Category: Treatments And Advice

WHAT IS CYSTITIS?

Cystitis, a common type of urinary tract infection (UTI), is characterised by inflammation of the bladder. It is more of a nuisance than a serious concern, causing many women to seek fast and effective treatment.

Cystitis affects more women than men. This is due to the fact that women have a smaller proximity between the urethra and back passage – making it easier for bacteria to infect the bladder.

Cystitis can occur suddenly (acute) or as a result of a chronic case that affects multiple layers of the bladder. The latter case is called interstitial cystitis (IC).

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CYSTITIS?

Most symptoms of cystitis go away between 4 to 9 days. However, many women seek antibiotic treatment to treat their symptoms faster as cystitis can be painful and debilitating. Some of the common symptoms of cystitis include:

• Pain when urinating, sometimes accompanied by burning or stinging
• Urinating more frequently
• Abdominal and stomach pain
• A change in urine colour, often resulting in it becoming cloudy, dark and stronger smelling
• Blood in the urine, making it slightly pink
• Cold-like symptoms, including achiness, nausea and lethargy

Though a mild condition, cystitis may spread to your kidneys. When it does, watch out for the following symptoms as this is a serious health issue:

• Chills
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Pain in your back or sides

Fever or blood in the urine may also be caused by something more serious than a bladder infection. Seek medical attention as soon as possible if you have concerns.

WHAT CAUSES CYSTITIS?

Because the urethra is much shorter in the female anatomy, cystitis is much more common in women. In men, the infection can be linked to more serious conditions such as kidney or prostate infections and, in a worst-case scenario, cancer.

There are many possible causes of cystitis. These include:

• Urinary tract infection
• Irritating hygiene products
• Use of a catheter
• Radiation
• Taking certain medications

Acute and interstitial cystitis can be caused by a variety of factors. We have categorised these factors below in order to help you understand the causes in more depth:

BACTERIAL CYSTITIS

Bacterial Cystitis happens when bacteria enters the urethra and infects your bladder. The most common type of bacteria responsible for this type of cystitis is e-coli. Around 80% of urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria from the bowel that reach your urinary tract.

Factors that can play a part in the development of bacterial cystitis include:

• Underwear — tight underwear can spread bacteria to the opening of the urethra
• Hygiene — the proximity between the urethra and the anal passage means unkempt hygiene can lead to a build-up of bacteria
• Diabetes — diabetics tend to have high sugar content in their urine, meaning bacteria can grow more easily
• A full bladder — residual urine can increase the amount of bacteria present

The likelihood of bacterial cystitis is heightened by sexual activity but it is not considered a sexually transmitted disease.

RADIATION CYSTITIS

Radiation therapy does not only kill cancer cells and tumours – it can also damage healthy cells. If you’ve had radiation treatment in your pelvic area, your chances of getting an inflamed bladder are high.

DRUG-INDUCED CYSTITIS

The majority of medicines you consume will leave the body through your urinary system. Some medications like chemotherapy drugs (i.e. ifosfamide and cyclophosphamide) can irritate your bladder when passing through.

CHEMICAL CYSTITIS

Chemical cystitis is caused by hygiene products like feminine sprays, bubble bath chemicals, and spermicidal jellies. Over or improper use of these products can lead to irritation and infection.

FOREIGN BODY CYSTITIS

Foreign body cystitis is usually caused by the ongoing use of a catheter – a tube used to facilitate the release of urine from the bladder. Using a catheter increases your risks of developing a bacterial infection and damaging surrounding tissue.

HOW CAN I TREAT CYSTITIS?

Mild cystitis goes away on its own over time. However, if your symptoms are affecting your daily life, you can seek treatment for cystitis from Express Pharmacy.

Lifestyle changes to prevent and treat cystitis include drinking lots of water, drinking cranberry juice, improving personal hygiene, and wearing more breathable underwear. You can also apply heat pads to your back or lower abdomen to relieve uncomfortable symptoms.

Using over the counter pain relievers can also help alleviate the symptoms of cystitis. We currently stock Trimethoprim tablets and Nitrofurantoin – both Cystitis medications are designed to kill bacteria commonly associated with urinary tract infections.

HOW COMMON IS CYSTITIS?

Cystitis is more common in women than in men. Between 20 and 40% of women will experience cystitis at some point in their lifetime, and one in five women live with recurrent cystitis. Every year, over 4 million women in the UK develop the infection. It’s particularly common in women who are postmenopausal, pregnant or sexually active.

