Eleven patients with rhinitis medicamentosa were treated with twice the recommended dose of a topical nasal corticosteroid for 2 months. Nasal airway resistance (NAR) was measured at rest and after a physical exercise test, before and after the treatment period. NAR at rest was reduced after the treatment because of diminished blood volume in the nasal mucosa. Treatment with topical corticosteroids for short periods may help patients with rhinitis medicamentosa to refrain from using nasal decongestants. Topical nasal decongestants are not recommended for sustained use.
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