of receiving marketing related messages from us, we may still send you important transactional and administrative messages, from which you cannot opt out.

How you can access, change, or delete your personal information

If you would like to review, correct, update, restrict, or delete your personal information, or if you would like to request an electronic copy of your personal information for purposes of transmitting it to another company (to the extent these rights are provided to you by applicable law), please contact us via this. contact form . We will respond to your request as soon as reasonably practicable and no later than one month after receipt. If circumstances cause any delay in our response, you will be promptly notified and provided a date for our response.

CROSS BORDER TRANSFER

Your personal information may be stored and processed in any country where we have facilities or service providers, and by using our Service or by providing consent to us (where required by law), your information may be transferred to countries outside of your country of residence, including to the United States, which may provide for different data protection rules than in your country. Nonetheless, appropriate contractual and other measures are in place to protect personal information when it is transferred to our affiliates or third parties in other countries.

Some countries outside the UK are recognised by the UK Government as providing an adequate level of data protection (the full list of these countries is available here).  For transfers from the UK to countries not considered adequate by the UK Government, we have ensured that adequate measures are in place, including by ensuring that the recipient is bound by Standard Contractual Clauses, to protect your Personal Information. You may obtain a copy of these measures by contacting our data protection officer in accordance with the “Contacting Us” section below.

SECURITY

We seek to use reasonable organizational, technical, and administrative measures designed to protect personal information under our control. Unfortunately, no data transmission over the Internet or data storage system can be guaranteed to be 100% secure. If you have reason to believe that your interaction with us is no longer secure (for example, if you feel that the security of any account you have with us has been compromised), please immediately notify us in accordance with the “Contacting Us” section below.

RETENTION PERIOD

We will retain your personal information for as long as needed or permitted in light of the purpose(s) for which it was obtained. The criteria used to determine our retention periods include: (i) the length of time we have an ongoing relationship with you and provide the Service to you; (ii) whether there is a legal obligation to which we are subject; and (iii) whether retention is advisable in light of our legal position (such as in regard to applicable statutes of limitations, litigation, or regulatory investigations).

For example, if we collect your personal information related to a complaint regarding product quality we will store it for a period of 10 years from the end of product life.

Please note, however, that this is not an exhaustive list of retention periods. Your personal information may be stored for a longer period using the criteria set forth in the first paragraph of this section, especially points (ii) and (iii).

THIRD PARTY SITES AND SERVICES

This Service may contain links to sites of third parties. This Privacy Policy does not address, and we are not responsible for, the privacy, information, or practices of any third parties, including any third party operating any site or online service (including, without limitation, any application) that is available through this Service or to which this Service contains a link. The availability of, or inclusion of a link to, any such site or property on the Service does not imply endorsement of it by us or by our affiliates.

CONTACTING US

Johnson & Johnson Limited, located at 50-100 Holmers Farm Way High Wycombe Buckinghamshire, HP12 4DP, is the company responsible for collection, use, and disclosure of personal information under this Privacy Policy.

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us via this contact form, or please write to the following address:

 

Johnson & Johnson Limited

50-100 Holmers Farm Way,

High Wycombe

Buckinghamshire, HP12 4DP

Company No. 02175750

 

You may also contact our data protection officer responsible for your country or region, if applicable, at [email protected].

LODGING A COMPLAINT WITH A REGULATOR

You may lodge a complaint with the UK regulator, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), at https://ico.org.uk/global/contact-us/.

UPDATES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We may change this Privacy Policy. Any changes to this Privacy Policy will become effective when we post the revised Privacy Policy on the Service. Your use of the Service following these changes means that you accept the revised Privacy Policy. We recommend that you regularly review the Privacy Policy when you visit the Service. This policy was last updated on 4 May 2023.

 

 

 

 

About Us

About Us

SUDAFED® is the most popular selling decongestant brand on the market.

For over 30 years, we've been pioneering clinically proven, over-the-counter treatments for congestion and associated symptoms, enabling people to treat a whole spectrum of congestion symptoms without needing a prescription, from a simple blocked nose to sinus pressure and pain.

BLOCKED NOSE

Nasal congestion and sinus pressure have many causes: colds, the flu, and allergies to name a few. Whatever your triggers are, we can help reduce your symptoms.SUDAFED® Blocked Nose Spray provides 3-way rapid relief. Helps unblock your nose, reduce the build-up of mucus and ease breathing through your nose.

Sudafed Blocked Nose Spray

Just one spray up each nostril helps to clear blocked nasal passages and reduce stuffiness, to help you breathe freely through your nose once again.

HEAD COLD

If you’re feeling heavy headed, you might be suffering from a Headcold. Treat your blocked nose and the pressure and headache in your head with our Congestion and Headache Relief Max Strength Capsules.

Sudafed® Congestion & Headache Relief Max Strength Capsules

To help you get back to being yourself. 

HEAD COLD DAY AND NIGHT

Head colds can feel even worse at night, Congestion and Headache Day and Night Capsules fights the symptoms of your head cold around the clock with different capsules for day and night.

Sudafed® Congestion & Headache Relief Day & Night Capsules

Helping you to fight your symptoms throughout the day.

MUCUS RELIEF

Having a cold or flu can lead to aches and pains, a headache, blocked nose, sore throat and a chesty cough. All these symptoms together can leave you feeling very under the weather and you may be in need of soothing relief.

Sudafed® Mucus Relief Triple Action Cold & Flu Tablets

SUDAFED ® Mucus Relief Triple Action Cold & Flu Tablets fight the battle against colds and flu on a number of fronts, helping to soothe aches, pains and headaches, and clear blocked noses.

MUCUS DAY AND NIGHT

Fighting cold and flu symptoms around-the-clock, with a day and a night capsule, SUDAFED® Mucus Relief Day & Night Capsules are specially formulated to tackle blocked noses, headaches, fevers, sore throats, and all the aches and pains associated with the common cold.

Sudafed® Mucus Relief Day & Night Capsules

The Day capsules include a dose of caffeine to combat tiredness while you fight off illness. The Night capsules soothe your symptoms, helping you to get a good night’s sleep, which can help you recover.

SINUS RELIEF

When Sinuses become blocked and filled with fluid, germs (bacteria) can grow and cause an infection known as Sinusitis. This can lead to a dull throbbing pain in the upper face, and the pain can feel much worse when you move your head, strain or bend down or when you experience a change in temperature, such as going from a warm room indoors into the chilly air outside.

Sudafed® Sinus Max Strength Capsules

SUDAFED® Sinus Max Strength Capsules can be used to relieve symptoms including headaches, fevers, aches and pains and a stuffy nose.

SUDAFED® Sinus Pressure & Pain Tablets

Sudafed® Sinus Pressure & Pain Tablets

SUDAFED® Sinus Pressure & Pain Tablets

SUDAFED® Sinus Pressure & Pain Tablets can offer you relief from the unpleasant, painful symptoms of sinus congestion. These tablets reduce inflammation and provide pain relief, as well as fighting the headaches, fever and discomfort that often accompany sinus congestion.
SUDAFED® Plus Blocked Nose Nasal Spray

SUDAFED® Plus Blocked Nose Nasal Spray

SUDAFED® Plus Blocked Nose Nasal Spray Solution

Sudafed Plus Blocked Nose Nasal Spray Solution with Xylometazoline Hydrochloride and Dexpanthenol has a triple effect which unblocks, soothes, and helps protect a blocked and irritated nose caused by sinusitis, colds, and allergies.

What are sinuses?

