Snoring and Over The Counter Remedies
Snoring in itself is not a disease or illness; it is
a symptom of an underlying health condition that is causing a
blockage of the nasal passageways. Just about all of the common
respiratory diseases cause snoring and, when the disease is treated
the snoring stops.
Decongestants
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Decongestants are drugs used to reduce the
swelling of the mucous membranes lining the nose and
sinuses. They act to relieve congestion.
The mucous membranes can become irritated and or inflamed
for a number of reasons including viral infections and
allergic reactions.
When infections or allergic reactions attack the delicate
membranes lining the nasal and sinus cavities the blood
vessels in the membrane enlarge and engorge to allow
increased production of mucous. Decongestants act directly
on those blood vessels to constrict them thereby reducing
the swelling and the mucous production levels.
Decongestants can be taken as oral pills or capsules; they
are also available as nasal sprays or drops. |
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It is important not to overuse decongestant sprays and drops
as their effect lessens over time.
Cough Remedies
The effectiveness of cough remedies is doubtful with
the exception of the mucolytic preparations that make mucous less
sticky and easier to cough up. Some cough remedies contain a mild
sedative which does help those who have a persistent cough to get some
sleep but the remedy itself is doing nothing for the cough.
If the snoring problem is being caused by mucous blocking the airways
there may be some benefit to using the type of remedy that makes it
easier to cough up the mucous.
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Cold and Flu Remedies
Whilst there are no known cures for the
common cold or flu, there are many remedies that will either
suppress or alleviate the symptoms thereby easing discomfort
and reducing the associated problem of snoring.
Most of the over the counter remedies are combinations of
drugs such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and decongestants. Some
include caffeine and vitamin C.
There is a school of thought that believes cold and flu
viruses are best left to run their course and that the use
of drugs just prolongs the problem.
Corticosteroids |
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Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs
that act to reduce inflammation in the nasal passageways in
allergic conditions such as hay fever. They deserve a
mention here, although they are prescription drugs and not
generally available as over the counter remedies.
The body is capable of producing its own supply
of corticosteroid and it is only given as medication when
additional supplies are required to assist with a crisis; to
support an overworked immune system. When corticosteroids are
taken for more than a few weeks it is important that the dose is
reduced gradually to allow the body to restore its own normal
levels of production.
Whilst none of these remedies are cures for snoring in
themselves, they do help to alleviate the symptoms of other
health conditions that cause snoring and so the snoring problem
is often reduced as a welcome side effect of taking these drugs.
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