So I have a problem of nasal congestion. This especially occurs when I lay down. When I lay on my left side, my left nostril gets blocked and when I turn to the right side then my right nostril gets blocked. There have been times when both nostrils get blocked too. Why is that? That's why I used otrivin nasal drops for around ten days. A chemist recommended it to me. But my ent doctor said that it is addictive and has bad side effects like it can increase heart rate. Is that true? Plus I already have sinus tachycardia. And for how long will the effects of otrivin last now? I've stopped using it 2 days ago.

Dr. Karuna ChawlaHomeopathy Doctor25yrs exp

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It can be because of sinusitis or dns or adenoids or allergic rhinitis etc. I need details of case. In the meanwhile do this 1. Do saline gargles daily. 2. Whenever possible do steam inhalation also. 3. Cover your nose and mouth with hanky for at least 30 sec when you go in dusty areas also when you go in and out of ac. As our nose is the most sensitive part of our body, when there is temperature difference between two rooms or inside n outside, then if we not protect our nose, it gets affected. 4. Drink hot liquids --hot liquids relieve nasal congestion, prevent dehydration, and soothe the uncomfortably inflamed membranes that line your nose and throat. 5. Sleep with an extra pillow under your head-- elevating your head will help relieve congested nasal passages. If the angle is too awkward, try placing the pillows between the mattress and the box springs to create a more gradual slope. 6. Treat that stuffy nose with warm salt water-- salt-water rinsing helps break nasal congestion, while also removing virus particles and bacteria from your nose. 7. Blow your nose often (and the right way)-- it's important to blow your nose regularly when you have a cold rather than sniffling mucus back into your head. But when you blow hard, pressure can carry germ-carrying phlegm back into your ear passages, causing earache. The best way to blow your nose: press a finger over one nostril while you blow gently to clear the other. Homeopathic treatment has very encouraging results. Consult online for details.  

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Dr. Shyam Kalyan NENT Specialist9yrs exp

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Hello lybrate-user you should never take medicines without a doctors advice. Good you stopped the otrivin. It increases the blood pressure. Your complaints are very much not for otrivin to work on. You need a proper online consult rather than a chemist suggestion. Stop otrivin. Check the side effects of vasoconstrcitors like otrivin.  

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Dr Anil Kumar JainENT Specialist20yrs exp

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Please get proper examination and assessment done. You may need 1. Diagnostic nasal endoscopy 2. Imaging like xray / ct scan 3. Some addition of medication 4. Precautions.  

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