Sinuses – also known as paranasal sinuses – are the small, empty spaces that sit behind your cheekbones and forehead, connecting to the inside of the nose to form a network with your nasal passages.

The exact function of sinuses isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed they may serve a few beneficial purposes. These include helping to control pressure in the skull, as well as keeping the air we breathe in via our nasal passages both moist and warm.

The sinuses naturally produce mucus that helps lubricate the inside of the nose. In normal circumstances, this should drain away freely through your nose and your throat.

However, when the tissue lining your sinuses swells – often caused by allergies and infections – it can prevent this natural drainage, which might lead to pain and a feeling of being bunged up.

Discover more about sinuses, how they work and the conditions that can affect them.

In this article:

  • Types of sinuses and where they’re located

  • Function of sinuses and how they work

  • Sinus conditions and how to treat them

Types of sinuses and where they’re located

Sinuses are split into four pairs, all located within the head. The structure of each of these sinus pairs is made up of a cavity on the right and left side of your face.

As their name suggests, they’re found around your nose and nasal cavity. Each different type of paranasal sinus is named after the bone it’s nearest.

Maxillary sinuses

The maxillary sinuses are the largest of your paranasal sinuses, typically measuring around one inch across. They have a pyramidal shape and sit on either side of your nose, beneath your cheekbones (maxillae) and above your teeth. These sinuses drain into the nose through a hole called the ostia.

Frontal sinuses

Frontal sinuses are located closer to the front of your skull than other types of sinuses, positioned on either side of the forehead (frontal bone), just above your eyes. They typically have a triangular shape, can vary in size and are the closest sinuses to the nasal passage.

Ethmoid sinuses

Unlike other types of sinuses, the ethmoid sinuses aren’t made up of singular sacs or cavities. Instead, there are usually several small sacs within the ethmoid bone that make up this sinus pair, which open onto the nasal passage. The ethmoid sinuses are usually extremely small at birth, but can grow to around the size of a walnut as you get older.

Sphenoid sinuses

Sphenoid sinuses sit the furthest back in your skull, between the upper part of your nose and the back of your eyes. They’re close to the optic nerve and pituitary gland. Sphenoid sinuses tend to grow along with your skull, reaching their full size after puberty.

SUDAFED® Sinus Symptoms

Which Sinuses Are Causing Your Pain

When suffering with a sinus condition, the location of the pain will normally indicate which of your sinuses is affected.

For example, if you feel pressure and pain in your cheeks, it may be the case that your maxillary sinuses are blocked or swollen. A headache that originates behind the eyes, on the other hand, may be a sign of issues with the sphenoid sinuses.

Function of sinuses and how they work

The true function of sinuses still isn't 100% clear. But there are many roles that doctors believe they may play, including helping to keep your nasal passages moist. The tissues of your sinuses produce mucus, which helps to lubricate both your sinuses and nasal passages.

The layer of mucus lining your sinuses is also believed to form part of your body’s immune defences, helping wash away any pollutants, dust, bacteria and other irritants that could lead to health problems.

Other functions it is believed the sinuses may carry out include:

  • Serving as resonating chambers for speech

  • Helping to lighten the weight of your skull

  • Protecting the nose from rapid air temperature changes.

How do sinuses work?

Sinuses are part of a complex nasal network, made up of air flow and drainage passages. When you breathe in, the air will pass through your sinuses and into your nose.

The sinuses also produce mucus that drains into the nose to lubricate themselves and the nasal passage. Both air and mucus makes its way into the nose through small holes called ostia.

Tiny hairs called cilia help to move mucus through your sinuses – where it drains into the nose – before reaching your throat, where it is then naturally swallowed.

Sinus conditions and how to treat them

There are several common conditions that can affect your sinuses, causing them to swell or become blocked. If your sinuses do become blocked, it can prevent mucus from draining away, which can leave you feeling in pain and bunged up.

Some of the most common problems that could cause sinus pain include:

Sinusitis

Sinusitis – also known as a sinus infection – is a term used to describe the swelling of your sinuses caused by an infection. It should clear up on its own within two to three weeks, but over-the-counter medication can help reduce your symptoms and leave you feeling more comfortable.

The symptoms of sinusitis can vary depending on which types of sinus are affected. Typically, however, symptoms will include:

  • Pain, swelling, pressure and tenderness around your cheeks, eyes or forehead

  • A blocked or stuffy nose

  • Reduced sense of smell (known as temporary anosmia)

  • Green or yellow mucus discharge from your nose

  • Headaches

  • Fever

  • Toothache or jaw pain.

Common cold or flu

The common cold and flu are caused by viruses passing from person to person through sneezing and coughing. Both conditions can cause headaches and sinus pain or pressure.

The common cold is also associated with a blocked or runny nose and can often lead to further sinus infections. This is because the cold can cause the sinuses to swell – trapping air, mucus and bacteria inside.

Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis describes the inflammation of your nasal passages and sinuses caused by an allergen. These differ from person to person, but typical allergens include:

  • Pollen

  • Dust

  • Mould

  • Dander (flakes of skin from certain animals).

When you breathe in an allergen, it triggers an immune response, which causes your body to produce more mucus and the blood vessels in your nose to swell.

How to treat sinus conditions

Most sinus conditions will clear themselves naturally within a week or two, but there are some other ways to ease and soothe your symptoms, including:

  • Using over-the-counter pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen

  • Cleaning your nasal passages with a saltwater solution

  • Drinking plenty of fluids

  • Getting enough rest.

You can also treat most conditions by using over-the-counter medication like the SUDAFED® Sinus Pressure and Pain tablets that work to relieve pressure and pain and helps unblock your sinuses. They also help provide relief from the headache, fever and discomfort that often accompanies sinus congestion. SUDAFED® Sinus Ease Nasal Spray contains Xylometazoline and helps tackle sinus congestion, offering relief for up to 10hrs.

Our range of sinus pain products work to help ease sinus congestion and relieve the pain and pressure swollen sinuses can cause.

When to see a doctor

If your sinus condition has not cleared up within a week, you should contact your doctor, as it could be a sign of another illness.

You should also arrange to see a doctor if:

  • You suffer extreme congestion or pain

  • Painkillers and decongestants don't help to ease your symptoms

  • Your symptoms return repeatedly.

These could be a sign of nasal polyps or another chronic condition, which may require additional treatment from your GP.

How do nasal decongestants work?

Nasal decongestants are medicines that help relieve specific types of congestion – whether you have a blocked nose or sinuses.

Congestion can be caused by lots of different things as it’s a common symptom of a cold, allergies, flu and other conditions. Over-the-counter decongestants can be bought without a prescription to help relieve these symptoms, so you can breathe easier.

Depending on the cause and specific area of congestion, some decongestants may be better than others for easing any pain, blocked passages and additional symptoms.

Learn how decongestants work to help tackle different types of congestion with SUDAFED®.

  • What are nasal decongestants and how do they work?

  • Types of decongestants

  • How long do decongestants take to work?

What are nasal decongestants and how do they work?

Congestion is part of your body’s reaction to a virus, allergen, infection or other illness. The blood vessels in your nose and airways swell, leaving you feeling blocked up.

Most congestion takes place in your nasal passages and sinuses, which can include the Eustachian tube that connects your nose and ear. Decongestants work to reduce the swelling in the blood vessels, helping to open your airways, drain mucus and ease your breathing.

Decongestants don’t treat the underlying cause of congestion, but they can offer temporary relief from symptoms.

There are different kinds of decongestant for different types of congestion. These contain specific ingredients that work to ease congestion and sometimes other related symptoms as well.

