About Alka-Seltzer Plus® Mucus & Congestion

Alka-Seltzer Plus® Mucus & Congestion is specially formulated to break-up mucus and clear it from the bronchial passages, and also quiet unproductive coughing. It breaks up what's got your chest clogged up and reduces the intensity of your coughing. The active ingredients speed relief to your symptoms and make you feel like yourself again.

The main active ingredient in Alka-Seltzer Plus® Mucus & Congestion is guaifenesin which is an effective expectorant, a medicine which loosens and thins mucus, helping to rid it from the body through expectoration or coughing.

The second active ingredient in Alka-Seltzer Plus® Mucus & Congestion is dextromethorphan, an antitussive or cough suppressant ingredient. It is used to help calm coughing that can occur as a side effect of a cold. It is especially helpful at night when going to sleep.

About Chest Congestion
Chest congestion is a symptom often associated with the common cold or flu. In healthy individuals, air flows easily into the lungs through tubes called bronchi. These bronchial tubes are protected by mucous membranes which produce mucus to help defend against irritation and infection.

When inflammation of the bronchial tubes occurs, the mucous membranes swell and produce a build up of mucus. Heavy coughing is our body's way of trying to clear the mucus from the bronchial passages. When the mucus thickens and moves more slowly in the respiratory tract than usual, it can be difficult to breathe and get a restful night's sleep. This condition can also be accompanied by a nagging, unproductive cough.

Home Remedies for Chest Congestion Associated with the Common Cold
Drink Plenty of Fluids - Extra liquids in the body's system help to thin the mucus and make it easier to cough up. Drinking fluids can also help to soothe the throat which may be irritated from coughing.

Increase Air Humidity - During the wintertime, there is often less moisture in the air which can dry out and irritate our mucous membranes. Increasing the humidity in a room may help to soothe irritated bronchial membranes. Try turning on a humidifier or steam vaporizer in the bedroom half-hour before going to sleep and leaving it on all night. This can increase the air humidity to as much as 70%. Make sure to clean the humidifier frequently and properly to avoid adding unwanted mold, fungi or bacteria to the air.

Eat Some Chicken Soup - Chicken soup has existed as a home remedy for ages that may improve cold symptoms. Scientific studies show that chicken soup helps to clear secretions better than other liquids and speeds up the movement of mucus through the nose. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory by inhibiting the movement of neutrophils, immune system cells that participate in the body's inflammatory response.

Prop Up Your Head While Sleeping - To help ease breathing during sleep at night, try using an extra pillow to prop up the head.

For added relief of chest congestion or cough, or when home remedies aren't enough, try an over-the-counter cold medicine such as Alka-Seltzer Plus® Mucus & Congestion.