Decongestants are used to reduce nasal congestion or congestion caused by allergies, colds or other infections. Nasal congestion occurs due to swelling of the tissues that line the nose or the accumulation of secretions in the nose. The decongestants reduce congestion by acting directly on the blood vessels in the nasal lining, which makes the vessels narrower. This reduces the swelling of lining fabrics. But decongestants can also affect blood vessels outside the nose. When blood vessels are shrunk in other parts of the body, blood pressure may increase. Although the increase is generally low, it can be particularly important in people who already have high blood pressure. All decongestants can potentially increase blood pressure, but it is less likely with spraying or nasal drops than with oral decongestants. The treatment of nasal congestion with natural methods or drugs that do not contain decongestant are the best ways to avoid the effects of decongestants on blood pressure.
Oral decongestants against nasals
When decongestants are taken per mouth in the form of pills or liquids, they are first absorbed in the intestine in the bloodstream. As they travel into the blood, decongestants enter the blood vessels throughout the body, causing the separation of the vessels and the blood pressure. Pseudoephedrine (Silfedrine, Sudafed) and phenylephrine (PE Sudafed) are examples of oral decongestants.
When decongestants are used as nasal sprays or drops, they act mainly in the nose. A small amount of decongestant will be absorbed from the nose in the blood circulation, but the quantity reaching other areas of the body is much lower than that of oral decongestants. Oxymmetazoline (Afrin, Dristan), phenylephrine (neo-synéphrine), naphazoline (private) and propylhexedrine (Benzedrex) are nasal decongestants. The risk of increasing blood pressure can be less with propylhexedrine with the first 3 drugs.
Non -decadessing drugs
Drugs containing antihistamines are commonly used as alternatives to decongestants. Histamine increases nasal secretions, especially in allergic people. By blocking the action of histamine, antihistamines can reduce secretions and reduce nasal congestion. Over-the-counter antihistamines include chlorpheniaramine (chlor-trimeton), loratadine (claritine) and ketirizine (Zyrtec). Coricidine HBP and NYQUIL HBP are ranges of cold medication products and the flu marketed specifically for people with hypertension. Both contain antihistamines but no decongestant.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or Naproxene (Aleve), reduce inflammation and secretions in the nose. These properties make them useful for nasal congestion. Nasal spraying containing corticosteroids, such as over -the -counter fluticasone (Flonase) or triamcinolone (nasacort), can also reduce inflammation in the nose. They are most often used for nasal congestion due to allergies.
Natural alternatives
A number of natural measures can help reduce nasal congestion. The inhalation of the vapor of a vaporizer, a pan of hot water or a hot shower can help to moisten the lining of the nose so that all the secretions present become more aqueous and easier to eliminate. The increase in cash supply can also produce less thick and more aqueous nasal secretions. Some people find that hot or spicy liquids are particularly useful. The drops of saline nose or nasal sprays are made of salt water which can lighten secretions and possibly reduce the swelling of the nasal mucosa. The nasal bands (breathing on the right) are another alternative, because they slightly open the nostrils to reduce nasal freeing.
Warnings and precautions
The American Heart Association recommends always reading the labels of any over -the -counter medication if you have high blood pressure, even if your pressure is controlled by drugs. The labels of most drugs containing decongestants include a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning to consult a doctor before using the medication if you have high blood pressure. The FDA does not require this warning on the nasal propylhexedrine label, but the manufacturer’s information indicates that the drug should be used with caution in people with high blood pressure. If your doctor allows you to use decongestant, be sure to follow the instructions exactly and not to use more than the recommended dose.
Examined by: Mary D. Daley, MD
