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Health care information for sinusitis sufferers |
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Health care information for sinusitis sufferers |
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Treatment OptionsMedical Treatment OptionsAntibiotics | Antihistamines | Decongestants | Leukotrinenes | MucolyticsNasal Saline Irrigation and Steam Inhalation | Reflux Medications | Steroids Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medication Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medication Medicines that relive the symptoms of stuffy nose, sinus trouble, congestion, and the common cold are the largest segment of the over-the-counter market for America's pharmaceutical industry. When used wisely, they provide relief for some of the discomforts that affect almost everyone occasionally. Drugs in these categories are useful for relief of symptoms from allergies, upper respiratory infections (i.e., sinusitus, colds, flu), and vasomotor rhinitis (a chronic stuffy nose caused by such unrelated conditions as emotional stress, thyroid disease, pregnancy, and others). These drugs do not cure the allergies, infections, etc.; they only relieve the symptoms, thereby making the patient more comfortable. Cold Remedies Decongestants and/or antihistamines are the principal ingredients in "cold" remedies, but drying agents, aspirin (or aspirin substitutes) and cough suppressants may also be added. Patients should choose the remedy with ingredients best suited to combat their own symptoms. If the label does not clearly state the ingredients and their functions, the consumer should ask the pharmacist to explain them. Nose Sprays The types of nose sprays that can be purchased without a prescription usually contain decongestants for direct application to nasal membranes. They can give prompt relief from congestion by constricting blood vessels. However, direct application creates a stronger stimulation than decongestants taken by mouth. It also impairs the circulation in the nose, which after a few hours stimulates the vessels to expand to improve the blood flow again. This results in a "bounce-back" effect. The congestion recurs. If the patient uses the spray again, it starts the cycle again. Spray–decongestion– rebound–and more congestion. In infants, this rebound rhinitis can develop in two days, whereas in adults, it often takes several more days to become established. An infant taken off the drops for 12 to 24 hours is cured, but well-established cases in adults often require more than a simple "cold turkey" withdrawal. They need decongestants by mouth, sometimes corticosteroids, and possibly (in patients who continuously have used the sprays for months and years) a surgical procedure to the inside of the nose. For this reason, the labels on these types of nose sprays contain the warning "Do not use this product for more than three days." Nose sprays should be reserved for emergency and short-term use. (The above description and advice does not apply to the type of prescription anti-allergy nose sprays that may be ordered by your physician.) Email This Article To A Friend Printer Friendly Version Find an ENT Professional Near You
THIS SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL YOUR DOCTOR OR 911 IMMEDIATELY. All articles and graphics copyright ©2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 Medtronic, Inc. All rights reserved. Version 2.0 This web page was first published on April 30, 2002, and was last updated on June 14, 2006. |
