Ephedrine is a medicine to relieve congestion associated with hay fever, flu, cold, allergy, and to relieve wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, caused by bronchial asthma (for short time relief). It may also be used by your physician to treat certain other conditions.
It refers to bronchodilators and decongestants. The decongestant constricts blood vessels, widens the airway, and reduces the nasal passages swelling, thus making it easier to breath.