An NHS GP has issued a stark warning about a common cold remedy that could worsen breathing problems.
If you’re battling a cold, you might instinctively grab your usual over-the-counter solution. However, Dr Sooj has highlighted one particular remedy that could make symptoms rebound fiercely, potentially leading to increased breathing difficulties.
Dr Sooj took to Instagram to caution his followers regarding widely-used nasal sprays. These decongestants, available from brands like Sudafed, typically contain ingredients such as oxymetazoline, xylometazoline, phenylephrine, and pseudoephedrine.
In a video, he detailed how a quick ‘spritz’ in the nostril works by constricting blood vessels to ease congestion and improve breathing, reports the Mirror.
He pointed out: “The problem is that once the spray wears off, the blood floods back into your nose and the congestion comes back much harder and much faster.”
He warned that with regular use, there’s a risk of needing to use the spray more frequently, with some individuals resorting to hourly doses.
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Pharmacist Thorrun Govind has issued a warning, as reported by The Sun, that overusing nasal sprays or drops could exacerbate congestion issues.
She cautioned about the risk of rhinitis medicamentosa, also known as ‘rebound congestion’, which occurs when nasal passages become inflamed due to overuse of nasal decongestants.
“Rebound congestion is when nasal passages become inflamed due to overuse of nasal decongestants,” Govind elaborated, noting that symptoms can include having a stuffy or runny nose, excessive sneezing, or an itchy feeling in the nasal passages.
Moreover, she disclosed: “It can often feel worse than the original congestion.”
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