Use of decongestants during upper respiratory infections might theoretically reduce the chances of developing sinusitis. However, decongestant nasal sprays should only be used for short periods of time to avoid the risk of worsening congestion ("rebound" or rhinitis medicamentosa).
Review Date: 7/14/2004
Reviewed By: Daniel Levy, M.D., Ph.D., Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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