Many of these medications are available over the counter and are widely used by clients. The nurse should remind clients to check the labels of medications that they are taking to avoid ingesting too much of a particular medication

It is important to understand the appropriate use for each of these drugs and how they assist clients with respiratory disorders.

histamines — chemicals in body cells that are responsible for many of the symptoms of allergies. mucolytics — drugs that help to clear mucus from the upper and lower airways of the respiratory system. decongestants — drugs used to relieve nasal congestion caused by respiratory disorders. expectorants — drugs that help to clear mucus from the airway.