The doctor warned about the danger of prolonged use of vasoconstrictor drops

Vasoconstrictor nasal drops should not be used for more than seven days due to the risk of developing drug dependence and serious complications. Andrey Pozdnyakov, an infectious disease specialist at INVITRO, Candidate of Medical Sciences, warned about this in an interview with Izvestia on October 28.

According to him, prolonged use of drugs based on phenylephrine, oxymetazoline or xylometazoline leads to the development of "naphthyzine" rhinitis, when blood vessels stop narrowing on their own without another dose of medication.

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The expert explained that vasoconstrictor drops cause temporary vasospasm of the mucous membrane, reducing swelling and discharge in acute respiratory viral infections. However, when used for longer than the recommended period, a vicious circle forms: after discontinuation of the drug, the swelling increases, forcing the patient to apply the drops again. Special care should be taken by people with hypertension, atherosclerosis, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, and diabetes mellitus.

Pozdnyakov stressed that vasoconstrictors are contraindicated in patients with purulent nasal discharge, mild congestion, as well as in patients who previously suffered from dependence on such drugs. For the safe treatment of a runny nose, the doctor recommends using saline solutions to cleanse the mucous membrane, antibacterial drops for bacterial infection and regenerating agents for tissue regeneration.

"Restoring the normal functioning of the mucous membrane requires time and patience. It is necessary to gradually reduce the dose and frequency of drops, switch to saline solutions that facilitate breathing without harm, use drugs with glucocorticosteroids to relieve inflammation and hyperreactivity of the mucous membrane, undergo physiotherapy procedures. In severe cases, resort to surgical treatment," the specialist recommended.

The prognosis of treatment is favorable with timely medical attention and the absence of concomitant diseases such as polyps or chronic allergic rhinitis, the doctor concluded.

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