Question

A client comes to the clinic with what appears to be a cold. What group of upper respiratory drugs cause local vasoconstriction, which decreases blood flow and shrinks swollen membranes to improve air flow?

Answer 1

Answer:

Topical nasal decongestants

Explanation:

   Nasal decongestants are vasoconstricting substances (like: naphazoline, phenoxazoline, oxymetatazoline, phenylephrine, pseudoephredine) that provide almost immediate relief to breathe. They act making the vessels contract, blood flow slows, shrinks swollen membranes, mucus production is low, and people can breathe normally again because these substances improve the air flow.

   Topical nasal decongestant treat nasal congestion to relieve symptoms in colds, nasal allergic conditions, and rhinitis. However, these medications can cause health problems due to improper and excessive use, and major adverse events arising from their use.