Article: Expectorants are medications that break apart mucus and make it easier to cough up and expel from your body. There are many OTC expectorants available at drug stores, including brands like Robitussin and Mucinex that contain the drugs dextromethorphan and guaifenesin. These are both widely available brands that you can find easily, and both drugs are highly effective at blocking mucus production. Take the medication as directed on the packaging.  You can take up to 1200 mg of guaifenesin a day. Always take it with a full glass of water. Expectorants aren’t safe for children younger than 6 years old, so check with your doctor for a child-safe alternative. Ask your doctor about inhalers or nebulizers with which you can administer your own breathing treatments. These typically include prescription medications like albuterol that loosen thick mucus in your lungs and alleviate congestion. Try doing a few controlled coughs after you’ve used the inhaler, since the medicine will have loosened up mucous in your lungs. Always follow the directions printed on the packaging when using a prescription inhaler. Inhalers are necessary primarily for bad cases of chest congestion, but if you are sick and tired of dealing with mucus you could ask your doctor about trying one. If symptoms do not improve with any of these methods, visit your doctor and describe the severity and duration of your symptoms. Inquire about an antibiotic shot, nasal spray, pills, or prescription vitamin therapy to clear up stubborn or deep chest congestion. Also see the doctor if you’re developing more serious symptoms such as a fever, shortness of breath, or a rash, or if you are wheezing. Suppressants are used to minimize coughing, but unfortunately, they can thicken mucus in your chest. Thick, heavy mucous will be difficult for you to cough up. Avoid taking a suppressant or a combination of both suppressant and expectorants, as you may worsen your chest congestion. Remember that coughing is normal and healthy when you have chest congestion, so you don’t need to minimize or stop it. Also avoid decongestants like Sudafed if you’re coughing up mucus. Both of these types of drugs can make the mucus secretions dry in your lungs and make it more difficult for you to cough them up. Some cough medications have antihistamines, so read the label before consuming an OTC cough medicine.  A cough that loosens mucus in your chest is known as a productive cough. It is quite normal for drainage to be yellow or light green if you have a cold or flu. However, if it is any other color, see a doctor.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Take an OTC expectorant to help your body cough up mucous. Use an inhaler if you’re having trouble breathing due to congestion. See your doctor if your chest congestion hasn’t cleared up in 1 week. Avoid taking cough suppressant medications when you’re congested. Do not take any antihistamines if mucus comes up when you cough.