Although not as common in men, those with an enlarged prostate have a higher risk of developing cystitis because of the retention of urine in the bladder.

HOW CAN I PREVENT CYSTITIS?

Although easy to treat, it’s worth taking measures to prevent cystitis from coming back:

Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water, urinating frequently, and avoiding tight underwear can help reduce your risk of cystitis.

Wipe Properly: Always wipe from front to back after moving your bowel. Remember that most urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria from the bowel that reach your urinary tract.

Wash Carefully: Proper hygiene like washing the skin around the vagina and anus regularly is also a good preventive measure. Just be careful not to use harsh soaps and avoid washing too vigorously. It’s also strongly advised to avoid using feminine products in the genital area.

Use Catheters Correctly: For catheter users, ask your doctor or nurse about the best way to change a catheter without damaging any tissues in your urinary tract.

TALK TO US TODAY

Cystitis, by itself, is not life-threatening; but it can be a nuisance to deal with. Browse our cystitis treatments on this page or get in touch with us to see how we can help improve your symptoms.

WHAT IS HAY FEVER?

Hay fever is the most common seasonal non-infectious allergy in the UK, affecting between up to 30% of all adults and nearly 40% of children.(https://waojournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1939-4551-7-12) The Met Office have recently reported that 1 in 5 of the UK population will suffer from hay fever symptoms in 2019.

Clinically referred to as Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis, Hay fever is an allergy that is caused by different types of pollen grains that are spread during a particular season. The symptoms of hay fever occur wherever there is a sensitivity to pollen, triggering the release of histamines which creates an inflammatory response to protect the endangered area.

Unlike certain allergies to fur or certain materials, hay fever isn’t usually prevalent throughout the year and is dependent on the pollen count in the air, and the underlying weather conditions. In the UK this is usually from March, all the way through to October. The dawn of Spring usually brings the most dense spread of pollen (or peak release period), given the arrival of fresh grass, new plants and flowers being pollinated.

In the UK this is usually from March, all the way through to October, however, moderate pollen release can be active from late January. The dawn of Spring usually brings the most dense spread of pollen, given the arrival of fresh grass, new plants and flowers being pollinated.

There are three main phases during the pollen season in the UK, with the peak release period for each spread being different. During each phase, different types of pollen will be released from plants, trees and weeds:

• Tree Pollen: This phase begins its peak release in February and constitutes the most types of pollen from different types of trees like Hazel, Alder and Willow. It lasts until June thanks to Lime and Pine tree pollen, overlapping with the other two phases. PEAK POLLEN RELEASE – March to May
• Grass Pollen: Typically the longest lasting phase, occurring anywhere between April and September. PEAK POLLEN RELEASE – May to July
• Weed Pollen: Much like the grass pollen phase, weeds like oilseed rape and nettle release their pollen between April and September, with their peak release period being during the summer months, hence overlapping with the other two phases. PEAK POLLEN RELEASE – July to September

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HAY FEVER?

The rise in pollen activity has a direct impact on hay fever sufferers, causing typical allergic reaction symptoms like sneezing, red and itchy eyes, coughing and fatigue. Recent years have seen new types of pollen in the air, thereby creating new hay fever sufferers (who may have never experienced it before) and exacerbating the symptoms of pre-existing sufferers.

WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF HAY FEVER?

Hay fever is triggered by the spread of allergens, specifically pollen, during the early stages of Spring all the way through to the end of Autumn.

When an allergen like pollen comes into contact with someone who is either intolerant to pollen or allergic to it, your immune system will recognise it as a potential threat and react naturally to protect you against it.

If your immune system develops a sensitivity to pollen, it will be reacted by producing specific antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). Whenever you come into contact with pollen by way of your throat, eyes or nose, these antibodies will cause cells in your body to release a chemical called Histamine. Ordinarily, the histamine from these cells would come into play in order to fight infection. Due to the increased presence of allergens, the cells recognise the risk and become overly sensitive. The subsequent release of Histamine is what causes the typical symptoms of an allergic reaction like hay fever such as sneezing, a blocked or runny nose or itchy eyes.

WHO IS AT RISK OF HAY FEVER?

Hay fever can affect anyone at any stage of their life and it is not yet fully understood why certain individuals develop sensitivity to allergens such as pollen.

