What are nasal decongestants for the common cold?

The common cold being a recurrent syndrome to many throughout the year, assumes a distressing identity because of the many cumbersome symptoms that it shows. One of the many painful symptoms are nasal congestion.
Decongestants are usually termed to be alpha-adregenic agonists, which operate by clearing the nostrils from collected mucus. The mucus production in the nose is decreased by a rapid collective thinning of the blood capillaries, thereby resulting in this desired immediate effect. Decongestants are found in the form of both topical preparations like nasal drops and sprays, or ingested preparations like syrups and pills. Studies have suggested that topical preparations while giving immediate results also contain effectiveness for a lesser duration of time, the congestion returning upon the wearing off of the drug. They can also cause throat irritation. Orally taken decongestants however can stem the recurrence of nasal decongestion more effectively. However ingested preparations might result in an increased heart rate, hypertension, as well as nervous stimulation.

For this reason, while taking oral decongestants one should always be wary and take a doctor’s recommendation who will continually monitor the vital symptoms. However, many cases also suggest that it is completely safe even for patients with high blood pressure.