Can nasal congestion occur after finishing a course of rhinitis medication?

Some patients with rhinitis may experience nasal congestion after taking medication, primarily due to the drugs' effect on the nasal mucosa, causing it to contract. Rhinitis medications primarily encompass glucocorticoids, antihistamines, anti-leukotriene drugs, and decongestants.

Types of Rhinitis Medications:

1. Glucocorticoids: Including prednisone acetate tablets and dexamethasone acetate tablets. Glucocorticoids suppress the immune system, leading to nasal mucosa contraction and relief of nasal congestion.

2. Antihistamines: Such as cetirizine hydrochloride tablets and loratadine tablets. These belong to the antihistamine category and work by inhibiting mast cells in the body to reduce the release of inflammatory mediators, thereby alleviating allergy-induced nasal congestion and runny nose.

3. Anti-leukotriene Drugs: For instance, montelukast sodium tablets, which help alleviate airway inflammation and improve nasal congestion.

4. Decongestants: Like furosemide nasal drops and xylometazoline hydrochloride nasal spray. These are primarily used to reduce nasal mucosa congestion and swelling, thereby alleviating nasal congestion.

5. Other Medications: Including Rhinitis Ning Capsules and Biyuan Shu Oral Liquid. All these medications reduce nasal mucosa congestion and swelling, which may lead to nasal congestion after administration.

If patients experience worsening nasal congestion after taking rhinitis medications, it is recommended to promptly seek medical attention and alter the treatment plan under a doctor's guidance.

During rhinitis medication treatment, patients should avoid contact with allergens such as pollen and dust mites to prevent exacerbating allergic symptoms and triggering rhinitis episodes. When going out, it is advisable to wear a mask to reduce the contact area between allergens and the nasal mucosa, thereby mitigating nasal mucosa congestion and swelling.