Nasal Spray Dependence And The Rebound Effect
As the saying goes, too much of a good thing is never good. Once the effect of a decongestant nasal spray wears off, the nasal congestion that returns can be far more severe.
This is called a rebound effect, and may occur if your nose becomes less responsive to the effects of a nasal spray due to excessive use.
Excessive use of nasal sprays can lead to a tolerance build-up. If youre heavy-handed with your use of nasal sprays, you might gradually find yourself requiring higher doses to help ease your congestion. Therefore, you should not use nasal sprays for more than five consecutive days.
Doctors have termed this rebound congestion rhinitis medicamentosa. The phrase refers to congestion or rhinitis that is explicitly caused by medication. In this instance, the excessive use of nasal spray decongestants is the cause of congestion.
Some symptoms of nasal spray overuse include:
- Use of nasal spray for more than a week
- Use of nasal spray more frequently than directed
- Congestion upon skipping a dose
With that said, prescription nasal sprays containing steroids do not cause a rebound effect and can be used on a daily basis for years. More often than not, these steroid sprays are not decongestants, but rather treatments for nasal allergies.
Will A Decongestant Make It Worse
A is primarily used for people suffering from runny noses and coughs. Decongestants get to the root of the problem and shrink inflamed blood vessels in the nasal tissue, essentially limiting the amount of mucus the body secretes. To find a decongestant, look for medicines with oxymetazoline, phenylephrine, and pseudoephedrine.
Best Medicine For Post
Glands in your nose and throat continuously make mucus to help keep your sinuses moisturized and fight infection.
Sometimes those glands may make extra mucus that you feel running down the back of your throat.
This is called post-nasal drip.
In this article, first Ill explain in detail what post-nasal drip is and what causes it.
Then Ill discuss the best over-the-counter and prescription medications to treat post-nasal drip.
Ill wrap up with home remedies and when to see a medical provider about post-nasal drip.
Don’t Miss: How To Get Relief From Sinus Infection
Add A Nasal Steroid Spray
Antihistamines can relieve the mild congestion that comes along with most bouts of allergies, but some people may experience more severe congestion. If this sounds like you, Dr. Hays recommends using a nasal steroid spray in addition to taking an antihistamine.
Until recently, nasal steroid sprays were offered only by prescription. Now, there are a few you can buy over-the-counter, including:
“Nasal steroid sprays won’t help with all of your allergy symptoms, such as itchy and watery eyes, but they do help with nasal congestion, post-nasal drip and scratchy throat,” Dr. Hays explains.
Just like antihistamines, Dr. Hays says that nasal steroid sprays need to be used every day to be effective. The good news is that they’re also generally safe and well-tolerated.
“However, unlike antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays don’t provide quick relief from allergy symptoms,” Dr. Hays says. “It can take a few days for a nasal steroid spray to take effect.”
Over The Counter Allergy Medicine
The best allergy medicine for you depends on a variety of factors. You will need to consider the specific allergy symptoms you are experiencing and what is triggering them. Then, select an over the counter allergy medicine that addresses those causes and symptoms. Not all allergy medications are created equal, and some are better suited to address certain allergy triggers and symptoms than others. For example, if you deal with both indoor and outdoor allergies, you should consider an allergy medication that contains cetirizine hydrochloride, since the ingredient is approved to treat both indoor and outdoor allergy symptoms. Your needs for the day also matter. If you have to give a big presentation, youre better off reaching for a non-drowsy allergy relief option such as a nasal spray rather than a first-generation antihistamine, such as Benadryl, which contains diphenhydramine and is known for causing drowsiness. If you arent sure which allergy medicine is best for you, dont hesitate to talk to your doctor or pharmacist. He or she can offer you individualized advice and help you formulate a plan for controlling your allergy symptoms that works with not against your lifestyle.
