3 Types Of Decongestants And How To Choose The Right One

Decongestants Health

Winter brings the familiar warmth of the holidays, but colds and flu viruses can tag along for the ride. All those get-togethers and holiday shopping mean more time around other people in closed spaces — and more opportunities for upper respiratory infections to spread. With nasal congestion a chief complaint, many over-the-counter remedies promise to help us feel better. Keep reading to explore impactful homeopathic decongestant medications that reduce congestion with minimal to no side effects.

Why Mucus Is a Thing With Colds

The common cold brings on lots of annoying symptoms. When we’re sick, we may not realize why these symptoms occur. Believe it or not, some of them are a direct result of immune system activity. Nasal congestion occurs because our bodies produce mucus to fight off upper respiratory infections by trapping viruses and bacteria before they can get to our lungs. We expel all that germ-laden mucus through coughing, sneezing and blowing our noses. That’s normally a good thing, except when our airways and nasal passages are inflammation. It’s a nasty equation: Inflammation plus lots of mucus equals congestion.

Renowned Doctor in Dubai would suggest you to first get your cold checked before treating it with different decongestants.

Nasal Sprays & Drops

Many people turn to sprays and drops to counteract congestion in their nasal passages. These over-the-counter remedies can be in spray, mist or droplet form. They usually contain either oxymetazoline, phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine. Such substances are vasoconstrictors, which reduce swelling of the nasal passages by tightening the blood vessels and restricting blood flow to those areas. Some products on the market combine decongestants with antihistamines, which reduce the immune system’s response to perceived allergens.

See also  Thought for the Day 03-27-09

These decongestants work well for many. However, people with heart disease and high blood pressure cannot take them. Because they’re vasoconstrictors, they come with a risk of elevated blood pressure that could lead to heart attacks or strokes. Some individuals may experience a significant increase in their resting heart rates. People with diabetes, glaucoma, thyroid disease or prostrate enlargement are also warned against taking these types of decongestants. Narrowed blood vessels can negatively impact circulation and worsen these conditions.

Tablets/Capsules

Decongestants can also come in tablet or capsule form. Many contain the same vasoconstrictor present in nasal sprays, mists and drops, so they carry the same risks for people with certain health conditions. However, alternatives do exist. Homeopathic cold medicine targets symptoms and their causes differently than standard  OTC medications.

Homeopathic cold and flu remedies approach the problem from a couple of different angles. Some use botanical ingredients such as echinacea, eucalyptus and garlic to relieve symptoms and boost immunity. Others rely on natural antibodies to chemicals our bodies naturally produce. For instance, Cold-Flu Recovery by Brillia Health contains antibodies that bind to histamines, minimizing their activity to reduce inflammation and congestion.

Natural Cold Relief Alternatives

Most adults contract two or three colds per year, sending them in droves to pharmacies seeking symptom relief. Natural remedies, including homeopathy medicine for dry cough, are viable alternatives to standard OTC medications. Whether you’re looking for remedies without side effects or a health condition precludes you from taking traditional decongestants, homeopathic medications can help you feel better faster.

Rate article
Thought for Today
Add a comment