Nasal congestion is one of the common discomforts that can disrupt sleep, concentration and daily comfort. Its cause can be a cold, allergy or sinusitis, and each one needs different treatment. Medicines for nasal congestion include sprays, tablets, syrups and herbal options, the right choice of which depends on the cause of congestion and the age of the person. In this article, we are with you from your doctor to examine in detail the types of nasal congestion medicine, the benefits and side effects of each one. Stay with us.
Types of medicine for nasal congestion
Medications for nasal congestion are generally divided into several main categories, each with a different mechanism of action. Some of them directly affect the nasal vessels, some reduce inflammation, and some control the body's allergic reaction. It is important to know this category, because for example, a drug that is suitable for allergic nasal congestion is not necessarily the best choice for congestion caused by a cold.
This is why sometimes a drug works wonders for one person and is almost ineffective for another. In the rest of the article, we will examine each of these categories separately and carefully so that you know under what conditions you should go for which type of medicine for nasal congestion and avoid unnecessary or long-term use of some medicines.
Nasal decongestant spray
Anti-congestion pills and syrup
Antihistamines
Corticosteroid sprays
Herbal medicines
Method of treatment
Effectiveness
Anti-congestion nasal spray
Quick and strong effect but short-term and suitable for limited use
Anti-congestion pills and syrup
Relatively slower but more lasting effect than Spray
Antihistamines (in general)
Effective in allergic nasal congestion and less effective in colds
Neotadine
Good control of allergy symptoms with limited effect in viral congestion
Fexofenadine
Effective in reducing allergic symptoms with little effect on Cold
ketotifen
gradual effect and suitable for long-term allergy prevention
citrizine
relatively fast reduction of allergic nasal congestion and runny
diphenhydramine
reduction of symptoms with severe drowsiness and limitation Use
herbal medicines (general)
milder effect with fewer side effects in mild symptoms
pelargin kids syrup
gradual effect and suitable for the early stages of children's colds
in this table, various types of nasal congestion medicine are reviewed.
English text: Decongestants are a type of medicine that can provide short-term relief for a blocked or stuffy nose (nasal congestion). They can help ease the symptoms of conditions such as colds and flu, hay fever and other allergic reactions, catarrh and sinusitis. Farsi translation: Anti-congestion drugs are a type of medicine that can temporarily reduce nasal congestion or blockage. These medicines help to reduce the symptoms of diseases such as colds and flu, hay fever and other allergic reactions, inflammation of the nasal mucosa and sinusitis.
Anti-nasal congestion spray
Nasal decongestant sprays are among the most common and available drugs for nasal congestion. These sprays usually reduce the swelling of the mucous membrane by narrowing the blood vessels inside the nose and make the breathing path more open. For this reason, their effect is fast and they create a feeling of comfort very soon.
But the important thing here is that these sprays are designed for short-term use. Using more than a few days can cause rebound constipation; It means that the nose without spray becomes even more stuffy than before and the person becomes dependent on it.
Anti-congestion spray is a good choice for times like a severe cold or when a stuffy nose disturbs sleep at night, but it should not be seen as a permanent solution. Conscious and limited use is the key to safe use of these drugs.
Nasal decongestant drugs are generally divided into several main categories, each with a different mechanism of action.
Anti-congestion pills and syrup
Anti-congestion tablets and syrups usually have a systemic effect, that is, they do not only affect the nose, but affect the whole body. These drugs help to open the respiratory tract by reducing the swelling of the nasal mucosa and sinuses. Unlike sprays, the effect of these drugs usually starts a little later, but lasts longer.
Although systemic decongestants such as pseudoephedrine may cause insomnia and are generally not recommended for nighttime use; The time of use should be adjusted based on the type of drug and the individual's tolerance. For this reason, some people prefer to use syrup or anti-congestion pills at night to sleep more easily. Of course, these drugs are not without complications. Increased heart rate, restlessness, dry mouth or sleep disturbance are some of the side effects that may be seen in some people. Therefore, they should be used with caution, especially in people with high blood pressure or heart problems.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are mostly used for nasal congestion caused by allergies. In this type of congestion, the main problem is swelling of the mucous membrane due to the reaction of the immune system to allergens such as dust, plant pollen or animal hair. By inhibiting the effect of histamine, these drugs reduce symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, and stuffy nose.
Some of them are new generation and cause less drowsiness, while older generations are usually sleepy. Choosing the right antihistamine depends on the person's age, severity of symptoms and condition. In the following, we will examine some of the most widely used antihistamines separately.
1. Neotadine tablets and syrup for nasal congestion
Neotadin is a new generation antihistamine that is mostly used for seasonal and permanent allergies. This medicine usually causes a little drowsiness and therefore it is a suitable option for daily use. Neotadine can effectively control nasal congestion, runny nose and sneezing caused by allergies, but its effect on nasal congestion from colds is usually limited.
In other words, if the main cause of cramps is viral, you should not expect miracles from it. This drug is available in both tablet and syrup form and is prescribed for adults and children over a certain age. Adherence to the appropriate dosage is very important, especially in children.
Fexofenadine is another popular and less complicated antihistamine that is widely used for nasal allergies. This drug is almost non-drowsy and is a good choice for people who need to concentrate.
Fexofenadine relieves most allergy symptoms such as stuffy, runny, and itchy noses, but like other antihistamines, it is not a primary cold treatment. This drug is usually taken once a day, and if used regularly, it can significantly improve the quality of life of people with chronic allergies.
