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Related Concept Videos

Drugs Used in Upper Respiratory Disorders: Overview01:16

Drugs Used in Upper Respiratory Disorders: Overview

Upper respiratory tract disorders, including viral infections and allergic rhinitis, cause significant discomfort and disrupt daily life. Managing these conditions involves a variety of drugs, such as antihistamines, intranasal steroids, decongestants, antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics. Specific examples of drugs in each category are provided.
Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl) block histamines from binding. Histamines are chemicals released during an allergic reaction in the body. As a...
Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics01:23

Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics

Respiratory symptoms, such as congestion and cough, commonly accompany respiratory tract conditions. Various medications, such as antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics, play crucial roles in providing relief.
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla.  Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by anesthetizing...
Upper Respiratory Drugs: Decongestants01:27

Upper Respiratory Drugs: Decongestants

Decongestants are a class of medications used primarily to alleviate nasal congestion, a common symptom resulting from allergies, colds, sinusitis, and other upper respiratory tract infections. These drugs work by activating α-adrenergic receptors, constricting small blood vessels in the nasal membranes. This action results in the opening of clogged nasal passages, thereby facilitating sinus drainage and relieving congestion.
Most decongestants are readily available over-the-counter in various...
Upper Respiratory Drugs: First and Second-Generation Antihistamines01:15

Upper Respiratory Drugs: First and Second-Generation Antihistamines

Antihistamines are a class of drugs widely used to alleviate the symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing, itching, and nasal congestion. They work by inhibiting the actions of histamine, which is released by immune cells in response to allergenic substances or tissue injuries.
Histamine binds to specific receptor sites, known as H1 receptors, on tissue cells, triggering inflammation and swelling. Antihistamines combat these effects by competing with histamine for these receptor sites. By...
Antiasthma Drugs: Methylxanthines01:24

Antiasthma Drugs: Methylxanthines

Theophylline, a member of the methylxanthine class of bronchodilators, has long been used in asthma management. While its exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, it is believed to have multiple effects on various cellular processes.
Theophylline is thought to inhibit phosphodiesterase enzymes, increasing intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This rise in cAMP and cGMP concentrations stimulates cardiac function,...
Adrenergic Agonists: Mixed-Action Agents01:28

Adrenergic Agonists: Mixed-Action Agents

Mixed-action adrenergic agonists, like ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, directly and indirectly affect adrenergic receptors. These agents stimulate adrenoceptors and indirectly release stored neurotransmitters, amplifying the adrenergic response.
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine lack a catecholamine group, making them less susceptible to degradation by metabolic enzymes. They have increased oral bioavailability and lipophilicity, resulting in a longer duration of action. Their response is reduced by...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Immunofluorescent Labeling in Nasal Mucosa Tissue Sections of Allergic Rhinitis Rats via Multicolor Immunoassay
06:08

Immunofluorescent Labeling in Nasal Mucosa Tissue Sections of Allergic Rhinitis Rats via Multicolor Immunoassay

Published on: September 22, 2023

Guaifenesin in rhinitis.

William Storms1, Judith R Farrar

  • 1The William Storms Allergy Clinic, Colorado Springs, CO 80907, USA. sneezedoc@stormsallergy.com

Current Allergy and Asthma Reports
|February 13, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Guaifenesin may help manage bothersome nasal mucus in rhinitis, though its efficacy is debated. This review explores its use and available data for patients experiencing tenacious mucus.

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Nasal Wipes for Influenza A Virus Detection and Isolation from Swine
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Nasal Wipes for Influenza A Virus Detection and Isolation from Swine

Published on: December 4, 2015

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Last Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Immunofluorescent Labeling in Nasal Mucosa Tissue Sections of Allergic Rhinitis Rats via Multicolor Immunoassay
06:08

Immunofluorescent Labeling in Nasal Mucosa Tissue Sections of Allergic Rhinitis Rats via Multicolor Immunoassay

Published on: September 22, 2023

Nasal Wipes for Influenza A Virus Detection and Isolation from Swine
05:59

Nasal Wipes for Influenza A Virus Detection and Isolation from Swine

Published on: December 4, 2015

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology and Allergy
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Airway mucus is crucial for respiratory health, acting as a lubricant and immune defense.
  • Impaired mucus clearance due to thickening or drying, often seen in rhinitis, causes significant patient discomfort.
  • Current management strategies for tenacious mucus include hydration and nasal washes, with mucoactive agents showing controversial efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the use of guaifenesin (glyceryl guaiacolate) for managing bothersome nasal mucus in rhinitis.
  • To examine existing published data and clinical experience regarding guaifenesin's effectiveness.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on guaifenesin and nasal mucus.
  • Analysis of clinical data and patient experiences.

Main Results:

  • The efficacy of mucoactive agents, including guaifenesin, is subject to ongoing debate due to limited and equivocal study data.
  • Some patients report benefits from guaifenesin for managing bothersome nasal mucus.

Conclusions:

  • Guaifenesin represents a potential option for patients with rhinitis experiencing bothersome nasal mucus, despite the controversial evidence.
  • Further research may clarify the role and efficacy of guaifenesin in managing mucus-related symptoms in rhinitis.