As any man suffering from nasal congestion would know, Viagra is one of the best treatments for their condition, but it can have its side effects. One of these side effects is nasal congestion. It’s an inconvenient side effect to live with, but there are ways it can be fixed.
This article will tackle everything you need to know about how to reduce nasal congestion when taking Viagra.
Why Viagra Causes Nasal Congestion
No matter how good a treatment is, there will always be a slight chance of a side effect. It happens because everybody is different and reacts differently to certain drugs. In the case of sildenafil, side effects can include headaches, flushing, blurred vision, and nasal congestion.
Several studies have tackled these side effects and the likelihood of them.
One research done tackled the impact of sildenafil on airway passages in young, potent males. Their study included 11 males in their 20s with an average age of 28 years old. It is important to note that they all have no previous respiratory problems before this study.
All of them were given randomly given either placebo or 50 mg sildenafil—various tools like 0 degrees rigid telescopes at their nasal examinations for more accuracy.
Their results found that the endonasal volume was significantly lowered in those taking sildenafil compared to those on placebo. The researchers note that this implies that Viagra reduces nasal volume, and the act of sex in itself reduces nasal airflow (1, 2).
The reason behind this is because you get more nitric oxide (NO) from Viagra, which is how it helps erectile dysfunction in the first place, but NO is abundant in the nasal mucosa. The nasal mucosa is a substance lined inside the walls of your nostrils. Changes to its general quantity are often what causes congestion in your nose.
How to Reduce Nasal Congestion When Taking Viagra
While you can reduce nasal congestion by just avoiding Viagra, this doesn’t work if you need it to treat erectile dysfunction. Fortunately, it is relatively easy to reduce the effects of nasal congestion, and they aren’t lifetime effects either.
Here’s what you can do to relieve your nostrils.
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Take a Hot Shower
Blockages in your nose can be loosened through warm steam. Having a warm shower after taking Viagra is one way you can minimize the effects of nasal congestion. Another alternative is a sauna.
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Steaming
If you frequently use sildenafil and can’t keep showering every time, steaming does the same thing as a warm shower. What you can do is run hot water or boil some to pour down the sink. Place your head near it so that you can inhale the steam.
Be careful not to burn your face, though! Some people place towels over their heads to make sure the steam doesn’t escape to other directions.
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Use a Saline Spray
A saline spray is a salt and water solution used to treat respiratory issues. It adds moisture to your nasal passages and reduces inflammation. You also have the added effect of killing off bacteria.
Bottles of saline spray can be bought in your local drugstores, and you just spray a couple of times directly in your nostrils.
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Get a Humidifier
If your nasal congestion from Viagra continues throughout the day, you can use a humidifier to increase moisture in the air. It’s essential to keep your sinuses from drying out as this can cause further congestion.
What’s excellent about humidifiers is that you can use them even when you have a cold because it soothes irritation and inflammation without directly touching your nose.
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Hydrate
The best way to thin out your mucus lining and keep it clear is by regularly drinking water. Drinking fluids helps clear out your senses and keeps you healthy. Even if you’re not thirsty, always drink some water every half hour or so to stay hydrated.
Nasal congestion is a side effect of sildenafil that can’t be helped at times, but there are things you can do to reduce the chances of it interfering with your daily life.
Knowing how to lessen nasal congestion when taking Viagra is one way to keep yourself happy and unbothered. It’s as simple as just boiling water to get some steam of continually drinking water. The more you keep your hydration levels up, the less likely you’ll be affected by nasal congestion.
Originally posted 2022-12-06 03:37:43.