Nasal decongestant ingredients

Decongestants all have one primary active ingredient. This varies depending on the type of decongestant and whether it’s a tablet, nasal spray or liquid. They will also have different recommended dosages.

As all decongestants aim to reduce swollen blood vessels to make breathing easier, there are lots of similarities between the primary ingredients.

There are 3 decongestant active ingredients found across the Sudafed range:

  • Pseudoephedrine – One of the most common ingredients in decongestants, pseudoephedrine works to relieve a stuffy or blocked nose and is generally taken in tablet, capsule or liquid form.

  • Phenylephrine – Similar to pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine relieves congestion. It can also be taken as a tablet or liquid.

  • Xylometazoline – This active ingredient can be found in nasal sprays, unlike the other two.

Some decongestants contain additional ingredients that work to tackle other symptoms associated with congestion if you have a cold, flu or other illness. These can include:

  • Caffeine – this can help with the tiredness you may feel when your body is battling an illness where the symptoms include congestion.

  • Guaifenesin – works to loosen mucus, so it’s easier to drain and cough up as congestion eases.

  • Ibuprofen – an anti-inflammatory and painkiller to soothe symptoms of pain.

  • Paracetamol – relieves pain associated with headaches and fevers.

You should avoid taking more than one type of decongestant and always read the label for dosing instructions. If you are unsure, speak to your pharmacist.

Causes of nasal congestion

Knowing the cause of your congestion can help you choose the best decongestant to help relieve your symptoms.

Allergy

Allergic rhinitis is inflammation of the inside of your nose caused by your immune system reacting to an allergen, such as:

  • Dust

  • Mould

  • Pet dander

  • Pollen

  • Skin flakes.

Hay fever is one of the most common types of allergic rhinitis, which can cause congestion alongside other symptoms, making it difficult to breathe through your nose.

Nasal sprays containing the active ingredient xylometazoline help to relieve congestion to unblock your nose and ease breathing.

Blocked nose

In many cases, a blocked, stuffy nose can be a symptom of a common cold, the flu, allergies or a sinus infection. Decongestants can help to relieve that blocked-up feeling.

Inflamed blood vessels in your nasal sinuses can cause a blocked or stuffy nose. This can stimulate your mucus glands – making them produce more mucus to flush out the cause of the irritation. That’s why you may experience a build-up of mucus alongside a stuffy nose.

The primary aim of a nasal decongestant should be to reduce swelling , so breathing becomes easier and the build-up of mucus subsides. SUDAFED® Blocked Nose Spray is a decongestant for mucus relief, containing xylometazoline that aims to clear blocked airways and reduce stuffiness.

Flu

Symptoms of the flu and a common cold can be very similar, and congestion is one of them. With the flu, congestion can come on suddenly, which may mean you need quick relief.

Alongside congestion, you could experience other flu symptoms:

  • An aching body

  • Dry cough

  • Sore throat

  • Headaches

  • Tiredness.

For this reason, many flu nasal decongestants contain additional ingredients to help combat congestion and other related symptoms at the same time.

SUDAFED® Mucus Relief Triple Action Cold & Flu Tablets contain guaifenesin to loosen mucus and paracetamol to help ease pain caused by flu symptoms, in addition to the nasal decongestant phenylephrine.

Head cold

Nasal congestion is one of the main signs of a head or common cold. Pressure in your ears or face may also be a sign of sinus congestion related to a common cold.

Symptoms can be similar to flu but may take longer to develop. While decongestants won’t cure the causes of your cold, they can act to relieve congestion and ease pressure to make you more comfortable.

SUDAFED® Congestion & Headache Relief Max Strength Capsules contains phenylephrine, caffeine and paracetamol to tackle head cold congestion, headache pain and tiredness all-in one.

Sinus

Our bodies have four pairs of sinuses in the skull and facial bones that allow air and mucus to flow through them. A sinus infection – also known as sinusitis – can occur when the lining of these paranasal sinuses become blocked – sometimes after a cold.

Blocked sinuses stop mucus from draining properly, which can then build up with bacteria, causing a sinus infection and congestion.

Congested sinuses around your nose, forehead and cheekbones can also cause headaches.

SUDAFED® Sinus Pressure & Pain Tablets contain pseudoephedrine to tackle congestion and ibuprofen to offer pain relief and anti-inflammation.

Types of decongestants

Decongestant tablets

To fight congestion caused by colds and flu, the active ingredient pseudoephedrine works to narrow swollen blood vessels. This helps air to flow more easily through your nose, reducing that irritating stuffiness. You can take decongestant tablets orally. Always read the label for correct dosing instructions.

Discover SUDAFED® Decongestant Tablets

Nasal sprays

Relieve unpleasant stuffiness caused by congestion as an allergy, cold or flu symptom with nasal sprays, which starts to provide relief in minutes. The active ingredient xylometazoline works to unblock your nasal passages.

Discover SUDAFED® Blocked Nose Spray

Decongestant liquids

Decongestant liquids are a soothing syrup you take orally that work to reduce nasal swelling, unblocking your nose. They contain the active ingredient pseudoephedrine, which helps to clear nasal congestion. Most are designed for clearing congestion associated with the common cold.

Discover SUDAFED® Decongestant Liquid

How long do decongestants take to work?

How long decongestants take to work can depend on which one you use. Those containing pseudoephedrine, usually found in liquids and tablets, can often start to work from 30 minutes after you’ve taken them.

A decongestant nasal spray that contains xylometazoline works to help provide relief from a blocked nose.

The length of relief provided by a decongestant depends on the product used. Always check the packet for the recommended dosage and guidance on how long it may take to start working.

Home remedies for a blocked nose

Having a blocked nose can leave you feeling miserable. Sinus congestion can have various causes but the most common ones include:

  • Allergens

  • Bacteria

  • Viruses.

While the symptoms of sinus congestion can be uncomfortable, there are some potential sinus relief home remedies you can try.

Most remedies will focus on relaxing your nasal passageways and reducing any swelling, so you can breathe through your nose more easily. Here are 7 home remedies for sinus congestion and blocked noses you can try.

  • Use a humidifier

  • Take a hot shower

  • Drink plenty of water and liquids

  • Try a warm compress

  • Elevate your head

  • Essential oils

  • Herbs and spices

7 potential home remedies for a blocked nose

1. Use a humidifier

Keeping the air inside your home moist is an excellent home remedy for sinus congestion. A humidifier converts water to moisture and slowly releases it into the air, which helps to increase the humidity in a room. The moist air is gentler on your airways and can soothe irritation and swelling in your sinuses.

Humidifiers can also help to thin the mucus in your sinuses, which can aid the drainage of fluids from your nose and return your breathing to normal. Putting a humidifier in your room to ease the inflammation causing your congestion can also help relieve your symptoms, so you can hopefully sleep better at night.

2. Take a hot shower

Ever noticed that your blocked nose feels a little better after a hot shower? That's because the steam may help with congestion. It can help thin out the mucus in your nose and reduce inflammation in your blood vessels, giving you some relief from your symptoms.

You can get the same effect by breathing steam from a bowl or sink full of hot water. Just place your head over the bowl or sink and cover with a towel. This will help the steam build up so you can take deep breaths. Be careful not to get too close, so you don't burn or scold your face.

3. Drink plenty of water and liquids

Staying hydrated is a great way to help your body recover and fight congestion. Some of the best options include:

  • Water

  • Herbal teas

  • Fruit drinks

Good hydration can help to thin the mucus in your nasal passages, making it easier to drain and reducing the pressure in your sinuses. The less pressure, the less inflammation and irritation you should feel.