It is widely accepted that your environment will affect your susceptibility to developing allergies, with a number of studies showing the link between allergies and growing up in dusty, smoke-filled environments.

Studies have also shown that if you have a history of allergies in your family, you may be more susceptible to suffer from hay fever at some stage.

If there is a history of allergic sensitivity in your family, it is clinically referred to as “atopy.” People who have atopy will have a genetic predisposition to develop allergic conditions like hay fever. This is due to the heightened immune response in your body when reacting to allergens such as pollen, resulting in an above normal production of antibodies (IgE).

HOW DO I TREAT HAY FEVER?

Sufferers of hay fever are largely at the mercy of environmental and seasonal conditions that are out of our control. For those of us who suffer from the symptoms during hay fever season, we are at the mercy of the dreaded UK pollen count, especially if our jobs or lifestyle require us to spend to time outside in nature. Avoiding the allergens during these months can be almost impossible. The symptoms and their severity can vary from person to person. In particularly bad cases, hay fever can make everyday life very difficult, with endless bouts of sneezing, itchy eyes and fatigue.

Fortunately, there are a number of different types of prescription hay fever treatments options available that can help to alleviate the discomfort and allow you to function normally.

ANTIHISTAMINE TABLETS

How do antihistamines work?

Antihistamines function by preventing the inflammatory response caused by sensitivity to pollen and the subsequent release of histamines. They are fast-acting (effective within 30 minutes) and in the case of certain medications can be taken in anticipation of hay fever season.

NASAL SPRAYS

EYE DROPS

HOW CAN I PREVENT HAY FEVER?

During hay fever season in the UK (between late February and late October) or whenever the pollen count is unusually high, it can be very difficult to avoid exposure to allergens, pollen or dust.

For many people that suffer from hay fever, it can be difficult to lead a normal life without being exposed to pollen. In the majority of cases, medication is the most efficient recourse. That being said, there are still a number of precautionary measures that you can take in order to mitigate the debilitating effects of hay fever:

• Wear sunglasses during the day to protect your eyes from pollen
• Keep an antipollution face mask with you
• Try to keep windows closed at home or in the car if you’re travelling
• Try to avoid gardening activities
• Monitor the regional UK pollen count
• Invest in a high quality air purifier for use at home, preferably one with a replaceable carbon filter. This can remove impurities, dust and pollen from your home.
• Reduce your alcohol intake. Nearly 95% of hay fever sufferers are allergic to grass pollen and alcoholic drinks contain histamines!

Period pain is common and a normal part of your menstrual cycle. Most women get it at some point in their lives.

It’s usually felt as painful muscle cramps in the tummy, which can spread to the back and thighs.

The pain sometimes comes in intense spasms, while at other times it may be dull but more constant.

It may also vary with each period. Some periods may cause little or no discomfort, while others may be more painful.

Sometimes you may get pelvic pain even when you do not have your period.

What causes period pain?

Period pain happens when the muscular wall of the womb tightens (contracts). Mild contractions continually occur in your womb, but they’re usually so mild that most women cannot feel them.

During your period, the wall of the womb starts to contract more vigorously to help the womb lining shed as part of your period.

When the wall of the womb contracts, it compresses the blood vessels lining your womb. This temporarily cuts off the blood supply – and oxygen supply – to your womb. Without oxygen, the tissues in your womb release chemicals that trigger pain.

While your body is releasing these pain-triggering chemicals, it’s also producing other chemicals called prostaglandins. These encourage the womb muscles to contract more, further increasing the level of pain.

It’s not known why some women have more period pain than others. It may be that some women have a build-up of prostaglandins, which means they experience stronger contractions.

Period pain caused by a medical condition

Less commonly, period pain can be caused by an underlying medical condition.

Period pain linked to an underlying medical condition tends to affect older women. Women aged 30 to 45 are most commonly affected.

Medical conditions that can cause period pain include:

• endometriosis – where cells that normally line the womb grow in other places, such as in the fallopian tubes and ovaries; these cells can cause intense pain when they shed
• fibroids – non-cancerous tumours that can grow in or around the womb and can make your periods heavy and painful
• pelvic inflammatory disease – where your womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries become infected with bacteria, causing them to become severely inflamed
• adenomyosis – where the tissue that normally lines the womb starts to grow within the muscular womb wall, making your periods particularly painful

Period pain caused by contraceptive devices

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a type of contraception made from copper and plastic that fits inside the womb. It can also sometimes cause period pain, particularly during the first few months after it’s inserted.

