HomeAnswersGeneral Practitionernasal congestionI am experiencing intense nasal congestion. Please suggest.

Can saline nasal spray and decongestants relieve nasal congestion?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At March 8, 2024
Reviewed AtMarch 8, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 28-year-old female. I have been experiencing cold and fever for the past two days. I took medications for them - Paracetamol and Cetirizine. However, I still have severe nasal congestion and have been coughing, particularly late at night, affecting my sleep. I have tried steam inhalation, but it has not provided relief. What should I do? Please help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

If you have been experiencing nasal congestion, coughing, and fever for two days, it is possible that you have a viral upper respiratory infection (URI). While Paracetamol and Cetirizine can help alleviate some of your symptoms, such as fever and sneezing, they may not be effective at treating the underlying cause of your nasal congestion and cough. To find relief for your nasal congestion, you can try using a saline nasal spray or rinsing your nose with a saline solution to help loosen mucus and clear out your nasal passages. You can also try using a humidifier in your bedroom to add moisture to the air, which can help ease congestion and make it easier to breathe. In addition to these measures, you may want to consider using a decongestant medication, such as Pseudoephedrine or Phenylephrine, to help relieve nasal congestion. However, it is important to note that these medications should be used with caution, as they can cause side effects such as increased heart rate and blood pressure. It is best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

If your cough is keeping you up at night, you may want to consider using a cough suppressant medication, such as Dextromethorphan or Codeine, to help alleviate your symptoms. However, it is important to note that these medications should be used with caution, as they can cause side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. In general, it is best to allow your body time to recover from a viral URI on its own. Resting, staying hydrated, and avoiding exposure to others who may be sick can help promote healing and prevent the spread of infection. If your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you have concerns about your health or well-being, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance and advice.

I hope your queries are resolved and any further queries are welcome. Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Vandana Andrews
Dr. Vandana Andrews

General Practitioner

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Read answers about:

nasal congestionfevercough

Ask your health query to a doctor online

General Practitioner

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy