Nasal Sprays and Washes
The simplest medication available is saline nasal sprays and washes. These are probably the single best things you can use for nasal symptoms. Premade saline solutions come in misting bottles or aerosol bottles. You can also make your own saline solution with premeasured packages for use in squeeze bottles or Neti pots. The pre-made solutions are easier to use but many have preservatives, and the misting sprays do not provide a large volume of water. Aerosols can have a little too much pressure for some people. The squeeze bottles and Neti pots provide the most volume to help wash away thick mucus. However, the drawback to these is that the solutions have to be made before each time you use it because many do not have added preservatives. Whatever you buy, use it copiously and frequently: two or three times per day to keep the membranes moist and the secretions thin.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are effective for allergies. They can be found alone or in combination with other medications such as decongestants and acetaminophen. They are designed to stop the release of chemicals that cause inflammation and swelling of the nose and throat due to pollen, dust, animal dander and so on. They can sometimes help with the drip associated with viral infections, “colds”. But more often than not, antihistamines make the symptoms worse because they thicken the secretions. So, they are best to use before you are exposed to your allergy-producing substances.
Decongestants
The last major category of over the counter medications for nose congestion is decongestants. They are available both as pills and sprays. These drugs act by decreasing the swelling of the nasal and sinus membranes by constricting blood vessels. They can be very helpful to reduce the pressure and congestion of a cold, allergies or a sinus infection.
With all of these medications, you must read the instructions carefully. For example, some people with high blood pressure or irregular heart rates should not use decongestants. Also, decongestant sprays can cause your nose to be too congested! If they are overused, the nasal membranes become dependent on the sprays. When they wear off, the nose is more congested than it was before they were used. This is what many people commonly refer to as “addiction” to nasal sprays. Don’t worry: it is not truly an addiction. Once the sprays are stopped, the membranes go back to normal.
At Advanced Ear Nose and Throat Care, our ENT physicians treat most conditions of the head, neck, eyes, nose and throat. These conditions range from tonsil and adenoids, sleep disturbance, thyroid nodules and palate surgery to nasal polyps, deviated septum sleep apnea and silent reflux. We are conveniently located in Fairfield County, CT in the towns of Danbury, New Milford, Norwalk, Ridgefield and Southbury.
