Abstract:
Acute nasal symptoms are troublesome for patients. In addition, these symptoms are
encountered frequently by individuals because of common infectious diseases, especially
rhinovirus, giving rise to a ‘common cold’. Acute nasal symptoms include rhinorrhoea,
sneezing, nasal itch and congestion. Of these, nasal congestion is the most irritating. Because
topical nasal decongestants provide rapid and dramatic relief from these symptoms, especially
nasal congestion, they are frequently used and abused by patients. Guidance for indications,
choice of most efficacious decongestant and recommendations for limiting side effects are thus
essential to be imparted to patients by doctors.
