Decongestants
Decongestants
Decongestants (/diːkənˈdʒɛstənts/) are a type of pharmaceutical drug that are used to relieve nasal congestion in the upper respiratory tract. The active ingredient in most decongestants is either pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine (the latter of which has disputed effectiveness). Other types of decongestants such as tolfenamic acid, and naphazoline, which are often available over-the-counter, are also known to provide relief from nasal congestion.
Etymology
The term "decongestant" is derived from the Latin word 'de-' meaning 'away' and 'congestus', the past participle of 'congerere' meaning 'to pile up'. Thus, the term literally means to reduce the accumulation, specifically in the context of mucus in the nasal passages.
Types of Decongestants
There are two main types of decongestants: oral and nasal.
- Oral Decongestants: These are taken by mouth in the form of pills or liquid. They include drugs like pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine.
- Nasal Decongestants: These are applied directly to the nasal passages as sprays, drops, or inhalers. They include drugs like oxymetazoline, and phenylephrine.
Related Terms
- Antihistamines: These are drugs that treat allergic rhinitis and other allergies. They are often combined with decongestants in many over-the-counter drugs.
- Expectorants: These are drugs that loosen mucus so it can be coughed up. Like antihistamines, they are often combined with decongestants.
- Nasal congestion: This is the blockage of the nasal passages usually due to membranes lining the nose becoming swollen from inflamed blood vessels.
- Pharmaceutical drug: This is a drug used to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent disease.
- Upper respiratory tract: This is the part of the respiratory tract that includes the nose, nasal passages, throat, and larynx.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Decongestants
- Wikipedia's article - Decongestants
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