Are there any decongestants that my grandmother can take if she has hypertension?

Question

Hi my grandma has had nasal congestion for a week now without improvement. She's been using Sinus Rinse but it's not doing much for her. Ok thanks! Would it be ok for her to use a nasal spray like Otrivin?

Naji-tom Samaha · Accepted Answer

Hello! Decongestants can increase blood pressure and heart rate, especially in older people, who are more susceptible to side effects. Since there are other effective and safer treatments, I tend to turn to these. First, keep encouraging nasal hygiene with a saline solution (Hydrasense, Sinus Rinse and others), which can be done as often as necessary during the day, and at least 30 minutes before bedtime. It is the single best treatment. Also encourage her to drink plenty of liquids, cold or hot as per her preferences. I also find that Vicks Vaporub ointment can help relieve congestion, when applied to the chest at bedtime. Has she tried other treatments? Are seasonal allergies a possibility? If so, an anti-histamine medication could be tried If it hasn't already been done, I suggest a rapid COVID test, as a precaution. I hope I have been useful to you, I will remain available if you have any other questions! Tom Samaha, pharmacist It is not recommended for older people because of increased risk of complications.