13 Effective Remedies To Help You Treat Chest Congestion At Home

Vapor Rub

Although they are administered externally rather than internally, decongestant chemicals are also included in vapor rubs. In one 2010 trial, scientists looked at kids who either got vapor rub therapy, petrolatum treatment, or no medicine at all. The best product for cough and congestion treatment was vapor rub.

The ointment didn’t considerably lessen symptoms compared to receiving no therapy. Therefore, it is believed that the combination of menthol and camphor in a vapor rub provides the most symptom reduction.

Vapor rubs are available at all pharmacy stores. Typically, one can apply it to the chest each night until the symptoms disappear. Ensure that they adhere strictly to the directions on the container.

Applying a vapor rub has drawbacks as well. Using it in children under the age of two is dangerous and can only be applied to the neck and chest. Toddlers can suffer fatal poisoning by ingesting a few tablespoons of camphor, one of the key chemicals in Vapor rub, and other topical treatments. 

Additionally, vapor rub might damage the cornea if it gets inside the eye. It is also not advisable to apply to the nostril, specifically to the babies.