If you're also experiencing a sore throat alongside your blocked nose, warm tea and soup can help.

4. Try a warm compress

You can try treating the swelling caused by sinus infections with a warm compress. The heat from a compress can help unclog a blocked nose by opening the nasal passages from the outside. All you need to do is:

  • Soak a towel or flannel in warm water.

  • Squeeze the water out of the towel so it doesn't drip.

  • Fold and place it gently over your nose and forehead.

The warmth from the towel or flannel can help to provide relief from pain and inflammation in your sinuses.

5. Elevate your head

Keeping your head elevated helps to drain the mucus from your nose and prevent it pooling in your sinuses. This can help relieve sinus pressure too. Try sleeping with an extra pillow to prop your head up when you go to bed at night.

Find out more about how to sleep with a blocked nose.

6. Essential oils

Some essential oils are thought to work as potential sinus home remedies. Some examples include:

  • Peppermint

  • Eucalyptus

  • Oregano

  • Rosemary.

You can add your chosen essential oil to a diffuser or the water in your humidifier.

7. Using herbs and spices

Eating spicy foods could help to open your airways and relieve some of the symptoms of sinus congestion. Turmeric is often used in home remedies for sinus congestion as the spice has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with the swelling in your nasal passages.

Over-the-counter medication

If the above home remedies aren’t working, over-the-counter medications like nasal sprays and decongestants can help to relieve congested sinuses and clear your nasal passages.

Nasal spray

Using a nasal spray can help to thin out the mucus in your nasal passages and reduce the stuffy feeling of your blocked nose.

SUDAFED® blocked nose spray contains a decongestant to help reduce swelling inside your nasal passages. It offers rapid relief, getting to work in minutes and helping to clear your nasal passageways.

To use a nasal spray always follow the labelling instructions.

Over-the-counter decongestants

Decongestant tablets are available over the counter without a prescription and can help reduce swelling. They can also ease the discomfort associated with irritated nasal passages. Our tablets use the active ingredient pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, which can narrow swollen blood vessels to help you breathe through your nose more easily.

How to get rid of a blocked nose

We've all experienced the frustration and discomfort of a blocked nose. The struggle to talk normally, difficulty breathing and constant sniffing can be a real nuisance.

Many people assume their noses get blocked because they’re producing too much mucus, but that's not the full story. Most blocked noses are caused by irritation, which results in the blood vessels in our sinuses becoming swollen or inflamed.

Thankfully, decongestants can provide quick and effective relief to your blocked or stuffy nose, helping you breathe a little easier.

In this article, we'll look at:

  • What causes a blocked nose?

  • How to unblock a nose

  • Frequently asked questions

What causes a blocked nose?

A blocked nose is caused by the blood vessels in your sinuses becoming inflamed or swollen. This swelling blocks the nasal passages, meaning it is more difficult for mucus to drain. During an infection, mucus production is increased, which makes the congestion worse. Sinus swelling usually occurs due to viruses like cold and flu which could lead to a sinus infection, known as sinusitis. The swelling that causes a blocked nose can also be a response to an allergen or hay fever.

If you’re suffering from a cold or flu, the following blocked nose and congestion symptoms tend to occur:

  • The nose lining becomes inflamed and swollen

  • This causes the nasal passages to become narrower and therefore more easily blocked up

  • Excess mucus builds up in the nasal passages, making it more difficult to breathe through the nose

Your sinuses form a network of passageways and chambers that connect your nasal passages to help drainage and airflow. The main sinuses are found:

  • Alongside your nose

  • Around your eyes, near your forehead

  • At the bridge of your nose

  • Behind your eyes

Most people think a blocked nose is caused by an excess of mucus, thanks to the runny nose that often accompanies that familiar stuffy feeling. In fact, all that extra mucus is a symptom of your infection rather than the cause.

If your blocked nose lasts for longer than 10 days, it might be worth seeing your GP as it could be a sign of an underlying medical problem such as:

  • Chronic sinusitis

  • A deviated septum

  • Chemical exposure or environmental irritants

  • Nasal polyps or other noncancerous growths.

Blocked nose at night

When you're struggling with a stuffy nose, it's common for your symptoms to feel worse at night. There are many reasons why a blocked nose at night can be more irritating:

  • Lying down to sleep causes mucus to pool at the back of your throat and increases the blood flow to your already swollen blood vessels.

  • Your immune system becomes more active at night, causing your body to produce more mucus.

  • You have no distractions, so you focus more on the sensations of your body – including your blocked nose.

For some blocked nose relief to try and improve your night's sleep , you can try:

  • Sleeping with your head propped up on an extra pillow

  • Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water

  • Keeping your bedroom cool and well ventilated

  • Using a humidifier in the bedroom

  • Taking a nasal decongestant before bed

How long does a blocked nose last?

A blocked nose should last no more than seven to 10 days before getting better. If your symptoms last longer than a couple of weeks, it might be a sign of an underlying issue. You should contact your GP if you:

  • Have a blocked nose for more than 10 days

  • Experience a consistent fever lasting more than three days alongside your blocked nose

  • Suffer from asthma, emphysema or have a weakened immune system

  • Encounter nasal pain or green discharge from your nose.

How to unblock a nose

Whatever causes your blocked nose, there are several things you can try to unblock it – from home remedies to over-the-counter options like the SUDAFED® decongestant range. Here are some of our top tips for how to clear a blocked nose:

1. Steam inhalation

Fill a bowl with hot, steaming water and place it on a sturdy table. Then sit with your head over the bowl and breathe normally for 10-15 minutes, inhaling the steam. This should help open up your airways and reduce inflammation, easing your blocked nose.

2. Use a humidifier

A humidifier converts water to moisture, gradually increasing the humidity in a room. The moisture in the air can soothe the irritation and swelling of the blood vessels in your nose and sinuses, helping to relieve your blocked nose. Humidifiers can also help thin the mucus in your sinuses, making it easier for the fluids to drain from your nose so you can breathe easier.

3. Take a hot shower

Like using a bowl of hot water, the steam from a hot shower can help reduce the inflammation in your nasal passages and thin out some of the thicker mucus.

4. Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated can help thin out the thick mucus created by your body's immune system. This should make it easier to drain the mucus, leaving your nose feeling more comfortable as it reduces the pressure in your sinuses.

5. Nasal sprays

Nasal sprays such as SUDAFED® Blocked Nose Spray provide fast and effective blocked nose relief by reducing the swelling in your sinuses and nasal passages. They can also help improve the flow of air and mucus, reducing the pressure in your sinuses so you can breathe through your nose easier. Plus, the spray is non-drowsy , so you can take it any time of day without affecting your ability to get things done.

Please read the enclosed leaflet before first using the blocked nose nasal spray

6. Decongestant tablets

SUDAFED® Decongestant Tablets work hard to help unblock your nose and reduce swelling so you can breathe easier. Each tablet contains pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, offering highly effective relief for nose and sinus congestion. The decongestant gets to work by helping narrow swollen blood vessels in the nose, so mucus and air can flow more freely.

7. Decongestant liquids

Our specially formulated decongestant liquids contain pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, which provides effective relief for congested nasal passageways and sinuses. This soothing syrup offers comfort from congestion caused by colds, helping you breathe freely through your nose.

8. A warm compress

Placing a warm compress – such as a face cloth – over your forehead and nose can help unclog a stuffy nose by opening your sinuses from the outside. To make a compress, simply soak a towel or face cloth in warm water.

