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Re: Flu and nasal congestion

Posted by Jim in Dallas on November 09, 2002 at 14:52:04:

In Reply to: Re: Flu and nasal congestion posted by jackmill on November 09, 2002 at 08:22:12:

I'm curious. You mention a rebound effect with decongestants. Are you actually meaning decongestants or antihistamines?

I use a decongestant every night at bedtime. I have found that with regular usage, your body adjusts to the decongestants and begins to reduce their effectiveness. After a few days off of them, I am able to use them again with full benefit. I have never experienced a rebound from decongestants because the allergins that cause my congestion are continually flushed out. One potential side effect of most decongestants is that they can act as a mild stimulant and may interfere with sleep.

On the other hand, use of antihistamines can and frequently does result in a rebound effect. As I understand it, antihistamines work by preventing the production of histamines in response to an irritant or allergin. This provides relief by reducing the symptoms of swelling and stuffiness. Over time, with continued use the body adjusts to the antihistamines and reduces their effectiveness thereby requiring stronger doses to obtain the same relief. Then when the user finally has to stop taking the antihistamines, they may experience a rebound effect that I believe is primarily caused by by the irritants/allergins that have not been flushed out of their sinus/nasal passages.

If you have experienced this with decongestants, I welcome the correction, and would like to learn more.

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