Long-acting topical decongestants

Abstract

Significant role of getting the required amount of air into the human body belongs to the breathing by the nose. The nasal cavity prepares the air for reciprocity with the lower respiratory tract owing to the complex structure of the mucous membrane. When nasal obstruction occurs, breathing is carried out mainly through the mouth, and there is a violation of the basic functions of the nose, as well as the ingress of unadapted aggressive air to the sensitive alveolar structures of the lungs. This leads first to functional, and then to morphological and structural changes. In addition, difficult nasal breathing leads to impaired aeration of the paranasal cavities, middle ear cavity and hypoxia of all organs of the body. Even short episodes of nasal obstruction affect the quality of life, and prolonged untreated or incorrectly treated acute viral rhinosinusitis can spill over into lingering bacterial diseases of the ENT organs. Decongestants are used to eliminate nasal congestion. Decongestants include a wide range of substances that are used topically or systemically, in the form of monotherapy or in combination with other substances. The most popular drugs in this group are topical decongestants, since they have the most pronounced effect. The main nasal decongestants can be divided into two groups: sympathomimetic amines: primary aliphatic; phenolic and non-phenolic compounds, as well as imidazoline derivatives. Among the modern vasoconstrictor drugs oxymetazoline. Using it strictly according to the instructions within 3–5 days guarantees the absence of the development of local and systemic complications.

Keywords

• rhinitis
• nasal congestion
• nasal obstruction
• decongestants
• oxymetazoline