Live Life Team
Decongestant drugs are the types of medicines which are used to relieve the blockage in nose. These are short term relief medicines and are normally taken to ease the symptoms of congestion. The conditions while these are given are hay fever, nasal allergies or common cold. Most of the decongestants can be bought over the counter and at pharmacies without a prescription.
How it works
These medicines help in clearing up the nasal congestion for little time period, and normally do not work for more than 5-6 days. The drugs reduce the chance of nose blood cells swelling up temporarily so that the blockage is eased out. It’s a temporary treatment for opening the blocked nose only; but it doesn’t help in curing the actual cause of the disease like cold, flu or any other respiratory condition.
Who can use
Decongestant drugs are not recommended for everyone and discretion is recommended. The decongestants should be taken under physician’s guidance for kids under 12. The children under the age of two should not be given these drugs. For kids with congestion problem, steam breathing with essential oils is a better way of tackling the problem. Make sure not to use boiling water and while taking steam, the vapours of oils should not be directed towards eyes. During pregnancy, it’s always better to avoid these drugs. If necessary, then consult the doctor for recommended usage and take under his supervision. The drugs are not safe for people suffering from diabetes, BP, damage of kidneys or lever. The patient suffering from these types of diseases, should consult with doctor for taking decongestant drugs. In case of breastfeeding also, it’s advisable that the doctor flags off the usage of medicines. For women, and especially the ones who are pregnant, it’s advisable not to take medicine which contains phenylephrine or xylometazoline. The proper usage of these medicines is done when one does not have any previous medical problem. When in doubt, a doctor should be reached before usage.
Side effects
Though decongestants are harmless types of drugs, sometimes they cause mild side effects. Irritation to nose, headaches and nausea are some common side effects which have been seen in patients. Also patients suffering from allergic disease, complain of feeling sleepy while taking these drugs. It’s advisable not to take it at the time of driving or a similar physical activity which needs attention. In some cases after taking decongestant drug, heart rate can go up which in turn leads to restlessness in the patients mind.
Dosage
These can be taken either by mouth or in form of sprays. The doctors say that the medicine should be avoided for usage exceeding 5 days. The medicines are available in the form of powders and tablets as pain killers. Any overdose or prolonged usage may start proving otherwise. Before taking any amount of dose; it’s advisable to check with doctor. The effect of the drug will remain longer in case if it is taken orally. Also one should check out the instructions written on the leaflet of the medicine to understand the dosage preconditions and after-effects.
Caution
The decongestants when combined with painkillers can prove to be a fatal combination and should be avoided in any form. The other cautious activity shall be to check with the doctor for proper dosage.
