A therapeutic composition is provided that comprises a 1-R1-phenyl, 4-R2-phenyl substituted 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyrimidine-2-one cold receptor agonist in a therapeutically effective amount. The cold receptor agonist may be represented by the general formula 1-[R1-phenyl]-4-[R2-phenyl]-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyrimidine-2-one wherein: R1 is -hydroxy, -chloro, -fluoro, -alkyl, -acetoxy, -trifluoromethyl; and R2 is -nitro, -chloro, -fluoro, -alkyl, -trifluoromethyl. Therapeutic compositions of the invention when formulated for delivery to the mucous membranes of the nose and throat alleviate the sensations of airway obstruction and provide symptomatic relief of upper airway breathing disorders.