Squeeze the water out so that it's not dripping and pop it on your forehead and the bridge of your nose. The warmth helps ease the inflammation in your sinuses to reduce swelling and discomfort.

How to ease a stuffy nose rapidly

SUDAFED® Blocked Nose Spray unblocks your nose in 2 minutes and can offer nasal congestion relief for up to 10 hours, thanks to its active ingredient, xylometazoline. This bestselling congestion treatment offers blocked nose relief within minutes.*

*For verification please contact 0808 238 9999

Get blocked nose relief with SUDAFED®

We've been pioneering clinically proven over-the-counter congestion treatments for more than 30 years. They’ve helped treat a wide range of congestion symptoms without a prescription, from a simple blocked nose to sinus pressure and pain.

Find a suitable remedy for your blocked nose from our range of decongestant products.

FAQs

What causes excess mucus and phlegm and how to ease it?

Mucus is a vital part of your immune system. It lines your nose, mouth, throat, and lungs to help protect them from infection.

Phlegm is a specific form of mucus produced in the lungs and respiratory tracts. It's similar to the mucus in your throat and nose but thicker.

Both mucus and phlegm help carry dirt, debris and bacteria away from the nose and lungs to try and prevent illnesses. But too much mucus in one area can create discomfort and other problems.

In this article:

  • Phlegm in throat

  • How to ease phlegm in throat

  • Phlegm in chest

  • How to ease phlegm in chest

  • Mucus colour and what it could mean

  • How to ease phlegm with SUDAFED®

  • Frequently asked questions

Phlegm in throat

Phlegm is a natural part of your body's defence against illness. When your immune system is triggered it can cause an overproduction of phlegm , causing a build-up in your throat.

The most common health conditions that can lead to an overproduction of phlegm include:

  • Common cold or flu

  • Allergies

  • Asthma

  • Acid reflux

Your body might also start to produce excess mucus because of several environmental factors. These can include:

  • Dry air indoors

  • Dehydration

  • High fluid consumption that can lead to fluid loss such as coffee, tea and alcohol

If you have excess mucus in your throat, it can feel as though something is stuck. You may also get a tickling sensation that causes you to cough or feel like you need to clear your throat.

How to ease phlegm in throat

If excess phlegm is causing you discomfort, there are a few things you can try to remove phlegm from your throat.

Use an air humidifier

Dry air can irritate your nose and throat, causing your body to increase mucus production to provide more lubricant for your nose and throat linings. Using a humidifier in your bedroom at night or in a room where you spend a lot of time can add moisture to the air and reduce irritation.

Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of fluids can help to thin out any excess mucus and reduce irritation in your throat. By thinning the mucus in your throat and nose, it becomes easier for your body to drain it.

Over-the-counter decongestants

Decongestant medications work to decrease swelling in your nose and open up your airways. Over-the-counter decongestants can reduce the amount of mucus that flows from your nose into your throat. Mucus from your nose isn't phlegm, but it can reach your throat and chest, causing congestion.

Don't suppress a cough

Coughing is your body's natural way of trying to remove phlegm from your throat and chest. Suppressing a cough will keep the phlegm where it is, instead of letting your body get rid of it.

Spit it out

It's not pretty, but if you can, try to spit out any phlegm into a tissue and dispose of it.

When phlegm ends up in your mouth, it may be because your body is trying to remove it. Spitting it out should be more helpful than simply trying to swallow it back down.

Gargling salt water

Gargling warm salt water can help shift phlegm from the back of your throat. It can even kill some germs and soothe your throat if it's sore.

To gargle salt water and encourage the removal of phlegm:

  • Mix half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water.

  • Sip the mixture and tilt your head back slightly.

  • Let the salty water wash into your throat without drinking it.

  • Gently gargle for 30 to 60 seconds, and then spit out the water.

  • Repeat as needed.

Avoiding cigarette smoke

Smoking and breathing in second-hand smoke can irritate and damage your throat lining, causing your body to produce more mucus. Avoiding smoking in all forms can help keep your mucus levels normal.

Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil can help subdue coughs and reduce mucus. You can usually apply them directly to your chest or add a few drops to your diffuser or warm bath.

Phlegm in chest

It's normal to have a small amount of phlegm in your chest to help protect your lungs from infections. But if the amount of phlegm builds up it can be uncomfortable and lead to problems like:

  • Wheezing

  • A sore throat

  • Sleep difficulties

Mucus in chest that won’t come up

If you regularly get an uncomfortable amount of phlegm in your chest, it could be a sign of something more serious. Repeated build-ups of phlegm in your chest could be linked to:

  • Acid reflux

  • Allergies

  • Asthma

  • Bacterial and viral infections

  • Chronic bronchitis

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

  • Cystic fibrosis

  • Other lung conditions.

If you are concerned about build-up of mucus in your chest, or have suffered from this for more than a few weeks, speak to your doctor.

How to ease phlegm in chest

If you experience chest congestion, there are a few things you can try for removing phlegm from your chest.

Warm drinks

Drinking plenty of fluids can help thin mucus and phlegm, making it easier for your body to remove them. Warm drinks have the extra benefit of helping provide sustained relief from many congestion symptoms, including:

  • Sneezing

  • Chills

  • Sore throat

Try drinking herbal teas, warm water and broths to help ease your chest.

Steam inhalation

Steam adds moisture to the air, which is easier on your chest when you breathe in. Plus, the warmth from the steam can help to soften and dislodge any phlegm caught in your chest.

Salt water

Although salt water rinses will mainly tackle any phlegm in the back of your throat , it can also help reduce a build-up in your chest. If you have excess phlegm in your throat, there's a chance that it could drop to your chest and start causing problems there.

Essential oils

Some essential oils are believed to help ease chest congestion by loosening the phlegm on your chest. These oils include:

  • Basil

  • Cinnamon bark

  • Eucalyptus

  • Lemongrass

  • Peppermint

  • Rosemary

  • Tea tree

  • Thyme

  • Oregano.

When using essential oils, you can:

  • Add them to a diffuser

  • Add a few drops to a warm bath or bowl of warm water and inhale the steam.

Keep your head up

Keeping your head elevated can help your body drain mucus from your nasal passages more effectively, so that it doesn't go to your chest. Sleeping in an elevated position can also help ease some of the pressure on your chest caused by excess phlegm, making it easier for you to get a good night's rest.

Decongestants

While nasal decongestants won't necessarily help your chest directly, they can work to reduce mucus build-up in your nose by encouraging your airways to open.

This can reduce the amount of mucus dripping down your throat and onto your chest.

Mucus colour and what it could mean

When blowing your nose or coughing up phlegm and mucus, it might look different to what you expect. The colour of your mucus can usually give you some idea of what the cause is and how you could treat it.

Clear mucus

Clear mucus is typically normal. This regular mucus is made from water, proteins, antibodies, and salts and dissolves once it reaches your stomach.

Your body continually creates this mucus to line your nose and throat to protect against irritants, bacteria and viruses. Hay fever can also cause a clear nasal discharge if a runny nose is a symptom of your allergic reaction to pollen.

White mucus

If you're suffering from a blocked nose or congestion, the mucus from your nose or that you cough up may be thicker or whiter. This is because the mucus contains less water than normal, making it appear cloudy.

You can help to thin out the mucus and return it to its clear colour by drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

Yellow mucus

Yellow mucus is usually a sign that you have a virus or other infection and that your body is fighting it. The yellow colour comes from an increase in white blood cells trying to combat the germs.

Green mucus

If your immune system needs to take things up a notch to fight a particularly tricky infection, you might develop a green mucus that's especially thick. The green tinge comes from the white blood cells and waste that your body filters out through the mucus.

