4 ms·

This. Derek has missed that spray is rather effective. Also other agents, such as oxymetazoline is used. They all have a rebound effect, so their use should be

by NoPie 5y ago

This. Derek has missed that spray is rather effective. Also other agents, such as oxymetazoline is used. They all have a rebound effect, so their use should be limited to 7 days at most. Also, this is mostly for comfort. There is no really reason to go back to pseudo-effedrive and risk side-effect (high-blood pressure etc.). Also people value their comfort a lot, they are not so good with assessing risks. Apparently that is the reasoning to continue selling phenylephrine because people want to get something even if it is not distinguishable from placebo.

happyopossum 5y ago
> Also, this is mostly for comfort. Spoken like someone who has never had severe nasal congestion. A week or two of not being able to sleep, taste, or speak with your normal voice would change your view of the importance of good decongestants.
- genewitch 5y ago
  When i lived in california, this was a yearly ordeal. I also found out that when a bottle says "do not use for more than 4 days" they mean that. I very nearly choked on my tongue because i couldn't move it in my mouth due to the insane dryness, i didn't think it was even possible to accomplish that level of dry. I discovered "neti pots" because in a bout of panicked rage i snorted nearly an entire can of saline nasal wash, had immediate relief, and went and bought my first plastic neti pot. I never use deionized or whatever water, the chances of toxins in my water is extremely low, and i usually just do it in the shower anyhow, where there's hot water right there. Sodium Bicarb + NaCl just works. More recently for the sort of dry allergy nasal stuff i started putting mentholated petrolatum jelly directly in and around my nose. I'm sure in 10 years i'll find out that i'll get nostril cancer or something, but whatever, i can breathe, thank you very much.
  - r2_pilot 5y ago
    Please use boiled water at least(and definitely not just hot shower water) due to the possibility of Legionnaires' Disease: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legionnaires%27_disease https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legionnaires%27_disease
- NoPie 5y ago
  I totally understand. That is two weeks of discomfort but not medically dangerous to your life. Whereas high blood pressure especially for people who already have elevated blood pressure and don't know it, can damaged your heart with long-term effects on your heart and possibly shorten your life by some non-trivial amount.

by NoPie 5y ago

happyopossum 5y ago

> Also, this is mostly for comfort. Spoken like someone who has never had severe nasal congestion. A week or two of not being able to sleep, taste, or speak with your normal voice would change your view of the importance of good decongestants.

genewitch 5y ago
When i lived in california, this was a yearly ordeal. I also found out that when a bottle says "do not use for more than 4 days" they mean that. I very nearly choked on my tongue because i couldn't move it in my mouth due to the insane dryness, i didn't think it was even possible to accomplish that level of dry. I discovered "neti pots" because in a bout of panicked rage i snorted nearly an entire can of saline nasal wash, had immediate relief, and went and bought my first plastic neti pot. I never use deionized or whatever water, the chances of toxins in my water is extremely low, and i usually just do it in the shower anyhow, where there's hot water right there. Sodium Bicarb + NaCl just works. More recently for the sort of dry allergy nasal stuff i started putting mentholated petrolatum jelly directly in and around my nose. I'm sure in 10 years i'll find out that i'll get nostril cancer or something, but whatever, i can breathe, thank you very much.
- r2_pilot 5y ago
  Please use boiled water at least(and definitely not just hot shower water) due to the possibility of Legionnaires' Disease: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legionnaires%27_disease https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legionnaires%27_disease
NoPie 5y ago
I totally understand. That is two weeks of discomfort but not medically dangerous to your life. Whereas high blood pressure especially for people who already have elevated blood pressure and don't know it, can damaged your heart with long-term effects on your heart and possibly shorten your life by some non-trivial amount.