The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a carboxylic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as active ingredient for use in treating and/or alleviating and/or preventing nasal congestion, a viral infectious disease of the respiratory tract or an inflammation of the throat. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for treating and/or alleviating and/or preventing nasal congestion, viral infections of the respiratory tract and/or inflammation of the throat in. a patient, comprising administering an effective amount of a carboxylic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutical composition comprising a carboxylic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to a patient in need thereof. In addition, the present invention relates to a method for alleviating the symptoms associated with nasal congestion, viral infections of the respiratory tract and/or inflammation of the throat comprising administering an effective amount of a carboxylic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a pharmaceutical composition comprising a carboxylic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to a patient in need thereof.