Recommended Reading: Baz Allergy Asthma & Sinus Center
What Can You Do If Your Allergy Medication Is Not Working
Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, may eliminate or lessen allergy symptoms if medications are ineffective or intolerable. Immunotherapy works by reducing sensitivity to allergens. Each shot contains a small, but increasing, amount of allergen. This challenges the body to build up tolerance over time. The drawbacks to immunotherapy include use of shots, cost and the fact it may take many months to complete.
Best For Keeping Sinus Problems: Good Sense Sinus Medicine To Dry Up Drainage
The Good Sense Sinus Medicine To Dry Up Drainages material feels more premium than its price would suggest. The good sense sinus medicine to dry up drainage would be perfect with fast delivery and it helps with allergies. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. The active ingredient in goodsense maximum strength nasal decongestant pe is phenylephrine hcl 10 mg, a nasal decongestant, which compares to the active ingredient in sudafed pe congestion.
The medicine is great for a reasonable price and it is affordable. And, the medicine is most fast acting and most cost effective. Lastly, the good sense sinus medicineto dryup drainage is young and it is highly recommend.
Most customers opine that the medicine is easy to swallow, even without water. Also, a few also found that the medicine is great for keeping sinus problems away. In addition, they say that the medicine does not, as the drug contains only chemicals with no other additives. In short, most customers call the medicine functionally comfort, and no one questions it.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This is a water soluble non-toxic biodegradable.
- This includes a runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, and coughing.
- This is designed for maximum strength relief, has inactive ingredients and it works great.
- This is the most common type of virus that causes colds.
Also Check: Cold Vs Flu Vs Sinus Infection
Oral And Nasal Decongestants
Over-the-counter decongestants work by shrinking blood vessels inside the nose. There are both oral and nasal formulations.
Sudafed is an oral decongestant used to relieve nasal or sinus congestion caused by the common cold, sinusitis, and respiratory allergies. Do not use Sudafed for longer than three days as it can also lead to rebound congestion.
While Sudafed is available without a prescription, it is kept behind the pharmacy counter and requires an ID to obtain. A similar drug called Sudafed PE can be purchased without hindrance but has not proven to be anywhere near as effective as pseudoephedrine.
Nasal decongestant sprays like Afrin also provide short-term relief of a stuffy nose. It should also not be used for longer than three days due to the risk of rebound congestion .
Can I Take My Medications With Allegra
Most antihistamines can generally be taken with blood pressure medications. However, be aware of the following drug interactions if you are taking medications to lower blood pressure: Fexofenadine : Carvedilol may enhance the effects of fexofenadine. Use fexofenadine with caution when taking carvedilol.
How to calm down a puppyWhat can you give a dog to calm him down? Give valerian root to calm an irritated dog. It is an effective calming herb used to treat irritability and anxiety in dogs. You can usually buy valerian dried or in capsule form and give it to your dog by mouth wrapped in a piece of cheese or with a treat.What medicine can you give Dogs to calm them down?Benadryl
You May Like: Hormone Imbalance And Sinus Problems
Which Allergy Medicine Should I Take
When determining which type of OTC allergy medication is right for you, consider your worst allergy symptoms.
There is a lot of crossover among the different categories, but in the most simple terms, antihistamines are best for itchy, sneezy noses and help itchy eyes, says Dr. Passer. Nasal sprays are best for congestion and post nasal drainage, but help itch quite a bit, too, and decongestants help with congestion. OTC eye drops are best for eye symptoms.
I dont think there is any differentiation between the medication categories for pollen versus, say, indoor allergens like dust or dog dander, she adds. It really is all the same process in the bodyit just comes from different sources.
The Coronavirus Pandemic: Key Things To Know
The holiday season.With planned end of the year gatherings, the new Covid surge is prompting worries and cancellations. The Times asked experts to share some holiday guidance, as well as some tips on using at-home virus tests . Here is what to do if you test positive for the coronavirus.
Bidens new plan.President Biden announced new steps to confront the surge in Covid cases, including setting up new federal testing sites, readying military medical personnel to help hospitals and buying 500 million rapid tests to distribute free to the public, though experts warned the measures would not stop an Omicron surge.
