Nasal vasoconstrictor: Reasons not to use it for a long time

Nasal vasoconstrictor is a drug that works to reduce phenomena such as: congestion and bleeding, swelling... However, nasal vasoconstrictors should not be used for a long time to avoid unwanted consequences.

Currently, many people think that, when having a stuffy nose, having difficulty breathing due to rhinitis or sinusitis, just instilling nasal vasoconstrictor drugs will quickly relieve stuffiness, make breathing easier and comfortable immediately. Therefore, nasal vasoconstrictor is considered the best medicine to support nasal congestion for many people with rhinitis and sinusitis. However, is the long-term use of this drug correct?
According to specialists, the long-term use of nasal vasoconstrictors is recommended by specialists not to be used, and when using the drug, it should not be used for more than 7 days. The reason is because:
If overusing nasal vasoconstrictor drugs is easy to cause drug resistance, the drug is no longer effective, even causing the opposite effect, that is, causing nasal congestion again, causing chronic inflammation of the mucous membranes. nasal mucosa, making it very difficult to treat. In addition to having a local effect, the drug also penetrates the mucosa into the blood causing systemic effects, so it is absolutely not recommended to use high doses for a long time. If you take the medicine for a long time, the nasal congestion may get worse, the nasal passages become narrower and you will have to take more medicine and take a higher dose because it is unbearable. Long-term use of nasal vasoconstrictor drugs will become a vicious cycle that causes you to use the drug many times, leading to the formation of many scar tissue in the nasal mucosa and rhinitis caused by drug use. Therefore, after using the nasal vasoconstrictor recommended by the doctor, if you still have a stuffy nose, you should not continue to use the drug, but instead you can overcome it by using physiological saline to Rinse your nose before appropriate treatment by an otolaryngologist is indicated for your condition.

In addition to the common cold or flu, the stuffy nose can be caused by many causes, possibly due to inflammation such as nasopharyngitis, sinusitis..., trauma, nasal foreign body... Therefore, the use of vasopressors is the method of choice. However, because vasoconstrictor drugs come in many forms such as oral tablets, drops, nasal sprays, etc., the ingredients are different, so patients need to be very careful about the dose and duration of use. Specifically, when using nasal vasoconstrictors, it should be noted:
Do not use vasoconstrictor drugs for children under 6 years of age. in case of necessity, use 0.025% solution and be very careful as directed and monitored by a specialist. Only 0.05% solution is used for children under 12 years of age under the direction and supervision of a specialist doctor. When using vasoconstrictor drugs should not be used for more than 7 days because if used beyond the above time will easily cause the phenomenon of drug resistance, making the drug ineffective, even causing chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa which is difficult to treat. treat. Besides, in addition to the drug has a local effect, the drug also penetrates the mucosa into the blood causing systemic effects, so it is not recommended to use high doses for a long time. Do not use vasoconstrictor nasal drops repeatedly and continuously to avoid severe congestion again. When using nasal drops continuously for 5 days does not help, the patient should stop the drug and see a doctor to be prescribed a new treatment method. Nasal vasoconstrictors can cause side effects such as increased blood pressure, nervous tension, tremors, and insomnia. Therefore, vasoconstrictor drugs should not be used for people with prostate cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, ... Most vasoconstrictor drugs are prescription drugs, so patients are not allowed to arbitrarily use but must be prescribed and closely monitored by medical specialists.

Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading medical professionals, modern equipment and technology, but also stands out for its examination and consultation services. comprehensive and professional medical consultation and treatment; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space. Customers who choose to perform services here can be completely assured of the results. In addition, customers will be examined with a specialist to determine the risk of disease and have a scientific treatment direction.
Customers can directly go to Vinmec Health system nationwide to visit or contact the hotline here for support.
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