Most people can safely use decongestants, but they aren't for everyone. Do not take decongestants if you have any of the following: Circulation problems. Diabetes.

Is it better to take a decongestant or not?

Taking a decongestant can temporarily ease congestion, but it can also create a slight increase in your blood pressure. If you already have high blood pressure, especially if it's not controlled, this may be a concern. Decongestants also can interfere with the effectiveness of certain blood pressure medications.

Are decongestants bad for you?

The longer you use a spray decongestant, the more likely you are to get the rebound phenomenon. It can lead to chronic sinusitis and other serious, long-term problems. Give your doctor a call if you're having any of these issues: It's all in your nose.

Is it OK to take a decongestant everyday?

Is it safe to take for a long time? Decongestants should only be used for a short time, usually less than 10 days. If you take them for longer, you're more likely to get side effects. Only take pseudoephedrine for longer than 10 days if a doctor has said it's OK.

Why shouldnt you take decongestants?

Who shouldn't take decongestants? Don't take decongestants if you have high blood pressure that isn't controlled. Taking decongestants can raise your blood pressure even if it is controlled or nearly normal. You may need to look for an alternative to decongestants.

Can I do harm by using a nasal decongestant spray?

38 related questions found

Should you take a decongestant if you have Covid?

You may take an expectorant/cough suppressant combination as needed for cough and congestion. Take an antihistamine/decongestant combination for your allergy symptoms and congestion. If you have uncontrolled blood pressure, then you should avoid the decongestant component.

What are the side effects of decongestants?

Side effects of decongestants

• feeling sleepy (look for non-drowsy medicines)
• irritation of the lining of your nose.
• headaches.
• feeling or being sick.
• a dry mouth.
• feeling restless or agitated.
• a rash.

How do you decongest naturally?

7 Natural Remedies for Congestion Relief

1. Consider Some Alternatives to the Pharmacy. Getty Images. ...
2. Add Moisture to the Air With a Humidifier or Vaporizer. Thinkstock. ...
3. Hydrate and Soothe With Warm Soups and Teas. Getty Images. ...
4. Apply Hot or Cold Packs to Congested Sinuses. Thinkstock. ...
5. Revamp Your Nighttime Routine to Open Sinuses.

Are decongestants bad for sinus infection?

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers and decongestants may help relieve facial pain and sinus congestion associated with acute sinusitis. OTC medications that may help include: Decongestants. These work by narrowing blood vessels to help reduce inflammation and swelling that cause sinus congestion.

What is the safest decongestant?

In the drug realm, antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and loratadine (Claritin) can help with a stuffy nose are safe for the heart.

Is it safe to take antihistamine everyday?

Depending on your symptoms, you can take antihistamines: Every day, to help keep daily symptoms under control. Only when you have symptoms. Before being exposed to things that often cause your allergy symptoms, such as a pet or certain plants.

Is it bad to use nasal spray everyday?

To prevent rebound congestion, use over-the-counter decongestant nasal sprays for no more than three days in a row, with as few doses as possible each day. Prescription nasal sprays containing steroids don't cause this rebound effect, so they can be used on a daily basis for years.

Do decongestants raise blood pressure?

Among over-the-counter cold remedies, decongestants cause the most concern for people who have high blood pressure. Decongestants relieve nasal stuffiness by narrowing blood vessels and reducing swelling in the nose. This narrowing can affect other blood vessels as well, which can increase blood pressure.

Can antihistamines make congestion worse?

Forceful blowing can irritate the nasal passages and propel bacteria-laden mucus back up into your sinuses. Avoid antihistamines unless prescribed. Antihistamines make mucus thick and hard to drain. Be careful with decongestants.

Is Decolgen a decongestant?

Decolgen^® Forte contains Phenylpropanolamine HCl, Chlorphenamine Maleate, and Paracetamol. Phenylpropanolamine HCl is a strong nasal decongestant, clears obstructed and congested air passages in a stuffy nose and clogged nasal sinuses, making breathing easier.

Does a decongestant dry you up?

"Decongestants dry up the mucus that collects in the back of the throat as a result of the infection. Expectorants melt the mucus." Look for over-the-counter decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, such as Sudafed.

What happens if you let a sinus infection go untreated?

Left untreated, a sinus infection has the potential to spread to your meninges (the protective coverings around your brain and spinal cord), causing them to become inflamed — a condition called meningitis.

What is the best sinus decongestant?

Our picks

• Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion Ultratabs.
• Best OTC sinus decongestant for a headache. Advil Sinus Congestion and Pain.
• Afrin No-Drip Severe Congestion.
• Little Remedies Decongestant Nose Drops.
• Sudafed PE Day and Night Sinus Pressure Tablets.
• Cabinet Nasal Decongestant Tablets.
• Mucinex Nightshift Cold and Flu Liquid.

Why does my sinus get worse at night?

When you lie down, blood pressure changes and blood may remain in the upper body longer than it does when you sit or stand. In addition, the pull of gravity on the body's internal tissues can compress blood vessels in the sinuses. This can cause tissue to swell up, leading to worse sinus symptoms.

What are the symptoms of sinus congestion?

When to see your doctor for sinus infection

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have a fever, nasal discharge, congestion, or facial pain that lasts longer than ten days or keeps coming back. The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area if you don't already have a doctor.

Why is my nose always blocked?

Nasal congestion can be caused by anything that irritates or inflames the nasal tissues. Infections — such as colds, flu or sinusitis — and allergies are frequent causes of nasal congestion and runny nose. Sometimes a congested and runny nose can be caused by irritants such as tobacco smoke and car exhaust.

Why do decongestants make my heart race?

A decongestant eases congestion by constricting the blood vessels in your nasal passages. This dries up nasal mucus. But these medications can also abnormally stimulate the heart and blood vessels throughout the body. “This can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, or skipped beats.

How can I permanently cure sinusitis?

Depending on the underlying cause, medical therapies may include:

1. Intranasal corticosteroids. Intranasal corticosteroids reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. ...
2. Oral corticosteroids. Oral corticosteroids are pill medications that work like intranasal steroids. ...
3. Decongestants. ...
4. Saline irrigation. ...
5. Antibiotics. ...
6. Immunotherapy.

Is Sudafed bad for you?

Sudafed is safe for many people. However, you should avoid it if you have certain health conditions, which may get worse if you take Sudafed.