Vicks VapoRub — a topical ointment made of ingredients including camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol that you rub on your throat and chest — doesn't relieve nasal congestion. But the strong menthol odor of VapoRub may trick your brain, so you feel like you're breathing through an unclogged nose.
Vicks products cannot cure the cold or flu, but they can help relieve chest congestion symptoms so you can feel better while your body heals from the cold or flu virus. When you have chest congestion symptoms, the mucus build-up in your lungs can become very thick and dense.
Gone are the days of popping an excess amount of Tylenol or Advil to cure your headache. Simply apply a bit of Vicks to your temples and forehead, lay down, and let the magic kick in.
In adults and children age 2 and older, use it only on the neck and chest.
One of the main reasons why nasal congestion gets worse at night is because of gravity. When lying down, the blood vessels in your nasal passages dilate which leads to increased blood flow to the area. This causes the tissues to swell and become congested.
Although it might feel like longer, nasal congestion usually lasts around five to 10 days, depending on whether it is caused by a viral or bacterial infection. While decongestants can help to manage your nasal congestion symptoms, it is best to just let nasal congestion run its course.
While addiction isn't a concern of Vicks VapoInhaler abuse and VapoRub misuse, allergic reactions, irritation to the nose and airways, and possible intoxication in children can occur. Although Vicks VapoRub doesn't make you high, there's no telling what harm sniffing these chemicals can do in the long run.
drink plenty of fluids, which can help thin the mucus and make it easier to cough up; take a hot, steamy shower to help break down the mucus (phlegm) and make it easier to cough up; and. get plenty of rest.
What are the side effects of Vicks Vaporub (Camphor, Eucalyptus, And Menthol)? Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.
Nasal congestion typically clears after a few days, but congestion that lasts for a week or more may be a sign of an infection. Left untreated, nasal congestion may cause sinusitis, nasal polyps or middle ear infections.
Increased mucus secretion is another way nasal congestion occurs and causes stuffiness. The main difference between nasal congestion and sinus congestion is that nasal congestion can be caused by a lot of different medical conditions, whereas sinus congestion specifically occurs when your sinuses are blocked.
If you feel that you are blocked up but are not really producing mucus, then this is more indicative of a physical abnormality, such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum. It is quite common for people to complain of having a blocked nose on one side.
It contains camphor which is toxic if swallowed or absorbed into the body and the manufacturers do in fact warn that VapoRub should not be applied in or near the nostrils and not used on children under 2 years of age.
Lung experts have also warned us that long-term use of petroleum jelly in the nose might allow this oily substance to collect in the lungs, especially at night while people sleep. This might lead to something called lipoid pneumonia.
VapoRub continues to be Vicks's flagship product internationally, and the Vicks brand name is often used synonymously with the VapoRub product.
Vicks Vaporub is also used for general pain relief with headaches, joint pains and muscle sprains.
No More Headaches
Gone are the days of popping an excess amount of Tylenol or Advil to cure your headache. Simply apply a bit of Vicks to your temples and forehead, lay down, and let the magic kick in.