One example of anallergy treatment is Sudafed for blocked noses. Blocked nose is an unpleasant allergy symptom as it can lead to headaches, ‘heavy head’ feelings and exhaustion. It is caused when blood vessels lining the nose and sinus become swollen. This is a response to exposure to an allergen – a substance like pollen, mould spores or house dust mites that are harmless to a non-allergic person.
The key to managing these symptoms, like blocked noses, is avoiding exposure to your triggers. This might mean keeping an eye on the air pollution data. This kind of information can help you plan your day. You may want to try using an air purifier to clean allergens from indoor air.
Despite this, it might be impossible to avoid allergen exposure entirely. Therefore, medication may also play an important role in your allergy self-management. You wouldn’t want a blocked nose and headache, brought on by your allergy, to ruin your holiday, for instance, would you? It can be recommended by pharmacies that the usage of Sudafed for blocked noses works effectively.
What is Sudafed for blocked noses?
Sudafed is the trade name for a range of products intended to relieve blocked noses, and related symptoms in allergies and the common cold. Sudafed tablets, capsules and liquid contain pseudoephedrine, while Sudafed spray contains xylometazoline.
How does Sudafed work?
All forms of Sudafed work in the same way. They act on receptors in the blood vessels in the nasal passages and sinuses and make them contract and narrow. This reduces blood flow and thereby relieves congestion.
How effective is Sudafed for blocked noses?
Sudafed provides relief promptly and lasts for up to 10 hours. It should not, normally, be taken for more than 7 days without a break (3 days for the spray). This is because the body becomes dependent on them and this can lead to a recurrence of the original problem, called ‘rebound congestion’. Health related professionals recommend using Sudafed for nasal congestion relief.
What else should I know about Sudafed?
You can buy Sudafed products over the counter at a pharmacy. As with all medication, ‘always read the label’ as Sudafed may have side effects and/or interact with other medication you are taking. If you have more questions about taking Sudafed, check with your pharmacist.
| Name of drug |
Ventolin
(salbutamol) |
Benadryl
(acrivastine or cetirizine) |
Claritin
(loratadine) |
Sudafed
(tablets;pseudoephedrine) (spray;xylometazoline)
|
| Purpose | Treating asthma symptoms | Relieving sneezing, runny noses, sore eyes | Relieving sneezing, runny noses, sore eyes | Relieving blocked noses |
| How it works | Relaxes airway muscles | Antihistamine | Antihistamine | Narrows blood vessels in the nose |
| Format | Inhaler | Tablet | Tablet | Tablets, nasal spray |
| Availability | Prescription only | Over the counter | Over the counter | Over the counter |
