Another irritating common cold symptom is congestion of the nasal passages. In some cases, nasal congestion can be so bad that a visit to the urgent care clinic must happen right away. The facility can use nasal decongestants to help you breathe better. If you want to know more about the common cold and nasal decongestants, here are the details.
Colds and nasal congestion
The stuffy feeling in the nose while dealing with a common cold is nasal congestion. Healthcare providers refer to this as rhinitis. This symptom makes breathing difficult. The lack of proper oxygenation results in tiredness.
The inflammation of the nasal passages results in minimal airflow. It also makes it almost impossible to remove the mucous out of the nose. This results in the mucous buildup. Suctioning the mucous is often the most immediate way to clear the nasal passages. Taking nasal decongestants at home can also help with this symptom.
What nasal decongestants are
Nasal congestion happens because of allergies, sinusitis, or a common cold virus. Decongestants can relieve the stuffiness from a common cold. These medications come in liquid or pill form. They are also available in drops and nasal sprays.
Using decongestants should not exceed three days. This is to avoid becoming dependent on them. Dependency on these medications will result in a rebound effect. This means the nasal passages will become stuffy again once the person stops using them.
How decongestants function
The body can sense if there is an infection in the nose. It sends more blood to the tiny blood vessels in the nose to help fight the infection. The increase in blood flow leads to the swelling of tissue and blood vessels in the nose. The nose becomes stuffy. The individual then finds it difficult to breathe.
Taking decongestants can help this situation. Decongestants narrow the blood vessels in the nasal passages. This shrinks the nasal tissue. Air can then pass through with ease.
Side effects in taking decongestants
Decongestants can help with the common cold, but there are side effects to consider. Temporary sleeping issues, nervousness, and dizziness can happen while taking these medications. High blood pressure and palpitations can also happen. Going to an urgent care facility is ideal if there is any question before taking decongestants.
Those who should not take decongestants
A person with uncontrolled high blood pressure cannot take decongestants. The urgent care clinic will need to provide the individual with an alternative to this medication. The same will apply to those who have diabetes, thyroid problems, and glaucoma. Children below six years old should not take this medication at all. They can have the following alternatives:
- Cool-mist humidifier to moisten the throat and nose
- Saline drops or sprays to help loosen mucous
- Bulb syringe for removing mucous from the nose
Using decongestants for common cold can improve your breathing
Nasal congestion is a common symptom in colds. It is when the nasal tissues and swell up and close up the passages. This makes breathing and mucous removal difficult. Decongestants can help relieve this common cold symptom.
Get more information about Texas Urgent Care & Imaging Center in New Caney at https://tx-urgentcare.com.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
Contrary to what some may believe, diabetes requires professional treatment since it is a chronic condition marked by high blood sugar. With treatment, patients can manage their diabetes and reduce its impact on their lives. A primary care physician, or PCP, will guide patients through diabetes treatment, connecting them with specialists and using treatment strategies…
DOT drug testing is performed as part of the biannual DOT physical checkup for all commercial drivers. The Department of Transport is responsible for ensuring that all commercial drivers are sober. For the well-being of employees and the public, the DOT monitors drug and alcohol use with regular testing. Keep reading to find out what…
Professional breathing treatments, also known as respiratory therapy, are essential for managing various respiratory conditions. These treatments can help relieve symptoms, improve breathing, and prevent complications in individuals with chronic conditions like asthma and COPD, as well as acute respiratory infections. Understanding the different options available for breathing treatments ensures that patients receive the right…
Drug screening is integral to many industries and institutions, such as workplaces, in-patient treatment programs, and sports organizations. These screenings look for signs of prescription, legal, or illegal drugs in a urine or hair sample. If you have an upcoming drug screening, you may have questions about the process. Here is what you should know.Drug…