Decongestant Safety

With the change of seasons…many of us will come down with a cold. The flu bug can also start biting this time of year. Decongestants can be a great help…relieving stuffy noses caused by a cold, flu, sinusitis or allergies. But here are some important do’s and don’ts.-Review the ingredients. Many times decongestants are lumped in a combination formula with pain relievers or antihistamines.-With that, avoid taking a medication that treats multiple symptoms, if you don’t need it.-If you’re taking other medications, make sure the decongestant won’t interact with them. Medicines for asthma, high blood pressure and diet drugs may conflict.-Talk to your doctor before using a decongestant if you have a heart condition, diabetes, glaucoma, thyroid or prostate problems.-Check the label for the expiration date. Many of us save decongestants from season to season…and they do expire!- Finally…call your doctor if your congestion lasts more than two weeks, if you have a fever, or if you have severe pain in your face or sinuses. I’m Dr. Cindy Haines of HealthDay TV with the news that can help you stay healthy, happy, and fit.