3. Ketotifen syrup for nasal congestion
Ketotifen is better known as an allergy prevention drug and its effect is usually gradual. For this reason, it is not expected to immediately relieve nasal congestion. This medication is mostly used in children with frequent allergies and can reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms over time. Drowsiness is one of the common side effects of ketotifen. ketotifen syrup is a good option for long-term allergy control, not an immediate treatment for severe nasal congestion.
4. Cetirizine syrup for nasal congestion
Cetirizine is a fairly widely used antihistamine that is used in both children and adults. This medicine can reduce allergic nasal congestion. In some people, cetirizine may cause slight drowsiness, especially in the early hours of use. For this reason, it is usually recommended to use it at night. Cetirizine is a good choice for people who have both a runny and stuffy nose caused by allergies.
5. Diphenhydramine syrup for nasal congestion
Diphenhydramine syrup is one of the old generation antihistamines and has a strong hypnotic effect. For this reason, it is mostly used at night. This drug can reduce allergy symptoms and to some extent nasal congestion, but due to side effects such as severe drowsiness, dry mouth and reduced concentration, its long-term use is not recommended. In children, it should be used with caution and only according to the doctor's opinion, because it may cause excessive restlessness or drowsiness.
corticosteroid sprays
Corticosteroid sprays are mostly used for chronic nasal congestion, allergies or sinusitis. By reducing the inflammation of the nasal mucosa, these drugs make breathing easier over time.
Unlike decongestant sprays, these sprays are not addictive, but their effect is not immediate and it usually takes a few days for their results to be felt. There are some things to consider when choosing best spray for nasal congestion. If your nasal congestion is long-term or if it repeats every year in a certain season, these sprays can be a safe and effective option, provided that they are used regularly and correctly.
herbal drugs for nasal congestion
Some people prefer to turn to herbal remedies for nasal congestion, especially when symptoms are mild or they are looking for a milder option for children.
Herbal medicines usually work by reducing inflammation or diluting nasal secretions. Their effect is usually milder than chemical drugs, but they have fewer side effects. However, being a plant does not mean complete safety, and the dose and age of consumption should be taken seriously.
Kids Pelargin syrup for nasal congestion
Plargine Kids is a herbal syrup for children, which is mostly used for cold symptoms, including nasal congestion. This syrup works by helping to reduce inflammation and strengthen the body's defenses. The effect of pelargin is usually gradual and has a better result mostly in the early stages of a cold. It is a popular option for children whose parents prefer herbal remedies. Of course, if the nasal congestion is severe or long-term, it is better not to limit yourself to this syrup.
The best medicine for nasal congestion caused by cold
Nasal congestion in a cold is usually caused by inflammation and increased secretions. The combination of short-term anti-congestion spray with nasal irrigation and, if necessary, the appropriate syrup or tablet, usually gives the best results. Antihistamines do not play a major role in colds, unless the person also has allergies.
Drinking warm liquids and rest are important supplements to drug treatment. No medicine can cure a cold overnight, but choosing the right nasal congestion medicine can make this period more bearable.
The combination of short-term decongestant spray with nasal irrigation and, if necessary, a suitable syrup or tablet, usually gives the best results.
The best medicine for children's stuffy nose
In children, the choice of medicine for nasal congestion should be done more carefully. Rinsing the nose with saline is the first and safest step. If needed, syrups suitable for the child's age, such as specific antihistamines or herbal medicines, can be used. Decongestant sprays are usually not recommended for young children or should be used very sparingly. It is always better to consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking medicine for children nasal congestion.
English text: Children under 2 years of age should not be given any kind of cough and cold product that contains a decongestant or antihistamine because serious and possibly life-threatening side effects could occur. Reported side effects of these products included convulsions, rapid heart rates and death. Persian translation: Children under 2 years of age should not be given any type of cold and cough medicine that contains decongestants or antihistamines, because serious and even life-threatening side effects may occur. Among the reported side effects of these drugs can be mentioned seizures, rapid increase in heart rate, and death.
Conclusion
Although nasal congestion is common, its correct treatment requires knowing the cause. Not every drug is suitable for every type of cramp, and arbitrary use can be problematic. From decongestant sprays to antihistamines and herbal medicines, each has a specific place in the treatment of nasal congestion. Knowing about the types of nasal congestion medicine, from usage to side effects, is the most important step in making the right choice. If nasal congestion is prolonged, severe or accompanied by unusual symptoms, it is the best decision to see a doctor.
Your doctor takes care of your health!
Frequently Asked Questions
Anti-congestion nasal sprays can usually be used for a maximum of 3 to 5 days. Longer use can cause nasal mucus dependence and worsen congestion (medicinal rhinitis). If cramps continue after this period, it is better to stop using the spray and check the cause by a doctor. In children, especially under 6 years of age, use should only be short-term and with the doctor's opinion.
The choice depends on the severity of symptoms. Home remedies such as incense, nasal washes with serum, warm liquids and air humidifiers are safer and are the first choice for mild cases and children, but their effect is gradual. Chemical drugs such as decongestant spray work faster and are useful for severe congestion, but their use should be short-term because they cause complications and dependence. The best approach is usually to start with home remedies and limited use of chemical medication when needed.
In pregnancy, the safest option for nasal congestion is non-drug methods; Such as washing the nose with physiological serum or salt water and using an air humidifier. If medication is necessary, saline sprays are completely allowed. It is recommended to use chemical decongestant sprays (such as xylometazoline or oxymetazoline) only if necessary, short-term (maximum 3 days) and with the doctor's opinion.