Applied Evidence
Improving your approach to nasal obstruction
The causes are diverse—from rhinitis and rhinosinusitis to drugs and structural/mechanical abnormalities. Here’s how to provide patients with...
In the article, “Improving your approach to nasal obstruction” (J Fam Pract. 2016;65:889-893,898-899), I noticed that ipratropium nasal spray was not mentioned in Table 2, which listed commonly used medications for nasal obstruction.
We frequently recommend ipratropium nasal spray in our office, as it is an effective, non-addictive nasal decongestant. It is available in 2 strengths, .03% and .06%, and we usually prescribe 2 sprays in each nostril, 2 to 3 times a day, as needed.
We have found this to be very effective for short-term use. Its value, of course, is that it acts rapidly and there is no limit on how long it may be used.
Walter D. Leventhal, MD
Summerville, SC