A decongestant is a medication that is used to relieve a stuffy and blocked nose. Nasal congestion is a blockage of the nasal passages as the membranes of the nose have swelled up. The membranes lining the nose swell up due to dilated and inflamed blood vessels result in a completely blocked or stuffy nose.
What Causes Nasal Congestion?
There can be many reasons for the condition. For example, mild, moderate and severe allergic reactions can all cause the nasal membrane to swell up resulting in the blocked nose. The common cold or influenza and sinusitis also list a blocked nose in its symptoms. Hay fever or allergies to pollen, grass and cold winds may cause temporary nasal congestion. Reactions to medications like Flomax also list nasal congestion as a symptom. Usually treating the condition that is causing the blocked nose will relieve all symptoms. However, till the time that the underlying medical condition is relieved, most patients will find it difficult to breathe through their nose. Sleeping is difficult too as the dilated and swollen membranes pinch the nasal passages when the person lies down. This effect is particularly distressing for newborn infants who must breathe through their nose. Nasal congestion in newborns can make it difficult for them to nurse and cause serious breathing problems. Prolonged nasal congestion can also cause ear problems with speech and hearing development delays.
Decongestants Brands – How Do They Work?
Most decongestants are available over the counter and they work on the simple principle of constricting the blood vessels in the nose. Most oral or nasal decongestant sprays are sprayed into the nose. The medication will constrict the blood supply of the nasal membrane causing it to shrink and relieve the obstruction. This effect is usually temporary and rebound stuffiness after the effect of the drug was worn off is quite common. The most common decongestant brands that are used include the following-
Pseudo-ephedrine- This chemical compound forms the main component of almost all nasal and sinus decongestant medications. Common over the counter brands like Sudafed, Contac, Nasofed and Drixoral all contain different amounts of the compound. It can also be used as an oral decongestant in the form of tablets. Other branded products which contain the compound include Codral cold and flu tablets, Actifed, Sinufed which contains pseudo-ephedrine HCL, MucinexD which contains pseudoephedrine and guaifenesin to relieve coughs and colds, TheraFlu, Congestal, Aleve D, Cirrus, and Eltor.
Phenylpropanolamine- This chemical compound is the next most popular compound that is used in over the counter decongestants. It is commonly used in prescription medication as well to relieve coughs and colds. However, the medication has been supposed to cause strokes in patients and the US- FDA has advised stoppage of the medication in decongestant use. The compound is still available in the form of Robitussin CF and Dimetapp.
Phenylephrine- The chemical compound is now used primarily as a decongestant. In recent years, it has become the compound of choice for use in nasal decongestants. Popular over the counter remedies which contain the medication include Lemsip Max Cold and Flu, Codral Cold and Flu, Sudafed PE Non Drowsy Nasal Decongestant, Beechams Flu-plus, Advil Congestion Relief, Demazin PE, Excedrin Sinus Headache, Dristan, Entex, Neo-Synephrine, Dayquil Capsules, Tylenol capsules and sinus, Nyal Decongestant Nasal Spray, Panadol Flu Strength, Dimetapp PE Adult strength Nasal Decongestant.
Tetrahydrozoline – This chemical compound is commonly used to treat stuffed noses. The drug is primarily used as an eye drop but ingestion can cause low blood pressure, drowsiness, slowed heart beats and even coma and impaired breathing. It is commonly retailed under the brand name of Tyzine Nasal Spray. It is also available in the form of eye drops in a brand called as Visine which is used to reduce conjunctiva redness.
Store Brands vs. Prescription Medications
Most stores like Wal-Mart’s and Rite-Aid retail their own kind of nasal decongestants which have the same chemical compounds that are listed above. Store bought brands do not require a prescription and they are usually much milder in dose. However, we do suggest that you get in touch with a doctor or an outpatient clinic to find the right medication for your requirements. Make sure that you check the ingredients of the nasal spray before you use it if you are buying store brands. You may also consider taking a look at a natural nasal decongestant.
Decongestant Brands – Precautions
As with any other medication, decongestants are also fraught with risks. Most doctors do not recommend the long term use of decongestants in adults or children (see our articles for infants and toddlers). Prolonged long term use can result in Rhinitis Medicamentosa. In this medical condition, long term use of decongestants results in rebound nasal congestion. Doctors recommend that the decongestant be stopped immediately or the patient may acquire a permanent turbinate hyperplasia or permanent enlargement of the nasal membrane which will have to be removed by surgery. Some patients have also reported short-tem side effects like nervousness, an accelerated heartbeat, dizziness and sleeping difficulties. Use of warm water saline nose drops is recommended in such cases to melt the mucus, soothe the irritated nasal membrane and to reduce the stuffiness. Ideally, patients who suffer from high blood pressure, glaucoma, heart and thyroid diseases and diabetes are not supposed to take the medication. Limit your use of the decongestant to 3-5 days and not more than that to protect yourself. Get in touch with your doctor immediately if your congestion persists for more than two weeks, if you have high fever and facial pan and if you experience dizziness and headaches.