3 ms·

I also quite liked the linked article about why decongestant medicines don't seem to do anything! https://archive.ph/0eT0e https://archive.ph/0eT0e

• Gigachad 3y ago
  One that I found to be remarkably effective is Oxymetazoline. The effect is so spontaneous you can literally feel your nose opening up within seconds. Unfortunately it's not suitable for long term use and tends to make the problem worse when you stop using it. But it's good for when you are sick and are willing to trade having a clear nose right now for some annoyance later while you are well.
  • Auracle 3y ago
    There also Xylometazoline, which is just a bit less effective but also seems to be a bit less habit forming. When I have a cold, I use it at night to sleep (and occasional other important times). In the morning I do a sinus rinse with xylitol. It rinses out the medication and the xylitol usually does just enough to make the congestion not absolutely terrible. I can do this for the duration of a cold - which for me, is often 3 weeks - and not have any dependence on the nasal spray.