Rhinitis medicamentosa
| Rhinitis medicamentosa | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Rebound congestion |
| Specialty | Otorhinolaryngology |
| Symptoms | Nasal congestion |
| Usual onset | After 5–7 days of use of topical decongestant nasal sprays |
| Causes | Overuse of decongestant nasal sprays and certain oral medications |
| Prevention | Limiting use of decongestant nasal sprays and other potentially problematic medications |
| Treatment | Ceasing use of offending medications |
Rhinitis medicamentosa (or RM, also known as rebound congestion) is a condition of rebound nasal congestion suspected to be brought on by extended use of topical decongestants (e.g., oxymetazoline, phenylephrine, xylometazoline, and naphazoline nasal sprays) and certain oral medications (e.g., sympathomimetic amines and various 2-imidazolines) that constrict blood vessels in the lining of the nose, although evidence has been contradictory.