Green snot shouldn't be a cause to see your doctor straight away. But, if you've had the infection for 12 days or more, you may want to consider checking it's nothing serious.

Pink or bloody mucus

If there's blood in your mucus, your snot will likely turn a pink or red colour. This may happen if you blew your nose too hard or were hit in the face.

Pregnant women may get blood in their nasal mucus because of hormonal changes, which shouldn't be a cause for concern. If the bleeding doesn't stop, or you are concerned, contact your doctor or midwife.

If you have a child who regularly gets blood in their mucus or has repeated nose bleeds, you should speak with their doctor.

How to ease phlegm with SUDAFED®

SUDAFED® can help treat excess mucus and phlegm to make it easier and more comfortable to breathe through your nose.

Our mucus relief triple action tablets contain guaifenesin, which helps to loosen the mucus in your chest. They also contain phenylephrine to soothe swelling in your nasal passages, making it easier to breathe through your nose freely without a stuffy, congested feeling.

You can also try our decongestant tablets that contain pseudoephedrine hydrochloride. They offer highly effective relief for nose and sinus congestion to help your body drain mucus properly.

SUDAFED® is the most popular selling decongestant brand on the market.* We've been working on pioneering, clinically proven treatments for decongestants for over 30 years to help everyone breathe through their nose with ease.

*For verification please contact 01344 864042

FAQs

How to sleep with a cold

When you've got a cold, getting plenty of sleep can be one of the best things that may help your recovery. But sleeping with a cold isn't always easy.

Your nose might be blocked or you could be suffering from the sniffles, making it seem almost impossible to get comfortable at night.

Thankfully, there are a few things you can try to help you sleep better with a cold:

  • Have a warm drink before bed

  • Use a humidifier

  • Take a decongestant

  • Have a warm shower

  • Elevate your head

  • Take cough medicine

  • Wear a nasal strip

  • Gargle saltwater

  • Stick to a bedtime routine

  • Cut down on alcohol.

10 tips for how to sleep with a cold

1. Have a warm drink before bed

Drinking a warm, steamy drink before settling down for bed can help you get the sleep you need. The warmth can soothe a sore throat, while the steam may loosen up any mucus causing your congestion, encouraging it to drain.

Some great hot drink options before bed include:

  • Decaffeinated tea with honey

  • Chamomile tea

  • Peppermint tea

  • Ginger tea

  • Hot water with lemon juice and honey

  • Warm soup

  • Low-sodium broth.

Try and avoid drinking too close to bedtime though as you might then need to get up in the night, which disrupts your rest. It might be better to aim to have your drink at least an hour before heading to bed.

2. Use a humidifier

Having a humidifier in your bedroom works to add moisture to the air you breathe as you sleep, which can help break up the mucus in your sinuses and nose.

Moist air is also easier on your throat, so it can soothe coughing. Just make sure you drain and clean the humidifier daily to keep it free of bacteria and mould, as this could make your cold worse.

3. Take a decongestant

Decongestants are designed to reduce the swelling in your nasal passages and sinuses that happens when you have a cold. This can also help to reduce the production of mucus in your nose.

This all adds up to helping to make it easier to breathe through your nose, so that you can sleep more comfortably.

You can take decongestants as either:

  • A spray

SUDAFED® Blocked Nose Spray can provide rapid relief on three fronts. It can help unblock your nose, reduce mucus build-up and ease breathing through your nose for up to 10 hours in just one spray to each nostril.

  • Tablets

SUDAFED® Decongestant Tablets contain pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, which provides effective relief from blocked noses and sinus congestion. They get to work by reducing swelling in the blood vessels in your nose to make it easier to breathe again.

  • Liquid

SUDAFED® Decongestant Liquid contains pseudoephedrine hydrochloride for effective relief from congestion, helping you breathe freely through your nose. The active ingredient works to reduce the swelling in your nose, which can rid you of that stuffy, bunged up feeling that often comes with a cold.

4. Have a warm shower

When you have a cold, the heat from a warm shower can help energise you, reduce some symptoms and relax your muscles. Plus, the steam can loosen the mucus in your sinuses and nose to hopefully help you breathe a little easier.

You can get the same effect from standing in the bathroom with the door closed while running hot water, letting the steam build up.

5. Elevate your head

Cold symptoms can be worse at night because lying down can cause the mucus from your nose and sinuses to pool at the back of your throat. This may then lead to coughing fits and a restless night.

You can look to improve your sleep by simply propping your head up at night. In fact, elevating your head is one of the best positions to sleep with a cold. Simply use an extra pillow to lift your head slightly or raise the head of your bed if possible.

6. Take cough medicine

The cough accompanying your cold can lead to a restless night that may leave you feeling drained the next day. Taking an over-the-counter cough medicine could provide some temporary relief, helping you drift off to sleep a bit easier.

Some cough medicines also contain decongestants, pain relievers, and antihistamines. Check that this won't affect any other medication you're taking.

7. Wear a nasal strip

Nasal strips are often used as a handy hack for snorers, but they're also great if you have a cold that's causing a blocked nose.

You place the strips across the bridge of your nose, which helps stretch your nasal passages. While the strips won't break up mucus like some other remedies, they can help widen your nasal passages for better airflow.

8. Gargle saltwater

To help soothe your throat overnight, you could try gargling saltwater before settling down for the night. This can help fight the infection and prevent it from getting worse.

To gargle saltwater:

  • Mix about half a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water

  • Once the salt dissolves, take a swig of the mixture and gargle it in the back of your throat

  • Swill the saltwater around your mouth before spitting it out.

9. Stick to a bedtime routine

Maintaining a bedtime routine can make it easier to get to sleep at night. It might improve your sleep in the long run too.

Try to get yourself into a routine by going to bed at around the same time each night, as well as waking up at the same time every morning. It could improve the quality of your sleep.

10. Cut down on alcohol

Alcohol can make you sleepy, but it’s a good idea to avoid it before bed – especially if you're already having problems sleeping because of a cold.

Alcohol is also a diuretic. This means it suppresses the hormone that normally stops your kidneys from overproducing urine, so you're likely to need the toilet more often. All of this can cause dehydration, possibly slowing your recovery time from a cold even more.

Instead, try and make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day and before bed by drinking plenty of water.

FAQs

Sinusitis symptoms and treatment

Sinusitis – sometimes simply known as a sinus infection – is a common condition, often following a period when you’ve had a cold or flu.

It usually occurs when you have blocked sinuses or they fill with fluid, swelling in size and leading to an infection. You’ll know about it as your upper face normally feels painful, worsening when you move your head. Where the pain appears can depend on which sinuses are swollen.

The good news is that using decongestants is a common sinusitis treatment to ease pain and other symptoms.

Read on to discover what sinusitis is, its causes, symptoms and treatments.

  • What is sinusitis?

  • What causes sinusitis?

  • Sinus infection symptoms

  • Sinusitis treatment

  • FAQs

What is sinusitis and what causes a sinus infection?

Sinusitis is a common condition where the linings of your sinuses become inflamed or swollen. Often referred to as a sinus infection – as in most cases an infection causes swelling – it can lead to pain and discomfort around your face but usually clears up on its own within a couple of weeks.

Sinus is a Latin word that simply means a curve or hollow cavity. Your sinuses produce a thin liquid called mucus. This helps protect your body by trapping dirt particles and germs, then flowing away to guard against infection in such sensitive areas.

Viral Infections and responses to allergens can cause excess mucus production, leading to blocked sinuses and possible bacterial infection.

