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Despite the discomfort caused by a cold, the Federal Consumers Union advises against using sprays, medications or inhalations, citing the risk of allergies.
When dealing with the discomfort caused by a generally mild illness, the National Medicines Safety Agency does not recommend oral vasoconstrictor medications because of the (very low) risks of heart attack and stroke. But according to a study by UFC-Que Choisir, relay by BFMTV, essential oils, which many French people rely on, will also not be without results. These products can in fact expose you to allergy risks.
Sprays, sticks or inhalation preparations based on plants and essential oils are available in pharmacies. Despite their decongestant properties, plants such as thyme, eucalyptus, camphor and menthol contain terpenes. For UFC-Que Choisir, these natural organic compounds can “Induce Allergies and Seizures”.
Products are not recommended for certain population categories
For Parisian pharmacist Caroline Major, these products are not recommended for certain populations. “It is not recommended for asthmatics, epileptics, pregnant women and children below six years of age”, she explains. For UFC-Que Choisir, the effectiveness of these sprays and other products based on essential oils “weak at best, based on conventional usage and solid evaluation”. “Crowd Feeling” which provides these products “There is only a fleeting sensation, coupled with the strong aroma of this oil”Develops the organization.
The National Medicines Safety Agency’s recommendation goes in the same direction and emphasizes that colds disappear spontaneously in 7 to 10 days without treatment. However, recommendations for better comfort are useful. Moisten the inside of the nose with a physiological serum or thermal water or sea water spray, hydrate well, sleep with your head elevated, maintain a cool environment at home and ventilate the room regularly.
In October 2023, the ANSM called for no use of oral vasoconstrictor drugs (such as dolirhum or Actifed rum). a risk “very weak” Myocardial infarction and stroke exist after the use of these drugs intended to relieve cold symptoms, according to this establishment based on the Ministry of Health.
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