Virus Infection

Decongestant nasal drops and sprays are in season all year round. When used permanently, they cause addiction, as the nasal mucous membrane swells chronically. There is therefore a need for advice.

During the cold winter months, a common cold is generally caused by a virus infection. The symptoms: scratching in the throat, dry cough, then sniffles, fatigue, and possibly a slightly increased temperature. The ingredients xylometazoline and oxymetazoline in nasal sprays and nose drops help effectively when having a congested nose. They constrict the blood vessels of the nasal mucous membrane, thus decongesting it. This will ease breathing.

Towards spring, however, some allergies show the same symptoms as a viral common cold. Therefore, pharmacy technicians or pharmacists need to ask detailed questions before recommending a medication, particularly in cases where the cold patients are babies or infants.

Questions

• How long have you had this cold?
• What other symptoms do you or does your child have?
• Do you or does your child have a temperature, and if so, how high?
• Do you or does your child have pain in the area of the paranasal sinuses or the frontal sinuses?
• Do you or does your child have an earache?
• Has any medication already been taken and if so, which one?
• Do you or does your child suffer from any allergies?
• Do you or does your child take any antiallergic medicines?
• Do you have problems with your eyes?
• What has helped you once before?

Information

• These are decongestant nose drops.
• Before you use a spray, keep pumping in the air until the fluid comes out.
• Spray only once in each nostril.
• Never use more spray than is indicated in the package leaflet.
• Do not use the medicine for more than a week.
• Do not share the nasal spray with others.
• After use, briefly rinse the tip of the spray head with tap water.
• This is an extremely small dosage especially intended for babies and infants.

Additional information

• If you have a high temperature consult your doctor. This also applies if you are feeling worse. or, after a week, your problems are still there.
• What is considered to be a common cold could as well be an allergy.
• Alternatively, you can also use nasal sprays containing sea salt and dexpanthenol or a saline solution. These preparations can also provide relief.
• Ointments with essential oils for adults as well as for children will also ensure a free nose.
• If your nose is sore, apply a wound and healing ointment.
• You can also use the nasal spray if you are pregnant or are breastfeeding.