Nasal congestion occurs when the nasal tissues and blood vessels become inflamed. This inflammation causes swelling and excess fluid build up in those nasal tissues and vessels. Nasal congestion may be caused by a cold, influenza, allergies or other irritants. Decongestant medications such as ephedrine, oxymetazoline and phenylephrine reduce the swelling of the nasal membranes, opening the nasal passages and relieving the associated stuffy feeling.
Ephedrine
Ephedrine is a decongestant and bronchodilator used to relieve congestion due to colds, influenza, allergies and shortness of breath. According to Drugs.com, ephedrine reduces the swelling of nasal tissues and vessels by constricting the blood vessels and widening the airway, allowing the patient to breathe easier.
Phenylephrine
Phenylephrine is a decongestant used to treat nasal congestion and sinus pressure caused by a cold, the flu or allergies. Similar to ephedrine, phenylephrine constricts blood vessels in the nasal passage, according to Revolutionhealth.com. This constriction of blood vessels in the nose and chest allows the drainage of excess fluid build up from those areas, decreasing congestion.
Oxymetazoline
Oxymetazoline is a decongestant used to treat congestion associated with the common cold, allergies or hay fever. Similar to phenylephrine and ephedrine, oxymetazoline acts directly on the blood vessels in the nasal tissue, constricting them and allowing the drainage of excess fluid from these areas. This drainage leads to a decrease in congestion and stuffy feeling associated with it.