You may notice a change in your normal pattern of pain if your period pain is linked to a medical condition or a contraceptive IUD. For example, the pain may be more severe or it may last much longer than normal.

You may also have:

• irregular periods 
• bleeding in between periods
• a thick or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• pain during sex

See your GP if you have any of these symptoms as well as period pain.

How long will my period pain last?

Period pain usually starts when your bleeding begins, although some women have pain several days before the start of their period.

The pain usually lasts 48 to 72 hours, although it can last longer. It’s usually at its worst when your bleeding is heaviest.

Young girls often have period pain when they begin getting periods. Read more about starting periods.

Period pain that does not have an underlying cause tends to improve as a woman gets older. Many women also notice an improvement after they’ve had children.

How can I treat period pain?

In most cases period pain is mild enough to treat at home.

Painkillers

You can take ibuprofen and aspirin to help manage your pain.

However, do not take ibuprofen or aspirin if you have asthma or stomach, kidney or liver problems. Aspirin should not be taken by anyone under 16 years of age.

You could also try paracetamol, but studies have shown that it does not reduce pain as well as ibuprofen or aspirin.

If ordinary painkillers do not help, your GP may prescribe a stronger painkiller, such as naproxen or codeine.

Other self-help measures to try

You could also try:

• stopping smoking – smoking is thought to increase the risk of period pain
• exercise – you may not feel like exercising during a painful period, but being active may reduce pain; try some gentle swimming, walking or cycling
• heat – putting a heat pad or hot water bottle (wrapped in a tea towel) on your tummy may help reduce pain
• warm bath or shower – taking a warm bath or shower can relieve pain and help you relax
• massage – light, circular massage around your lower abdomen may also help reduce pain
• relaxation techniques – relaxing activities, such as yoga or pilates, may help distract you from feelings of pain and discomfort
• transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation (TENS) – a small battery-operated device that delivers a mild electrical current to your tummy to help reduce pain

When should I see my GP?

See your GP if you have severe period pain or your normal pattern of periods changes – for example, if your periods become heavier than usual or irregular.

Contraceptives that can help period pain

Your GP may give you the contraceptive pill. This can ease period pain because it thins the womb lining and reduces the amount of prostaglandin your body releases.

A thinner womb lining means the muscles of the womb do not have to contract as much when it sheds. Your period will also be lighter.

If the contraceptive pill is not suitable for you, the contraceptive implant or the contraceptive injection are good alternatives.

The Mirena intrauterine system (IUS) can also sometimes help with painful periods.

Having a pelvic examination

Your GP may want to carry out a pelvic examination to help diagnose or rule out other causes of your period pain.

They’ll insert gloved, lubricated fingers into your vagina to feel for any abnormalities in your womb or ovaries.

The examination won’t be carried out without your permission. You can also ask to have a female doctor, choose to have a friend or relative present, or a practice nurse to act as a chaperone.

In some cases your GP may also order a pelvic ultrasound, which may show any abnormalities.

Referral to a specialist

If your period pain has not been controlled after 3 months of treatment with painkillers or a suitable hormonal contraceptive, your GP may refer you to a specialist, which will usually be a gynaecologist.

This is for further tests to rule out an underlying medical condition.

Further tests

To help find out the cause of your period pain, a gynaecologist may need to carry out:

• a urine or blood test
• pelvic ultrasound )– where high-frequency sound waves are used to produce an image of the inside of your body; it’s painless and will show any abnormalities in your reproductive organs
• laparoscopy – under general anaesthetic, a small cut is made in your abdomen through which a fibro-optic telescope is inserted; it can be used to look at your internal organs, as well as take samples of tissue (a biopsy)
• hysteroscopy – allows the inside of the womb to be examined using a fibro-optic telescope; it’s passed through your vagina and into the womb to check for abnormalities

Treating an underlying medical condition

If your period pain is caused by an underlying medical condition, your treatment will depend on which condition you have.

For example, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) may require antibiotics to treat the infection, while fibroids may need to be surgically removed.

Can period pain affect fertility?

Period pain that’s part of your normal menstrual cycle will not affect your fertility. However, if the cause is a medical condition, this may affect your fertility.

