5 Cold Meds to Be Careful Of

We all like to reach for over-the-counter (OTC) remedies when we feel a cold coming on. But did you know that all those easy treatments can actually cause more harm than good?  For many people, what’s convenient can become too convenient, leading to misuse, abuse, and unexpected side effects that they never saw coming.  So let’s break it down.  Here are five cold medications that you need to understand to get the most out of their safe and effective use.   1. Nasal Spray Decongestants Many people use nasal spray decongestants to clear their nostrils and open up their ability to breathe, but turns out, medicines such as oxymetazoline (Afrin) and phenylephrine can actually cause unanticipated issues. This happens because these decongestants work by narrowing the blood vessels in your nasal passages, which is why they work so rapidly.  However, sometimes your tissues become dependent on this rapid relief. When this happens, especially if you’re using heavily for more than three days straight, your congestion can actually worsen.  This is called ‘rebound congestion.’  With prolonged rebound congestion, your nasal tissues can take on damage, and your blood vessels as well.  Your best bet for a safe protocol is to follow the...