Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS website.
Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or view any of our Previous A to Z Features.
You should also know that OutUK has produced a special report about: Coronavirus Covid-19.

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This Week - D : Decongestants

Decongestants are a type of medicine that can provide short-term relief for a blocked or stuffy nose (nasal congestion).

They can help ease the symptoms of conditions such as colds and flu, hay fever and other allergic reactions, catarrh and sinusitis.

They work by reducing the swelling of the blood vessels in your nose, which helps to open the airways.

Examples include pseudoephedrine (sometimes called by the brand name Sudafed).

Types of decongestants

Decongestants are available as:

  • nasal sprays
  • drops
  • tablets or capsules
  • liquids or syrups
  • flavoured powders to dissolve in hot water

Some products may just contain decongestant medicine, but many are sold as "all-in-1" remedies that contain decongestants, painkillers or antihistamines.

Most decongestants can be bought over the counter from pharmacies without a prescription.

Who can take decongestants

Most people can use decongestants safely, but they're not suitable for everyone.

They should not be used by the following groups of people without getting advice from a pharmacist or GP first:

How to use decongestants

Most decongestants should only be used between 1 and 4 times a day.

Check the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine for advice about how much to take and how often to take it.

If you're not sure, ask a pharmacist for advice.

Decongestant nasal sprays and drops should not be used for more than a week at a time because using them for too long can make your stuffiness worse.

Speak to a GP if your symptoms do not improve after this time.

Side effects of decongestants

Decongestant medicines do not usually have side effects, and any side effects you may experience are usually mild.

Possible side effects can include:

  • feeling sleepy (look for non-drowsy medicines)
  • irritation of the lining of your nose
  • headaches
  • feeling or being sick
  • a dry mouth
  • feeling restless or agitated
  • a rash

These side effects should go away once you stop taking the medicine.

More serious side effects can also happen, such as hallucinations and severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), but these are very rare.

Taking decongestants with other medicines

Ask a pharmacist or GP before taking decongestants if you're taking other medicines.

Decongestants can increase or decrease the effect of some other medicines.

For example, taking decongestants alongside some antidepressants can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure.

It's also important to be careful when taking other medicines if you're using an "all-in-1" decongestant remedy.

"All-in-1" decongestants also contain painkillers or antihistamines, so it could be dangerous to take extra doses of these medicines at the same time.



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We'll have more information and advice next week on another topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features.

If you want to find out more about this week's subject you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.

Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.

 

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