Show Swollen Tissue in Your Nose The Human Hum Side SideBy SideBy By Connie Kin King PA Health Center t We previously talked about the over-the-counter OTC pain med med- This article will address one other ingredient in combination OTC cold remedies Decongestants are used alone and in combination remedies to shrink the swollen tissues in the nose and to a lesser degree in the throat This action will allow for improved air passage and also help to keep the eustachian tube open The eustachian tube allows for equalization of pressure in the inner ear When it is swollen closed the ears become painful when the barometer changes These changes in barometric pressure occur before and after a storm and when changing changing changing chang chang- ing altitude as in driving to Park City or flying The decongestant that is most often used in OTC cold remedies is This is the main ingredient in and Advil Cold and Sinus Another less commonly commonly commonly com com- used decongestant is Pheny These medications help shrink the swollen tissues by affecting the nervous system that controls our bodies and sometimes there are side effects that can be able The most common reaction to decongestant drugs is a dry mouth Dry mouth can be counteracted by drinking more fluids or sucking on hard candies andies Other reactions can be anxiety nervousness and heart palpitations If these symptoms occur discontinue the medication until you can speak with a health provider or pharmacist Decongestants should NOT be used by anyone with SEVERE heart disease or SEVERE high blood pressure Because of the drying drying drying dry dry- ing effect it is not advisable to take if breast breast- breast feeding Other groups that should be cautious cautious cautious cau cau- about taking decongestants are the elderly and those with high blood pressure heart disease dia dia- dia- dia glaucoma or prostate problems lems Always follow the directions for each individual product More is not necessarily better and insomnia may occur if decongestants are taken late in the evening If you have questions or are arc feeling ill stop by one of the Health Centers Hours at Redwood CC are 9 AM to 3 PM on Monday and Thursday 9 AM to 1 PM on Tuesday Wednesday and Friday is open from 9 AM to Noon Monday through Friday |