An estimated 12% of the U.S. population is congested at any given time. Congestion can interrupt your breathing, make you snore, dull your sense of taste and even keep you from smelling the fresh flowers at Roger’s Park.
Decongestants are one popular option people turn to for congestion relief.
How Do Decongestants Work?
When things like allergens or germs invade your nose, your body sends extra blood to the blood vessels in your nose. That extra blood gives your blood vessels the strength they need to fight off infection or allergies, but it also causes your nose to swell up, causing congestion.
Decongestants shrink the swelling in the blood vessels and nasal tissues, relieving inflammation and congestion.
Do Decongestants Treat the Infection or Allergies?
Decongestants provide short-term relief for congestion but do not treat the root cause behind it.
What Are the Different Types of Decongestants?
You can get over-the-counter decongestants as pills, syrups, nasal sprays and nasal drops. They’ll either come as standalone medications or combined with antihistamines or pain relievers.
When Should I Take Decongestants?
You can take decongestants whenever you feel congested, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
- The appropriate dose
- Interactions with other drugs
- Interactions with alcohol
- Possible drowsiness if combined with antihistamines
- Length of use
Your decongestant will include guidance on the label for the above rules. In general, you shouldn’t take decongestants for more than a week at a time. Prolonged use can cause rebound congestion.
Rebound congestion usually affects people who use decongestants for more than 10 days at a time. If you develop rebound congestion, you will need to gradually decrease the frequency that you use decongestants.
What if My Congestion Won’t Go Away?
If your congestion sticks around longer than a few days, there’s likely an underlying cause requiring treatment. Three common causes include:
- Sinus infections: an inflammation of the tissue lining your sinuses
- Allergies: sensitivity to substances like pollen, dust mites, pet dander and mold
- Nasal polyps: benign, tear-shaped growths on the lining of the nasal cavity
If you’re dealing with chronic congestion, contact Southeast Texas Ear, Nose & Throat, LLP today to schedule an exam with one of our specialists.