Where are your sinuses?

Sinuses are hollow spaces in the skull and face bones filled with air that connect to the nasal cavity. Sinusitis affects the paranasal sinuses. These are four pairs of sinuses located in different bones across your face and skull.

What causes sinusitis?

A viral infection usually causes sinusitis after having a cold or flu. The virus spreads from the upper airways to your paranasal sinuses, causing excess mucus to be created.

As the viral infection spreads, it can cause the lining of your sinuses to swell and become inflamed. The mucus can become thick here, forming a build-up of bacteria and germs in your sinuses that leads to infection.

With blocked sinuses, the mucus can’t drain into your nose through the small channels as normal. This prevents the germs and bacteria from leaving your system, which can lead to various uncomfortable sinusitis symptoms.

Usually, a sinus infection will go away within two to three weeks.

Some other possible sinus infection causes can include:

  • Allergies such as allergic rhinitis, asthma and hay fever

  • Fungal infection

  • Nasal polyps (growths inside your nose)

  • Tooth infection

  • Weakened immune system

Sinus infection symptoms

Sinusitis symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the condition and how long it lasts. There are three main types of sinusitis:

  • Acute sinusitis – Symptoms usually last between two to three weeks when caused by a cold or seasonal allergies.

  • Subacute sinusitis – More commonly caused by seasonal allergies or bacterial infections, subacute sinusitis can last for up to three months.

  • Chronic sinusitis – The longest type of sinus infection, symptoms of chronic sinusitis often go on for more than three months. Symptoms can be less severe, and the exact cause of chronic sinusitis is unclear. But there are links between persistent allergies, nasal polyps and structural nasal problems, smoking and a weakened immune system.

Symptoms of sinusitis often overlap with those of a common cold. If you have a common cold and develop some, or all, of the following sinus infection symptoms, then you may have sinusitis:

Sinus headache

One of the most common types of sinusitis pain is a sinus headache. Swollen sinuses can create more pressure around your cheekbones, nose and forehead that can result in a sinus infection headache.

Symptoms of a sinus headache include the pain getting worse when you strain or suddenly move your head. It can be hard to tell the difference between a sinus headache and a migraine or tension headache, as many symptoms overlap.

If you have a fever, facial swelling and some or all of the below symptoms, it’s more likely a sign of sinus infection.

Nasal discharge

A runny nose is a common symptom of sinusitis, with a cloudy green or yellow coloured discharge. It can be thick and sticky due to the infection.

A blocked nose

A build-up of excess mucus can cause a blocked sinus and nose. Similar to the common cold, you might find it harder to breathe.

Sinusitis pain and tenderness around your face

The areas around your cheeks, eyes and/or forehead – where the four pairs of paranasal sinuses are located – may ache due to inflamed sinuses creating extra pressure.

A high temperature

If your temperature rises above 38ºC (100.4ºF), it can be a sign of fever related to sinusitis. Your brain’s response to a sinus infection can be to reset your body temperature higher in an effort to fight it off.

Toothache

Drainage from sinus infections and additional pressure can cause sinus tooth pain. Typically, you might experience toothache in your upper back teeth and those closest to the sinuses.

A reduced sense of smell

A common symptom of a blocked nose and blocked sinuses is a reduced or complete loss of smell, which may affect your taste as well.

Bad breath (halitosis)

Excess mucus can have a foul odour, dripping down from the nose to the back of your throat. This can leave a bad taste in your mouth and cause bad breath.

Fatigue

Your body works harder to fight off a sinus infection and the various symptoms of sinusitis. Dealing with breathing difficulties, aches, and pains can tire you out.

When to see a doctor about sinusitis

Most of the time, sinusitis should clear up by itself within two to three weeks , without needing any medical attention. However, you should see a doctor about a sinus infection if:

  • Your sinusitis symptoms are severe

  • Symptoms don’t improve or get worse after medication

  • Symptoms fail to improve at all after one week

  • Your sinus infection keeps returning

Sinusitis treatment

Sinus infection treatment can vary depending on the type and severity you’re experiencing. In most cases, you can relieve mild sinusitis pain yourself without the need to see a GP.

Using sinus medication such as over-the-counter decongestants may also help ease your symptoms.

How to treat a sinus infection yourself

With acute sinusitis especially, there are a few things you can do to try to tackle it without having to see your doctor. These include:

  • Getting plenty of rest

  • Drinking a lot of fluids

  • Cleaning the inside of your nose with a saltwater solution

  • Taking painkillers to relieve pain and high temperature

  • Applying warm packs to your face, soothing pain and encouraging mucus to drain from your sinuses

How to treat sinusitis with SUDAFED®

Over-the-counter decongestants can help clear your sinuses, unblock your nose and enable you to breathe easier, relieving sinus pressure and pain.

At SUDAFED® we have more than 30 years’ experience developing clinically proven congestion treatments. These include a range of products to clear sinuses.

All SUDAFED® products contain one of three active ingredients that tackle congestion. They each work to reduce swelling, helping to return your sinuses to the normal flow of air and mucus.

  • Pseudoephedrine – narrows blood vessels to reduce swelling and congestion.

  • Phenylephrine – reduces swelling within nasal passages to improve breathing through your nose.

  • Xylometazoline – contracts swollen blood vessels to clear blocked sinuses. Learn how each of the following products can be used as an effective treatment for sinusitis.

SUDAFED® Sinus Ease Nasal Spray

Simply spray directly into your nose for fast sinusitis relief that can help you breathe easier within minutes. Its active ingredient is xylometazoline hydrochloride, which can offer up to 10 hours of congestion relief. Point the nozzle up each nostril and squeeze the bottle, using two or three times a day on each nostril.

Discover SUDAFED® Sinus Ease Nasal Spray.

SUDAFED® Sinus Max Strength Capsules

Combining phenylephrine hydrochloride, paracetamol and caffeine, these max-strength capsules ease sinus pain, pressure and congestion. Each ingredient works to reduce different symptoms. Phenylephrine hydrochloride helps to relieve congestion and soothe swelling in the nose and mouth, whilst paracetamol helps reduce fever, aches, pains and headaches. The caffeine helps to combat tiredness and fatigue related to sinusitis. Take two capsules every 4-6 hours, a maximum of four doses in 24 hours, for fast sinusitis relief.

Discover SUDAFED® Sinus Max Strength Capsules.

SUDAFED® Sinus Pressure & Pain Tablets

Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride reduces nose and sinus congestion, while the ibuprofen in these tablets provides inflammation, pain and sinus headache relief. Simply take one or two tablets every four to six hours to help ease the discomfort of sinus problems you’re experiencing.

Discover SUDAFED® Sinus Pressure & Pain Tablets.

FAQs

Headcold Symptoms & Relief

A head cold typically causes nasal congestion, a sore throat and headaches. In most cases, symptoms aren’t a cause for concern and should clear up after a few days.

Adults typically catch two to three colds a year, usually during the colder months – although it’s possible to catch a cold at any time of year. Children can get between five and six colds a year.

A head cold can be treated at home with rest and over-the-counter medicines to alleviate any uncomfortable symptoms, such as congestion. Colds shouldn’t usually require a visit to a GP.

In this article we’ll look at:

  • What is a head cold?

  • Symptoms of a head cold

  • Causes of a head cold

  • How to get rid of a head cold

  • Frequently asked questions

What is a head cold?

A head cold is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. Often referred to as the common cold, the symptoms of a head cold usually appear in the sinuses and nasal passages.

