Decongestants

Decongestants are normally used when the nasal passage are stuffed up or blocked.

Various forms are prescribed to treat colds, hay fever and sinusitis.

Like all medications, usage comes with both their advantages and disadvantages. The term comes from meaning the opposite of congestion.

Histamine is released by the body during an allergic reaction. It is this chemical along with other inflammatory chemicals that produce the allergic symptoms that we are all so familiar with.

Histamine causes swelling and increases the blood flow to the affected areas. It is the main chemical produced by the body that causes congestion in the nose.

A Decongestant is a stimulant that reduces swelling in the nose. It does this by shrinking (constricting) blood vessels and tissues inside of the nose. This constriction reduces the blood flow though the mucus membranes. By shrinking the blood vessels and reducing the blood flow, there is less leakage of fluids from the blood vessels (the opposite affect of histamine).

The end result is an opening in the airways to allow the person to breathe easier. Getting rid of the blockage will open up the ostia which will allow the sinuses to drain. The risk of infection always increases when the sinuses are not draining properly. Getting the sinuses to drain once again often relieves the pressure that has been building up. Often, symptoms such as facial pain, headaches and sore throats improve.

Types of Decongestants

Like antihistamine, decongestants can be prescribed or they can be purchased over-the-counter. Make sure you always read the label so you know what you are getting and know the possible side effects. Often, they are combined with antihistamine and you must know what you are taking and in what combination.

The two basic categories are: systemic (oral) which can come in the form of capsules, tablets, or liquid. The second category is topical which come in the form of nasal sprays or drops.

Oral: Taking medications orally get to the infected area by circulating through the blood stream. Since they travel throughout the body, they take longer to have an affect and increase the possibility of side effects. On the other hand, they can reach areas that nasal sprays cannot. They can reach areas in the nose and inside the sinus cavities that sprays and drops cannot reach.

Sprays: Taking medications by using sprays often produce quicker relief because a higher concentration is applied directly to the infected area. But if the swelling of the mucus membrane is inside the paranasal sinuses, sprays and drops cannot reach that area. Although highly effective, they should be used as temporary relief and not as an on-going treatment or prevention plan. To do so may create the re-bound effect.

The Rebound Effect

It is very important to read the directions when using over-the-counter medications. There is a reason why there is a limit on the time frame that is advisable for using tropical decongestants. Using these drugs for a long period of time can lead to what is known as the rebound effect.

The rebound effect is described as congestion returning when the use of the tropical decongestant is discontinued. This creates the desire to use it even more and the cycle begins. People then become dependant and addiction can occur because the reoccurring congestion is worse than when it started. Continued use makes the drug less effective. As a general rule, they should only be used for a few days.

Pros and Cons

Advantage

• Reduces the swelling in the nose.
• Taking them orally can reduce the membrane swelling inside the sinus cavities (sprays cannot).
• Sprays offer instant and temporary relief because they are applied to the affected area.
• Useful in treating the symptoms of a cold and nasal allergies.

Disadvantage

• Sprays can become addictive and have a rebound effect.
• Continued use of a topical decongestant shortens the drugs effectiveness.
• The sprays are limited to the nose and can cause a burning sensation, dryness and even a stinging sensation.
• Cannot be used on-going as a preventative measure.
• Can raise blood pressure because they shrink blood vessels.
• Can produce a rapid heart beat and headaches.
• Can trigger irritability and nervousness.

The FamilyDoctor.org website provides a lot of good information about using decongestants to relieve congestion.

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