🩺 Best Medications for Cold and Flu Season: ENT-Approved Tips from SCENT Houston

Madeleine Herman
1 day ago
2 min read

As the weather cools down, cold and flu symptoms make their yearly comeback — bringing along congestion, cough, sore throats, and fatigue. At SCENT Houston, we see a big rise in patients struggling to tell whether their symptoms are viral, allergic, or sinus-related.

Here’s our guide to the best over-the-counter medications and strategies to help you breathe easier and recover faster this season.

🤧 1. Decongestants: For Stuffy Noses and Sinus Pressure

If you’re feeling pressure behind your eyes or can’t breathe through your nose, a decongestant can help temporarily open your nasal passages.

Oral options: Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) is effective but can raise blood pressure — check with your doctor if you have heart concerns.
Nasal sprays: Oxymetazoline (Afrin) works quickly but should only be used for 3 days or less to avoid rebound congestion.
For a gentler option, saline sprays or steam inhalation can also provide relief without side effects.

🤒 2. Antihistamines and Nasal Steroids:

For Runny Nose and Sneezing

Even during cold season, histamine plays a role in your symptoms. Non-drowsy antihistamines such as:

Loratadine (Claritin)
Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
Fexofenadine (Allegra)

If you’re feeling stuffy and drippy, a nasal steroid spray like Fluticasone (Flonase) or Nasacort can make a noticeable difference.

🫁 3. Cough and Sore Throat Relief

For coughs that keep you up at night:

Dextromethorphan (found in Robitussin DM, Mucinex DM or Delsym) can calm your cough reflex.
Guaifenesin (Mucinex) helps loosen thick mucus so you can clear it more easily.

For sore throats, lozenges, warm saltwater gargles, and honey-lemon tea are simple but effective. Avoid combination “multi-symptom” formulas unless you need each ingredient — they often contain unnecessary additives.

💊 4. Fever and Pain Relief

Body aches, fever, and headaches are common with the flu.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) both work well.
Always follow dosing instructions and avoid combining multiple products containing the same ingredient.

🌿 5. When to See an ENT Specialist

If your symptoms last longer than 10 days, get worse after initial improvement, or come with facial pain or colored nasal discharge, you may have a sinus infection instead of a simple cold.

At SCENT Houston, our ENT specialists can evaluate whether you’re dealing with sinusitis, allergies, or nasal obstruction, and offer tailored treatments — including in-office sinus procedures and advanced allergy care.

🏥 The SCENT Houston Approach

At SCENT Houston, we take a whole-patient approach to airway and sinus health. Whether you’re battling seasonal congestion, chronic sinus issues, or post-viral symptoms, our goal is to help you breathe better and stay well through every season.

💬 Takeaway

The best “cold and flu” medication depends on your specific symptoms — and often, a combination works best:

Decongestant for pressure
Antihistamine for drainage
Nasal spray for inflammation
Pain reliever for fever and aches

When in doubt, schedule a consultation with your ENT to make sure your treatment plan is safe and effective for you.

📍 Visit SCENT Houston – Sinus Center & ENT Specialists of Houston

Serving patients in Memorial, Tanglewood, Katy and Houston

🌐 SCENTHouston.com📞 Call today to schedule your appointment and breathe easier this cold and flu season.