Symptoms are typically mild, but they can leave you feeling tired, congested and rundown. Tell-tale symptoms may include nasal congestion (often referred to as a blocked nose), pressure in the sinuses and a headache. You may also have a high temperature, ear ache, muscle pain and loss of taste and smell. A cold usually lasts for a week at most, although those with a weakened immune system or pre-existing condition might find that symptoms go on for longer.

There are more than 200 types of virus that cause common cold symptoms, 30-35% of colds are caused by rhinoviruses – and they’re often passed from person to person. You might catch a head cold from touching an infected surface, such as a door handle, or being in the vicinity of someone who already has the virus. The virus is most often spread through hand-to-hand contact.

Symptoms of a head cold

The symptoms of a head cold are very common and, although frustrating and uncomfortable, are usually nothing to worry about. Chances are that you’ve suffered from a rhinovirus infection before and will be familiar with the feelings of a blocked nose, sinus pain and headaches.

It’s likely that you’ll feel the symptoms in:

  • Your head

  • Your sinus

  • Your nose

  • Your throat

  • Your muscles

Head cold symptoms appear one to three days after your initial infection. They can include:

A blocked or runny nose

A blocked nose is caused by inflamed and swollen blood vessels in your sinuses and nasal passage. A blocked, or stuffy, nose is among the more common symptoms of a head cold.

A sore throat

A dry, itchy throat is one of the first symptoms to appear when suffering from a head cold. A sore throat might make it difficult or painful to swallow.

Headaches

Headaches can be painful and are usually linked to the build-up of pressure in your sinuses. You might feel a headache behind your sinuses or your eyes.

Muscle aches

common cold can leave you feeling tired and rundown. Your muscles might ache and feel heavy. Muscle aches and stiffness are more common in the neck and upper back. Pain in the muscles is caused by inflammation as your immune system works to fight off the infection, leaving them tired.

Coughs

Coughing is a common symptom too. The rhinovirus infection is spread via coughing and sneezing. When you cough or sneeze, infectious droplets enter the air. Make sure to cough or sneeze into a tissue, dispose of it, and then thoroughly wash your hands with warm water and soap.

Sneezing

You might find that you sneeze more often. Sneezing is another way that this airborne virus spreads between people.

A raised temperature

A raised temperature is the body’s way of trying to get rid of the virus itself. You might find that your temperature rises as high as 38°C. If you have a higher temperature, you should seek the advice of a medical professional.

Pressure in your ears and face

You might feel a build-up of pressure behind your eyes, or in your ears. This is linked to the inflammation of your sinuses and nasal passages. You might even find it difficult to hear while you have a cold, as swelling can keep the passages linking your ears and nose from opening.

Loss of taste and smell

People suffering from a head cold might also experience temporary loss of taste and smell due to the infection.

How long does a head cold last?

A head cold can last anywhere between 3 days to 2 weeks , depending on its severity. Some people with weakened immune systems or pre-existing conditions may feel ill for longer. Children may also have more persistent symptoms.

If you have symptoms for longer than three weeks, contact your GP or another medical professional.

Head cold or sinusitis?

Sore throat, headaches and swollen sinuses are all signs of a head cold. However, they’re symptoms that are also shared with a sinus infection. A sinus infection, or sinusitis, can be more serious than a head cold and, in some cases, can require a visit to the GP.

Sinusitis is caused by swelling and inflammation of the sinuses, this is most commonly caused by a viral infection, such as the common cold. In some cases, the swelling can cause a bacterial infection as the sinuses can't drain properly, which may require a visit to the doctor.

Symptoms usually clear up on their own within two to three weeks. However, if your symptoms are severe, get worse, or do not improve after a week, you should see a doctor.

When to see a doctor

Most head colds don’t require a visit to the doctor and can be treated at home with rest and over-the-counter medicine to alleviate symptoms.

However, you may need to visit your GP if:

  • You have symptoms for longer than three weeks.

  • Your symptoms worsen over time.

  • Your temperature exceeds 38°C.

  • You have pain in your chest or difficulty breathing through your mouth.

  • You have pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes.

  • You have a weakened immune system, such as when undergoing chemotherapy.

  • You are concerned about your child’s symptoms, or your child has any of the above.

Causes of a head cold

There are number of viruses that cause head colds, with rhinovirus being of the most common viruses you can catch. The virus can spread easily –either via airborne droplets coughed or sneezed out by someone already carrying the illness or by touching an infected surface, such as a door handle.

Most people get at least one cold a year and they can be difficult to avoid. However, there are a few things you can do to reduce your chances of catching one.

  • Wash your hands regularly, especially after using shared access areas like a workplace bathroom or public transport.

  • Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, preferably with a tissue.

  • Dispose of any used tissues as soon as possible.

  • Avoid sharing items such as cups, pens or a computer keyboard with someone who has cold-like symptoms.

  • Avoid touching your mouth and eyes when you’re near someone who has cold-like symptoms.

  • Try and stay generally fit and well by eating a varied, balanced diet, drinking water and getting enough sleep.

How to get rid of a head cold

There are several ways to help alleviate the symptoms of a head cold while you wait for it to pass. Alongside a variety of potential home remedies, you might want to use an over-the-counter medicine such as one from the SUDAFED® Congestion & Headache Relief range.

Rest and sleep

Getting enough rest and sleep is crucial to recovering from a head cold faster. Most adults need around eight hours of sleep a night. You may find it difficult to breathe while lying down in bed because of your blocked nasal passages. SUDAFED® Congestion & Headache Day & Night Capsules can help clear your airways. You can also try raising your head up with an extra pillow.

A humidifier

Using a humidifier to blow humid air into your room might help reduce the discomfort caused by symptoms like a dry, itchy throat. Humid air can reduce the feeling of pressure from blocked sinuses and can help clear your nasal passages.

Warm compress

Placing a warm compress or flannel over the bridge of your nose can help to stimulate the flow of mucus in your sinuses and nasal passages, which may help to reduce the pressure build-up you feel in your head.

Flushing out your sinuses

Alternatively, you can stimulate the flow of mucus by hanging your head over a bowl of steaming water:

  1. Boil water and pour into a heatproof bowl.

  2. Once the water has cooled a little, hang your head over the water and breathe the steam in slowly. Only do this if the steam has cooled enough to be a comfortable, warm temperature.

  3. You could drape a towel over your head to ensure the steam doesn’t escape into other areas of the room.

Plenty of fluids

Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Water is best, but you could also have a vitamin-rich fruit juice mixed with water.

Taking a decongestant

Decongestants can provide temporary relief from the symptoms of a head cold. SUDAFED® Congestion & Headache Day & Night Capsules are designed to ease the pain of a headache and make it easier for you to breathe at night. SUDAFED® Congestion & Headache Relief Max Strength Capsules soothes stuffy noses and heavy congestion for a more comfortable feeling.

At SUDAFED® we’ve spent over 30 years developing leading over-the-counter treatments for congestion and cold relief.

Some of our treatments contain phenylephrine, a decongestant formulated for clearing nasal passages and making it easier to breathe. Some of our decongestant tablets also include paracetamol, which can help alleviate painful headaches and muscle aches.

FAQs

Sudafed Congestion Symptom Checker

Our symptom checker will help you find the most suitable treatment for your congested nose or sinus problems.

Nasal congestion and sinus pressure have many causes: colds, the flu, and allergies to name a few. The symptoms of a blocked nose are caused by inflammation and irritation of the nasal passage. In order to flush out the irritation, mucus is produced which can cause sinuses to become blocked. This leads to sinus pressure and pain.

Sudafed® Congestion & Headache Relief