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Drugs Used in Upper Respiratory Disorders: Overview

Drugs Used in Upper Respiratory Disorders: Overview

Upper respiratory tract disorders, including viral infections and allergic rhinitis, cause significant discomfort and disrupt daily life. Managing these conditions involves a variety of drugs, such as antihistamines, intranasal steroids, decongestants, antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics. Specific examples of drugs in each category are provided.
Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl) block histamines from binding. Histamines are chemicals released during an allergic reaction in the body. As a...

Upper Respiratory Drugs: Decongestants

Upper Respiratory Drugs: Decongestants

Decongestants are a class of medications used primarily to alleviate nasal congestion, a common symptom resulting from allergies, colds, sinusitis, and other upper respiratory tract infections. These drugs work by activating α-adrenergic receptors, constricting small blood vessels in the nasal membranes. This action results in the opening of clogged nasal passages, thereby facilitating sinus drainage and relieving congestion.
Most decongestants are readily available over-the-counter in...

Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics

Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics

Respiratory symptoms, such as congestion and cough, commonly accompany respiratory tract conditions. Various medications, such as antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics, play crucial roles in providing relief.
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla. Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by...

Inhaled Medications

Inhaled Medications

Inhaled medications are crucial for managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. They are essential for effective treatment and control, ensuring optimal respiratory health and well-being. Inhaled medication delivers drugs directly to the lungs, providing a rapid onset of action and reducing systemic side effects compared to oral or injectable medications. Three primary types of inhalation devices are used to administer these medications: nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers...

Epistaxis

Epistaxis

Epistaxis, or nosebleeds, occurs when small, swollen blood vessels in the nasal mucous membrane rupture. Typically, the anterior septum is the primary site of occurrence.
Etiology
Possible causes of this condition include high blood pressure, trauma, low humidity, upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, foreign bodies, nasal inhalation of corticosteroids or illicit drugs, excessive use of decongestant nasal sprays, facial or nasal surgery, anatomic malformation, tumors, or systemic...

Chronic Pharyngitis

Chronic Pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis refers to persistent inflammation of the pharyngial mucosa.
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...

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Acupoint Catgut Embedding Therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine for Managing Allergic Rhinitis

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Published on: December 20, 2024

[Rhinitis medicamentosa].

O D Ostroumova^1,2, E V Shikh¹, E V Rebrova¹

¹Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia.

Vestnik Otorinolaringologii

|July 7, 2020

Summary

Rhinitis medicamentosa, often caused by decongestant overuse, leads to rebound nasal congestion. Limiting vasoconstrictor use to 3-7 days and timely diagnosis are key to managing this condition.

Keywords:

adverse drug reactions rebound nasal congestion rhinitis rhinitis medicamentosa

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Symptom Assessment of Patients with Allergic Rhinitis Using an Allergen Exposure Chamber

Symptom Assessment of Patients with Allergic Rhinitis Using an Allergen Exposure Chamber

Published on: March 3, 2023

Area of Science:

Otolaryngology
Pharmacology

Background:

Rhinitis medicamentosa is a non-allergic, non-infectious rhinitis type.
It encompasses various pathogenetic forms, with rebound nasal congestion from topical decongestants being most common.

Purpose of the Study:

To elucidate the pathogenesis of rhinitis medicamentosa.
To outline diagnostic and treatment strategies for drug-induced rhinitis.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on rhinitis medicamentosa.
Analysis of the mechanisms of tachyphylaxis with topical decongestants.
Description of associated conditions like the aspirin triad and neurogenic rhinitis.

Main Results:

Excessive use of intranasal decongestants causes alpha-adrenoreceptor downregulation and tachyphylaxis.
Rhinitis can be triggered by acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) or NSAIDs (aspirin triad), and drugs affecting vascular tone (neurogenic rhinitis).
Drug-induced rhinitis significantly impairs quality of life, causing nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sleep disturbances, and headaches.

Conclusions:

Limiting vasoconstrictor use to 5-7 days (or 3 days for susceptible patients) is crucial.
Topical corticosteroids and withdrawal of the offending drug are primary treatments.
Surgical interventions may be necessary for severe cases.