Treating acute rhinitis and exacerbations of chronic rhinitis - A role for topical decongestants?

Abstract

Acute nasal symptoms are troublesome for patients. In addition, these symptoms are encountered frequently by individuals because of common infectious diseases, especially rhinovirus, giving rise to a 'common cold'. Acute nasal symptoms include rhinorrhoea, sneezing, nasal itch and congestion. Of these, nasal congestion is the most irritating. Because topical nasal decongestants provide rapid and dramatic relief from these symptoms, especially nasal congestion, they are frequently used and abused by patients. Guidance for indications, choice of most efficacious decongestant and recommendations for limiting side effects are thus essential to be imparted to patients by doctors.

• Authors: Robin J Green, Charles Feldman, Andre Van Niekerk, Marinda McDonald, Raymond Friedman, Guy A Richards
• Journal: South African family practice : official journal of the South African Academy of Family Practice/Primary Care (S Afr Fam Pract (2004)) Vol. 62 Issue 1 Pg. e1-e5 (03 24 2020) ISSN: 2078-6204 [Electronic] South Africa
• PMID: 32242436 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Nasal Decongestants

Topics

• Common Cold (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Nasal Decongestants (adverse effects)
• Rhinitis (drug therapy)