What are decongestants commonly used for?

Decongestants are primarily used to relieve congestion in the sinuses and nasal passages. They work by constricting the blood vessels in the nasal tissues, which reduces swelling and mucus production, thereby allowing for easier breathing. This makes them especially effective for conditions such as colds, allergies, or sinus infections where nasal congestion is a prominent symptom.

The other options do not align with the primary function of decongestants. Increasing sleep quality is typically associated with sedatives or sleep aids rather than decongestants. Managing chronic asthma involves the use of bronchodilators or anti-inflammatory medications, not decongestants, as asthma is related to airway constriction rather than nasal or sinus congestion. Lastly, bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics rather than decongestants, which do not have antibacterial properties. Thus, the correct answer highlights the key role of decongestants in alleviating nasal and sinus congestion.