If you’re one of the many people who suffer from nasal congestion, whether that’s due to having a cold or due to chronic sinusitis, you’ll do anything to relieve that stuffy nose feeling. There are many things that can help with nasal congestion, ranging from home remedies like running a humidifier all the way to surgical options to help improve chronic congestion caused by issues within the nose. One option available is nasal decongestants. But are these beneficial?
How do nasal decongestants work?
Nasal decongestants are medication that causes the swollen membranes within the nose and nasal passageways to shrink, therefore making it easier to breathe. They are often found in cold medication formulations, in addition to other medications that can help cold symptoms, such as a pain reliever and antihistamine. You can also get decongestants alone. They come in liquid form, capsule or tablet form, and in the form of sprays or drops that can be directly administered to the nose.
Do nasal decongestants work?
Most of the time, yes, decongestants work well. However, there’s one word of caution. Nasal sprays and other topical decongestants, when used for more than 3-4 days, can cause something called rebound congestion. This is when your congestion actually gets worse as soon as you stop using the spray, so that you become almost dependent on it for stopping congestion. Continued use of topical decongestants also carries the slight risk of developing a condition called rhinitis medicamentosa. Oral decongestants do not have this same effect.
Are nasal decongestants beneficial?
They are beneficial for short term relief from a stuffy nose, such as for congestion encountered during a cold or an occasional bout of seasonal allergies. But if you are finding yourself needing decongestants more often than not, it might be time for different methods to help stop the stuffiness and help you breathe more easily. If you are suffering from chronic congestion, consider seeing an ENT doctor such as Dr. Edmund Fisher who can help you get to the root of the problem and figure out a better solution than taking medication all the time.
