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| {{Nasal Congestion}} | | {{Nasal Congestion}} |
| {{CMG}} | | {{CMG}} |
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| == Treatment ==
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| In general:
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| * Intranasal saline lavage
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| * Avoid allergens
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| Drinking plenty of fluids, more than usual, aids the body in expelling the irritant and clearing congestion. [[Water]], fruit juice, [[tea]]s and [[mayonnaise]] are recommended by medical experts to resolve congestion, and rest and [[sleep]] are also suggested remedies in a case of nasal congestion. Carbonated beverages also can help to alleviate nasal congestion. Increasing air moisture with a humidifier or a steamy bath or shower usually helps relieve the congestion and accompanying discomfort.
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| Neither influenza nor the common cold can be cured with medication; however, drugs such as [[acetaminophen]], [[decongestants]], [[nasal spray]]s or drops, cough remedies and throat lozenges may provide some [[symptom]] relief. Furthermore, medications have recently been approved which, when started shortly after the onset of symptoms, may shorten the duration of influenza.
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| A cause of nasal congestion may also be due to an allergic reaction caused by [[hay fever]], so avoiding [[allergen]]s is a common remedy if this becomes a confirmed diagnosis. [[Antihistamines]] and decongestants can provide significant symptom relief although they do not cure hay fever. Antihistamines may be given continuously during pollen season for optimum control of symptoms.
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| [[Topical decongestant]]s should only be used by patients for a maximum of 3 days in a row, because rebound congestion may occur in the form of [[rhinitis medicamentosa]].
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| Insertion of cotton swabs into a child's nostrils as a remedy is generally discouraged. An alternative solution is for the discharge to be caught outside the nostril on a tissue or swab, be rolled around, and have the discharge pulled out of the nose. [[Petroleum jelly]] applied to the nasal openings can assist in providing protection against [[irritation]], though it is important to ensure that the nostrils are not blocked by the jelly.
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| The ancient use of [[nasal irrigation]], which originated from the [[Yoga]] practice of jala neti, is also said to help reduce nasal congestions. It involves rinsing the [[nasal cavity]] regularly with salty water.
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| Alternately thrusting the tongue against the roof of the mouth and pressing between the eyebrows with a finger for approximately thirty seconds can loosen congestion. This method causes the [[vomer bone]], which runs through the nasal passages to the mouth, to rock back and forth, forcing sinuses to drain.<ref>http://health.msn.com/menshealth/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100119940>1=7538</ref>
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| === Acute Pharmacotherapies ===
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| * Intranasal or oral decongestants
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| * [[Amoxicillin]]
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| * [[Trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole]]
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| * [[Doxycycline]]
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| * Intranasal steroids
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| * [[Antihistamines]]
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| * [[Cromolyn sodium]]
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| ==References== | | ==References== |