ear, nose, and throat disorders
Nasal Congestion and Rhinorrhea
Treatment of Nasal Congestion and Rhinorrhea
Specific conditions are treated. Topical or oral decongestants can relieve congestion. Topical decongestants includeoxymetazoline, 2 sprays in each nostril once or twice a day for 3 days. Oral decongestants includepseudoephedrine60 mg twice a day. Prolonged use of topical decongestants can cause rebound congestion, and prolonged use of oral decongestants can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Both should be avoided. Viral rhinorrhea can be treated with first-generation oral antihistamines (eg,diphenhydramine25 to 50 mg orally twice a day), which are recommended because of their anticholinergic properties unrelated to their H2-blocking properties. Allergic congestion and rhinorrhea can be treated with antihistamines; in such cases, nonanticholinergic antihistamines (eg,fexofenadine60 mg orally twice a day) as needed are used because they have fewer adverse effects. Nasal corticosteroids (eg,mometasone2 sprays in each nostril daily) also help relieve symptoms. Antihistamines and decongestants are not recommended for children<6 years. 