Decongestant? - Digestive Disorders Message Board

Chopendoz · 07-13-2003, 12:29 AM

I have a hiatus hernia and suffer from GERD. I spit blood almost every morning as a matter of routine.
Every day I eat antacid tablets. I have also suffered from esophagus restriction from time to time (boiled eggs or plain boiled rice seems to cause that effect).
But that's not the pressing problem.
I am increasingly congested but find it difficult to eject mucus/phlegm due to a gag reflex. Every time I get mucus/phlegm in my throat, I want to vomit but the swallow reflex kicks in.
My question:- is there a decongestant which does not incorporate an expectorant?

Canyonbabe · 07-13-2003, 11:16 PM

Plain old sudafed does not have an expectorant. There are many. Just check the label and see if it has guainefesen in it. If it does it HAS an expectorant? It would seem that an expectorant would thin the mucous and make it easier to get rid of. The other question is where are you congested? Decongestants are for nasal congestion mainly. If you feel congested in your lungs or chest you need to see a pulmonologist as as you need something to open the bronchial tubes and that is not a decongestant, for sure. Decongestants shrink the membranes whereas meds to open the bronchial tubes relax the muscles and open the tubes. Simplistic answer but fairly accurate. Have you seen an ENT Doctor also about the mucous in your throat, etc?