Discover the best pharmacy nasal decongestant

Want to know which is the best nasal decongestant on the market? Suffering from nasal congestion can be especially frustrating if we want to carry on with our daily routine.

Having nasal congestion not only affects our oxygen intake by making breathing more difficult, but it can also cause trouble getting to sleep and even reduced hearing, among other minor related discomforts.

To help relieve these symptoms associated with colds and other illnesses, it is recommended to use a nasal decongestant.

Nowadays, it is possible to find these products in formats that make them easy to use and apply so we can get on with our day-to-day life. Whether in cream, spray or nasal solution form, they can be bought in any pharmacy or specialist shop without the need for a prescription.

What is nasal congestion?

We say there is nasal congestion when the nasal mucosa becomes inflamed due to the dilation of the blood vessels, resulting in what we know as a blocked or congested nose.

Most commonly, it is caused by viral processes such as the well-known common cold, which produces a large amount of mucus that worsens the swelling of the mucosa as it runs down the back of the throat.

Having blocked nostrils is very uncomfortable for the patient, who cannot breathe normally through the nose and will also often suffer from a cough or sore throat. This discomfort becomes a significant risk for newborns and babies, who still cannot control their breathing properly.

Severe nasal congestion can also interfere with both speech development and hearing, and when it leads to snoring and sleep apnoea it has a significant negative effect on night-time rest.

The most common causes of nasal congestion are colds and flu, which can become complicated by sinusitis, as well as rhinitis or other allergies, although it can also occur during pregnancy.

How can you relieve nasal congestion?

Turning to nasal decongestants is a very effective temporary solution, but there are other steps you can take to help relieve the symptoms of nasal congestion:

• Maintain a balanced diet
• Stay well hydrated, with a high fluid intake to help make mucus thinner and easier to clear.
• Try to stay in an environment that is not excessively dry. You can use humidifiers in enclosed spaces.
• Do not expose yourself to sudden changes in temperature.
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco while you are congested.
• When resting, try to keep your head slightly raised so that mucus does not build up.

What are nasal decongestants and how do they work?

A nasal decongestant is a medicine whose main effect is vasoconstriction in the nasal membranes. This causes the inflamed membranes to reduce in size, opening the nasal passages and allowing better breathing again.

These products work in relation to adrenaline, a natural decongestant, so sometimes, when taken in liquid or tablet form, they can cause the side effect of nervousness.

Decongestants in spray form can be used without a prescription and provide immediate relief to the mucous membranes without this effect of nervousness or restlessness, so they can be used before going to sleep without any problem.

That said, it is important to use them only as a short-term solution, as overuse can reduce the product's effectiveness and, if used excessively over time, can lead to medication-induced rhinitis.

Miguel Armengot, doctor and president of the Rhinology and Allergy Committee of the Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, explains that this rhinitis can also appear as a side effect of other medicines.

Which is the best nasal decongestant?

If you want to know the best pharmacy nasal decongestants, take note!

• Respidina: this nasal decongestant is formulated with pseudoephedrine, which helps to provide local and temporary relief from nasal congestion normally associated with rhinitis, colds or flu. It is suitable for people aged 12 and over. It is recommended to take just one tablet every 12 hours so as not to exceed the recommended dose.
• Utabón adultos: this medicine works as a nasal decongestant and contains oxymetazoline as its active ingredient. This substance helps constrict blood vessels locally to help decongest the nasal mucosa. This medicine is for specific use and should not be applied for more than 3 consecutive days. If symptoms persist, you should consult a specialist. It is intended for adults and should not be used in children under 6 years old.
• Rhinovhín: this medicine works as a nasal decongestant because it contains xylometazoline, which after application constricts the blood vessels to eliminate congestion caused by the nasal mucosa. In the same way, it is recommended to use it according to the instructions, always locally and temporarily.

Bibliography.

• Conde Hipólito, J. L. (2020). Approach to nasal congestion in the pharmacy setting.
• de Lera, M., Mesonero, L. L., Pedraza, M. I., Velasco, E. M., Piñero, M. R., & Peral, A. L. G. (2018). Nasal congestion as an accompanying autonomic symptom of migraine attacks. Revista de neurología, 67(5), 193-194.