For example, endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease can cause scarring and a build-up of tissue in your fallopian tubes, making it harder for sperm to reach and fertilise an egg.

 

Period pain is a normal part of a women’s menstrual cycle. It is often felt as painful muscle cramps in the lower abdomen which can spread to the back. The pain is caused by the muscles in the womb tightening, which compresses the lining of your womb; temporarily cutting off the blood supply, triggering pain in the abdominal area.

The most common symptom suffered by women are lower stomach cramps and pain. These can be experiences as a constant pain or intense spasms. However, these symptoms may vary each month, affecting different parts of the body including thighs, lower back and hips. However, the associated symptoms may also be headaches.

Mefenamic Acid can be used to treat period pain by reducing inflammation and provides an effective pain relief.

It is advised not to take Mefenamic acid if you smoke or drink, and are taking other NSAIDs at the same time, such as Ibuprofen. Furthermore, long-term use of Mefenamic acid is not recommended as it may increase the risk of its side effects. One tablet is to be taken three times a day, for a maximum of three days. If your symptoms do not improve, please seek further advice from a doctor or healthcare professional.

Dandruff is a common skin condition. It’s not harmful and you cannot catch it.

Check if it’s dandruff

Dandruff causes white or grey flakes of skin to appear on the scalp and in the hair

The flakes are often more noticeable in darker hair and if they fall from your scalp on to your shoulders.

Your scalp may also feel dry and itchy.

How to treat dandruff yourself

Use an anti-dandruff shampoo. There are several different types you can buy from pharmacies or supermarkets.

Look for shampoo containing one of these ingredients:

• zinc pyrithione
• salicylic acid
• selenium sulphide (or selenium sulfide)
• ketoconazole
• coal tar

Your pharmacist can tell you how to use the shampoo.

Use the shampoo for a month to see if your dandruff improves. You might need to try more than one type to find one that works for you.

Causes of dandruff

Dandruff is not caused by poor hygiene, although it may be more obvious if you do not wash your hair regularly.

Stress and cold weather may also make dandruff worse.

A list of conditions that cause dandruff and the main symptoms

Symptoms	Possible causes
scaly, itchy and red patches on skin on scalp, face and other areas of the body	seborrheic dermatitis
red or silver rash on scalp, sometimes with patchy hair loss	tinea capitis, known as ringworm
dry, red, flaky and very itchy skin on areas of the body	eczema
red, inflamed (irritated) skin; may also have blisters and cracked skin – reaction to products such as hair dye, sprays, gels or mousses	contact dermatitis
red, flaky, crusty and sore patches of skin covered with silvery scales	psoriasis
greasy, yellowish crusts on baby’s scalp, eyebrows and nappy area	cradle cap

Information:

Do not worry if you’re not sure what is causing your dandruff. Follow the advice on this page and see a GP if things do not improve in a month.

Piles (haemorrhoids) are lumps inside and around your bottom (anus). They often get better on their own after a few days. There are things you can do to treat and prevent piles.

Check if it’s piles

Symptoms of piles include:

• bright red blood after you poo
• an itchy anus
• feeling like you still need to poo after going to the toilet
• slimy mucus in your underwear or on toilet paper after wiping your bottom
• lumps around your anus
• pain around your anus

How you can treat or prevent piles

Do

• drink lots of fluid and eat plenty of fibre to keep your poo soft
• wipe your bottom with damp toilet paper
• take paracetamol if piles hurt
• take a warm bath to ease itching and pain
• use an ice pack wrapped in a towel to ease discomfort
• gently push a pile back inside
• keep your bottom clean and dry
• exercise regularly
• cut down on alcohol and caffeine (like tea, coffee and cola) to avoid constipation

Don’t

• do not wipe your bottom too hard after you poo
• do not ignore the urge to poo
• do not push too hard when pooing
• do not take painkillers that contain codeine, as they cause constipation
• do not take ibuprofen if your piles are bleeding
• do not spend more time than you need to on the toilet

Ask a pharmacist about treatment for piles

A pharmacist can suggest:

• creams to ease the pain, itching and swelling
• treatment to help constipation and soften poo
• cold packs to ease discomfort

Many pharmacies have private areas if you do not want to be overheard.

See a GP if:

• there’s no improvement after 7 days of treatment at home
• you keep getting piles

Your GP may prescribe stronger medicines for haemorrhoids or constipation.

