Try an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to ease body aches and reduce fever. Use saline drops or nasal spray to alleviate congestion. Use lozenges to keep your throat moist. Use bronchodilators, which relax the muscles in your lungs and widen your bronchi to make breathing easier.

You have two main choices in the cold-and- flu aisle: Cough suppressants, like dextromethorphan, can provide relief for a short time. They work on the part of your brain that controls the process. Expectorants, like guaifenesin, can break up congestion in your chest by thinning the mucus in your airways.

Expectorants: These medications thin mucus, which can help you get it out of your system. Guaifenesin is the only over-the-counter expectorant. It has the same effect as drinking more liquids. You’ll find it in brands like Mucinex and Robitussin. Vapor rubs: These don’t cure the problem. But, they can help soothe the symptoms of congestion.

Hot drinks, humidifiers, some herbal products, and medications like expectorants can all be helpful for chest congestion. Consult a healthcare provider if you have chest congestion and if symptoms like trouble breathing and fever accompany it.