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Nasal decongestant: what it is, what it is for, types and risks

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Nasal decongestant is a remedy indicated to temporarily relieve the feeling of clogged or dripping nose, which can be caused by flu, colds, rhinitis or sinusitis, for example.



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This remedy acts narrowing the blood vessels of the nasal mucosa, and consequently decreases blood flow, reduces fluid entry into the nose, throat and sinuses of the face, reducing inflammation and swelling of the nasal membranes and mucus production.

Nasal decongestants, such as pseudoefhedrine or phenylephrine, can be found in the form of nasal spray, drops, tablets or syrup, and should be used with indication of otorhinolaryngologist, pediatric or general practitioner.


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So that Serve

Nasal decongestants are indicated for:

  • Gripe;
  • Cold;
  • Rhinitis;
  • Sinusitis or rhinosinusitis.

Nasal decongestants do not treat these conditions, but help to relieve temporarily, symptoms of dripping or clogged nose.

The use of nasal decongestants should be done with indication and guidance of the otolaryngologist, general practitioner or pediatrician, after evaluation of symptoms and diagnosis of health condition.

If symptoms of dripping or clogged nose, make an appointment with an otolaryngologist in the nearest region:

Available at: São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Federal District, Pernambuco, Bahia, Maranhão, Pará, Paraná, Sergipe and Ceará.

Types of Nasal Decongestant

The main types of nasal decongestants are:

1. Fenilefrina

Phenylephrine is a nasal decongestant available in the form of tablets, capsules, syrup or oral solution in drops

Because it is a decongestant of oral use, the onset of the effect of phenylephrine is slower and has a higher risk of side effects.

Generally, phenylephrine is associated with other substances such as acetaminophen, chlorphenamine maleate or bronpheniramine maleate, for example, and can be found with the names decongex, stilgip, resfenol or cimegripe. Learn how to take Cimegripe.

2. Pseudoefedrina

Just as phenylephrine, pseudoefhedrine is a nasal decongestant for oral use, found in the form of tablets or syrup.

Pseudoefhedrine is usually found in association with loratadine, delratadine, acetaminophen or troprolidine, with the names Tylenol Sinus, Deslex, Histadin D, Esalerg or Actifedrin, for example. See how to use pseudoefhedrine correctly.

3. Saved

Nafazoline is a nasal decongestant in the form of nasal drops, topical applied within the nostrils.

Because it is applied directly to the nasal mucosa, it has a quick start of action but with a shorter action.

Nafazoline can be found with the names Narix, Neosoro, Sorine or Sinustrat, for example. Learn how to use nafazoline.

Also read: Neosoro: What is it for and how to use (children and adult)

tuasaude.com/neosoro

4. Oximetazolina

Oximetazoline, just as nafazoline, is a topical nasal decongestant to be applied directly to the nasal mucosa.

This decongestant can be found in the form of drops or nasal spray with the name of ATURGYL or as generic under the designation “oximetazoline”. Check out other options for drugs to unclog nose.

Children’s Nasal Decongestant

The most recommended children’s nasal decongestant is 0.9%sodium chloride saline, which can be found in the form of drops or nasal spray.

This type of nasal decongestant does not contain vasoconstricting substances that are contraindicated for children under 6, however, 0.9% sodium chloride helps in nasal hygiene, helping to eliminate irritating substances and allergens.

In addition, it also contributes to fluidifying nasal secretion, relieving the feeling of clogged and dripping nose. Here’s how to use the baby’s physiological serum.

Some examples of saline solutions that can be used for nasal washing are rinosoro jet children, children’s sorine, children’s nasoar or maresis baby, for example.

Nasal Decongestant in Pregnancy

During pregnancy or breastfeeding, the use of nasal decongestants containing vasoconstricting substances is not recommended unless it was indicated by the doctor.

Thus, before using nasal decongestant in pregnancy, it is important to consult the obstetrician so that the most appropriate nasal spray can be indicated, which in most cases is 0.9%physiological serum, such as Sorine or Neosoro, for example.

Homemade Nasal Decongestant

Some homemade nasal decongestants, such as nasal washing with physiological serum, eucalyptus vapor inhalation, or dicking ginger and garlic tea or peppermint tea, are great options for unclogging your nose.

This is because these home remedies help eliminate excess phlegm from nose and nasal breasts, relieving the symptoms of rhinitis, sinusitis, flu or colds. See all home remedy options to unclog your nose.

Risks of the use of nasal decongestants

Nasal decongestant remedies can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, agitation, headache or dry mouth.

Also, when used in the form of drops or nasal spray, they can cause irritation, burning sensation or burning of the nasal mucosa.

Nasal drops in drops or nasal spray, when used in excess, can also cause rebound nasal congestion, which is when the nasal mucosa increases mucus production because it realizes that secretion decreases, and thus, the discomfort of nasal congestion may worsen.

Other side effects of the use of nasal decongestants are increased blood pressure, changes in heart rhythm, tremors, dizziness, hallucinations, psychosis, seizures or even stroke.

Also read: Rebound effect: what it is, symptoms, causes (and what to do)

tuasaude.com/efeito-rebote

Who should not use

The use of nasal decongestants is contraindicated for children under 6, people who have diabetes, glaucoma, high blood pressure or heart problems.

In addition, nasal decongestants should not be used by people with circulatory problems, kidney or liver disease, prostate problems or hyperthyroidism.

During pregnancy or breastfeeding, the use of nasal decongestants should only be done if indicated by the doctor, after evaluating the benefits of treatment for the woman and possible risks to the baby.

Therefore, it is important that the use of nasal decongestants is made with the indication of otolaryngologist, general practitioner or pediatrician, after evaluation of the general state of health.

Source: www.tuasaude.com


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