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if:

• you have piles and your temperature is very high or you feel hot and shivery and generally unwell
• you have pus leaking from your piles

Hospital treatment for piles

If there’s no improvement to your piles after home treatments, you may need hospital treatment.

Talk to your doctor about the best treatment for you. Treatment does not always prevent piles coming back.

Treatment without surgery

Common hospital treatments include:

• rubber band ligation: a band is placed around your piles to make them drop off
• sclerotherapy: a liquid is injected into your piles to make them shrink
• electrotherapy: a gentle electric current is applied to your piles to make them shrink
• infrared coagulation: an infrared light is used to cut the blood supply to your piles to make them shrink

You’ll be awake for this type of treatment, but the area will be numbed.

You should be able to go home on the same day.

If these treatments do not work, you may need surgery to remove your piles.

Surgery

Surgical treatments include:

• haemorrhoidectomy: your piles are cut out
• stapled haemorrhoidopexy: your piles are stapled back inside your anus
• haemorrhoidal artery ligation: stitches are used to cut the blood supply to your piles to make them shrink

You’ll usually need to be asleep for this type of treatment and may need to stay in hospital for more than 1 day.

If Immediate action required, go to A&E or call 999 if you have piles and:

• you’re bleeding non-stop
• there’s a lot of blood – for example, the toilet water turns red or you see large blood clots
• you’re in severe pain

What causes piles?

Piles are swollen blood vessels. It’s not clear what causes them.

Things that make piles more likely:

• constipation
• pushing too hard when pooping
• pregnancy
• heavy lifting

Decongestants are a type of medicine that can provide short-term relief for a blocked or stuffy nose (nasal congestion).

They can help ease the symptoms of conditions such as colds and flu, hay fever and other allergic reactions, catarrh and sinusitis.

They work by reducing the swelling of the blood vessels in your nose, which helps to open the airways.

Types of decongestants

Decongestants are available as:

• nasal sprays
• drops
• tablets or capsules
• liquids or syrups
• flavoured powders to dissolve in hot water

Some products may just contain decongestant medicine, but many are sold as “all-in-1” remedies that contain decongestants, painkillers or antihistamines.

Most decongestants can be bought over the counter from pharmacies without a prescription.

Who can take decongestants

Most people can use decongestants safely, but they’re not suitable for everyone.

They should not be used by the following groups of people without getting advice from a pharmacist or GP first:

• people taking other medicines
• people with diabetes
• people with high blood pressure
• people with an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
• men with an enlarged prostate
• people with liver, kidney, heart or circulation problems
• people with increased pressure in the eye glaucoma

Babies and children

Decongestants should not be given to children under 6.

Children aged 6 to 12 should take them for no longer than 5 days. Ask a pharmacist for advice about this.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women

It’s not clear whether it’s safe to take any type of decongestant if you’re pregnant, so you should only use them if told to by a healthcare professional.

Decongestants that come as tablets, liquids or powders that you swallow are not recommended if you’re breastfeeding.

Some decongestants that come as nose sprays or drops are safe to use if you’re breastfeeding, but check with a pharmacist or GP first before using them.

The patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine will say who should not use it and who should get advice before using it.

How to use decongestants

Most decongestants should only be used between 1 and 4 times a day.

Check the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine for advice about how much to take and how often to take it.

If you’re not sure, ask a pharmacist for advice.

Decongestant nasal sprays and drops should not be used for more than a week at a time because using them for too long can make your stuffiness worse.

Speak to a GP if your symptoms do not improve after this time.

Side effects of decongestants

Decongestant medicines do not usually have side effects, and any side effects you may experience are usually mild.

Possible side effects can include:

• feeling sleepy (look for non-drowsy medicines)
• irritation of the lining of your nose
• headaches
• feeling or being sick
• a dry mouth
• feeling restless or agitated
• a rash

These side effects should go away once you stop taking the medicine.

More serious side effects can also happen, such as hallucinations and severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), but these are very rare.

Taking decongestants with other medicines

Ask a pharmacist or GP before taking decongestants if you’re taking other medicines.

Decongestants can increase or decrease the effect of some other medicines.

For example, taking decongestants alongside some antidepressants can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure.

It’s also important to be careful when taking other medicines if you’re using an “all-in-1” decongestant remedy.

“All-in-1” decongestants also contain painkillers or antihistamines, so it could be dangerous to take extra doses of these medicines at the same time.