Decongestants - Uses and Side Effects

Decongestants are medications that help relieve nasal congestion by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages.
Category
Drug
Where to get
Available over the counter in various forms such as pills, nasal sprays, and liquids.
Applicable for
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Decongestants FAQ


Image credit: walmart.com

What does decongest mean?

To relieve the congestion of (sinuses, for example). To relieve congestion, as of the sinuses. To free from congestion. Find similar words to decongest using the buttons below.

Is the public desperate for decongestion of our streets?

New York Times, 9 Jan. 2021 The public is desperate for decongestion of our streets. Joshua Bowling, The Arizona Republic, 5 July 2022 See More These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'decongestion.'

What are the side effects of decongestants?

For decongestants (e.g., phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine), headache, dizziness, dry mouth, irritability, rapid or irregular heartbeat, tremor, increase in blood pressure, and trouble sleeping may occur.

What are decongestants used for?

What are decongestants? Decongestants are medicines that are used to help ease a blocked or stuffy nose (nasal congestion). Conditions which cause congestion include: The common cold. Sinusitis. Hay fever or other allergies. Rhinitis. These conditions cause swelling of the tissues and blood vessels that line the nasal passageway and sinuses.

What are the most common decongestants?

Common decongestants include the following: Nasal sprays work faster than oral decongestants. Don't use them for longer than recommended, though. They can irritate your nasal passages and make congestion worse. Combination products like Tylenol Sinus, Advil Cold & Sinus, and Aleve Cold & Sinus also contain pain relievers.

Which decongestants are available in the UK?

A number of decongestants are available in the UK. They include: Ephedrine. Oxymetazoline. Xylometazoline. Phenylephrine. Pseudoephedrine. Ipratropium bromide. Dr Krishna Vakharia, 21st February 2024 A note on pseudoephedrine-containing products.

Decongestants References

If you want to know more about Decongestants, consider exploring links below:

Explore Related Topics

What diet modifications can be beneficial in preventing ear infections?

Discuss the role of nutrition in preventing ear infections. Share dietary modifications, vitamins, and foods that can help boost ear health and reduce the likelihood of developing ear infections.

Can antivirals be effective in treating viral ear infections?

Explore the role of antivirals in the treatment of viral ear infections and their effectiveness compared to antibiotics. Share insights on when antivirals may be prescribed for ear infections and their potential benefits.

Natural vs. OTC Antiviral Cold Remedies: What Works Best?

Compare the efficacy of natural antiviral remedies versus over-the-counter options in combating cold viruses. Share your preferences and experiences.