Do otc expectorants like mucinex offer any long term benefit for clearing symptoms permanently? or do they just mask symptoms, and its better to let your immune system do the work?

Mucinex and immune system address different issues. Mucinex provides symptomatic relief by facilitating clearance of excessive respiratory secretions and mucus.

Mucinex works by making your mucus more watery and thin, which helps your coughs be more effective at removing mucus. It is meant to relieve your symptoms for a short time, not to permanently treat or prevent congestion. Congestion should end when the cause (e.g., common cold) is resolved. If a person continues to have congestion, it’s best to contact their doctor for assessment.