Around the world.After infections skyrocketed to record levels in South Africa, new cases have started falling, suggesting its Omicron wave may have peaked. In Europe, the Netherlands, Britain and Denmark adopted tough restrictions, while France, Spain and Italy are taking a more measured approach.
But South Africas observations may not apply to the United States and other countries. Most South Africans have already been infected with Covid-19, and the median age in South Africa is 27 both of which might cause the variant to have milder effects there than in the U.S., where the median age is 38, Dr. Yang said. The data also showed that, although children tended to have mild symptoms, they were 20 percent more likely to be hospitalized during the Omicron wave compared with the first wave.
How to Manage the Current Covid Wave
Recommended Reading: Best Over The Counter Allergy Sinus Medication
What To Look For When Buying Otc Sinus Decongestants
When youre figuring out which decongestant to buy, youll need to determine whats causing your congestion.
If its allergies, youll probably want a product that contains an antihistamine ingredient like diphenhydramine. Antihistamines target your bodys immune response to allergens like pollen. Antihistamines usually make the person taking them a bit drowsy, so keep in mind taking them at any time other than bedtime may have you needing a nap.
If you have cold or flu symptoms, you may be looking for a product that includes phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine. These ingredients work by shrinking your blood vessels, which can help you breathe more easily and reduce the symptoms of a sinus headache or a stuffy nose.
However, both of these ingredients can cause you to feel restless and can make it difficult to fall asleep. These types of drugs can also make you nauseous. Generally, phenylephrine may have fewer serious side effects than pseudoephedrine. You should always consult a doctor before taking these meds if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Some OTC sinus decongestant formulas include both antihistamines and decongestant ingredients, and some add pain relief ingredients such as ibuprofen to their formula. Its best to treat for symptoms that you have, not for additional symptoms that you dont have.
Treating your congestion with OTC products doesnt always provide relief. You should seek professional medical care if you experience any of the following:
The Best Of Both Antihistamines And Decongestants
Certain OTC allergy medications like Allegra Allergy contain both an antihistamine and decongestant to relieve multiple symptoms at once. These combination drugs can be an effective treatment for people who experience nasal congestion or trouble breathing in addition to other common allergies like hay fever, itchy skin, scratchy throat, hives, or itchy eyes.
Examples of Combination Over the Counter Allergy Medications
Side Effects of Combination Medications
Due to the fact that OTC allergy combination medications typically include both antihistamines and decongestants, patients can experience side effects associated with either treatment. While these combination medications are non-drowsy and drowsiness is unlikely, it can still occur, as can insomnia or irritability and an increase in blood pressure.
Also Check: Do I Need Antibiotics For Sinus Infection
Work With An Expert To Find Relief Faster
Deciding which allergy treatment option is right for you can be difficult. In addition to simply finding short-term relief, you want to prevent those symptoms in the future. Whether youre looking for an asthma clinic for severe symptoms, an internal medicine physician, a board-certified allergist, or primary care physician, its important for you to discuss all of your options with a specialist. Working with a healthcare professional to discuss your problems and determine your best course of action will help you find the right medication and get allergy relief from symptoms faster. Schedule a consultation with Advanced ENT & Allergy Center to get to the root of your allergies and find the right treatment for your lifestyle.
