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Allergies

Treating Allergies: What to Know When Taking Decongestants

Decongestants can quickly relieve congestion, but you shouldn’t take them long term.

Marisa Taylor KarasAlexandra Schwarz, MD
Written by Marisa Taylor Karas | Reviewed by Alexandra Schwarz, MD
Updated on March 27, 2024
Reviewed by Alexandra Schwarz, MD | March 26, 2024

Nasal decongestants typically work faster than other allergy medications. They can provide great relief from congestion and make breathing easier and more comfortable. However, you shouldn’t take decongestants for a long time. 

References

American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. (2017). Seasonal allergies.

American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. (2020). Hay fever.

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Marisa Taylor Karas is a freelance journalist based in Brooklyn who has covered health, gender, and technology for 15 years. She previously worked at The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, and Al Jazeera America, among other publications, and also served as managing editor of the Mellon Foundation in New York City.
Alexandra Schwarz, MD, is a board-eligible sleep medicine physician and a board-certified family medicine physician. She is a member of both the AASM and the ABFM.

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