Chemical And Environmental Irritants
Many chemicals and products for cleaning, home repair, and more can irritate your nasal passages and sinuses. This can cause you to have dry sinuses, sore throat, dry nose, nosebleeds, or other symptoms similar to allergies. Some chemicals and products that can irritate your sinuses include:
- household cleaning products
- industrial irritants
- paint or varnish fumes
There are many ways you can treat dry sinuses at home to alleviate discomfort caused by seasonal allergies, irritation from chemicals, or drying from medications or dry air. To get relief, you can:
- place a humidifier in your bedroom at night to keep the air from getting too dry
- stop taking drying medications, such as antihistamines
- drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
- get some fresh air if the air in your house is stale or stagnant
- remove as many allergens and irritants from your environment as possible
- irrigate your sinuses with sterile saline using a neti pot or similar product
- use nasal spray to hydrate and lubricate your nasal passages and sinuses
- take a hot shower and inhale the steam
In some cases, your doctor might need to recommend treatment for your dry sinuses. Make an appointment with your doctor if you:
- have an autoimmune disorder like Sjögren syndrome
- are taking prescription medication that causes dry sinuses
- think you might have a sinus infection
Your doctor may:
Don’t Miss: Advil Cold And Sinus Active Ingredients
Side Effects Of Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is well tolerated, and most people do well with it. The rare side effects of allergy shots include redness, inflammation or irritation at the site of injection, with occasional allergic reaction to the allergy shot. There are no reported side effects or issues from the use of allergy drops. If you are interested in taking the easiest route to a long-term solution with no side effects, schedule an appointment with us to begin the process of allergy drop treatment.
When To Call A Doctor
Most of the time, a stuffy nose will clear up on its own within a week. Nasal congestion that lasts longer may be a sign of a serious sinus infection in need of treatment. You may also want to see a doctor if the symptoms are interfering with sleep or your ability to function normally.
A stuffy nose may require medical attention if:
- You have a high fever.
- Your symptoms last longer than two weeks.
- Your nasal passages are completely blocked.
- Your skin or lips develop a bluish tinge .
- Your breathing rate is very rapid.
- You have difficulty breathing or catching your breath.
You May Like: Medication To Treat Sinus Infection
Nasacort Allergy 24hour Nasal Spray
Nasacort is nasal spray thats been on the market for quite some time, offering relief from itching, sneezing, and stuffy noses caused by seasonal allergies and hay fever. We should note that while Nasacort is effective, it has been known to cause a burning sensation. It is not for patients under the age of two.
You May Like: Medicine For Childrens Sinus Infection
When Do You Need An Allergy Medicine How Do You Know If You Need One
Dont wait for a full-blown attack of coughing and sniffing before you take an allergy medicine. Then again, before you start taking an antihistamine, make sure you have an allergy and not something else. You want the medication to launch an immediate attack on your sniffles so that they dont develop into anything. Another important factor is consistency. If you are one who easily forgets to take meds, then maybe opting for an allergy shot is a better option for you.
Desensitization or immunotherapy using a repeated injection of an offending allergen can bring relief. You start off with visiting your doctor once or twice a week, with the dosage going up gradually until you get a maintenance dose. Then youll get a shot every 3 or 4 weeks for about 4 or 5 months. The doctor will then increase the time between shots so that youre getting them once a month for 3 5 years. During this time your allergy symptoms may disappear almost completely.
Don’t Miss: Can Sinus Surgery Help Tinnitus
Types Of Otc Allergy Medications
OTC allergy medications use a variety of methods to fight symptoms. Three of the most common OTC allergy medication types are:
- Corticosteroids: This type of OTC allergy medication works by preventing swelling and inflammation. Its applied via nasal spray, treating nasal allergies. Corticosteroids are Dr. Passers preferred format of OTC allergy medicationwhile they mainly help with congestion and post nasal drainage, they can also help with itching and sneezing, she says. These work by soothing the sensitive tissue in your sinuses by coating them with the best anti-inflammatory medication, says Dr. Passer.Therefore, when you are exposed to allergens, those tissues remain calm, cool and collected and dont have the over-exaggerated response of swelling and producing lots of mucus. Indeed, one study confirms corticosteroids are superior to antihistamines when it comes to treating allergies. In the study, 88 patients with ragweed allergies received either a corticosteroid or an antihistamine. After four weeks, the steroid nasal spray group reported far fewer allergy symptoms than the antihistamine groupSteroids More Effective Than Antihistamines When Used As Needed For Allergies. University Of Chicago Medical Center. Accessed 05/13/2021. .