‘I’m an ER Doctor—This Common Cold Remedy Sends People to the Hospital Every Year’
“Oh, it’s just a cold!” Indeed, colds are often billed as a “mild” upper respiratory virus. You can generally manage them at home, whereas the flu, RSV and COVID send more people to the hospital, especially older adults, young kids and people with compromised immune systems.
Yet, colds don’t feel all that mild when you’re in the throes of one. The coughing, sneezing and stuffy nose can prevent you from sleeping at a time when you need rest more than ever. You may hate to call out of work, cancel plans or not see relatives over the winter holidays.
Understandably, you want to nix a cold the second you feel one coming on. While there’s no cure for a common cold, there are over-the-counter remedies that can soothe symptoms and provide relief. However, one common cold remedy sends people to the hospital each year when it’s used incorrectly. Here’s what to know about it.
The Common Cold Remedy That Sends People to the Hospital, ER Doctor Warns
An ER doctor reveals that using decongestants for cold symptoms carries risks that land people in the hospital each year. “Two big reasons decongestants send people to the hospital each year include misuse and interactions,” states Dr. Matthew Zuckerman, MD, a practicing ER physician and associate professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz.
He understands why people use decongestants—they want to breathe more easily and sleep better when they have a cold. Some people also notice that their ear and sinus symptoms worsen on flights and may take decongestants for relief.
“Decongestants shrink swollen blood vessels in the nose, which can temporarily decrease drainage and swelling, reducing sinus pressure,” Dr. Zuckerman explains. While their over-the-counter status can give decongestants a “safe” halo, he notes that every drug carries risks, including decongestants.
Related: The One Activity an Infectious Disease Expert Is Begging You To Avoid When You Start Feeling Sick
The Risks of Decongestants
Dr. Zuckerman says the two biggest risks of decongestant use for colds are misuse and drug interactions. It’s essential to understand these risks and how to avoid them, as the side effects can lead to a need for emergency care.
Is it safe to take decongestants daily?
Taking decongestants daily for long periods is dangerous and a flag for misuse. Unfortunately, misuse of decongestants is common, and sometimes unintentional. Dr. Zuckerman says misuse includes:
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Taking too much (accidentally or purposefully)
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Using nasal sprays for more than three days
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Stacking cold products that contain a decongestant
To be fair, self-treating colds with decongestants can get tricky if you don’t have a medical degree. “Many cold remedies combine several drugs, and the labels can be confusing, so it’s easy to double-dose the same ingredient without realizing it,” he notes.
Dr. Zuckerman adds that decongestants, like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) or phenylephrine, can:
He adds that antihistamines (especially first-generation ones, like Benadryl), which mainly treat allergy symptoms, also have side effects, including:
Finally, Dr. Zuckerman reports that using decongestants for more than three days can cause rebound congestion, which is often worse than the original stuffy nose. Data also shows that prolonged use or taking higher-than-recommended doses of decongestants can have this effect.
What medications interact with decongestants?
Dr. Zuckerman notes that decongestants, commonly used to relieve cold symptoms, can also interact with other medications, especially ones for conditions like:
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High blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms and other cardiovascular issues
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ADHD and other conditions treated with stimulants
“The result can be severe headache, chest pain, very high blood pressure or dangerous heart rhythms,” Dr. Zuckerman warns. “Additionally, many of these medications contain acetaminophen, increasing the risk of accidental overdose when patients also take other acetaminophen‑containing products for pain.”
Related: Doctors Warn Against This Common Cold Remedy Mistake That Actually Makes Symptoms Worse
Signs You Need To Go to the ER After Using Decongestants
Understanding when to seek immediate care after using a decongestant can help ensure you or your loved one stays safe. Dr. Zuckerman advises people to call 9-1-1 or go to the ER if they experience:
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Chest pain, chest pressure or a pounding/irregular heartbeat
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A very high home blood pressure reading or a fast heart rate that you can’t slow down
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Severe headache, confusion, vision changes or fainting
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Shortness of breath, severe anxiety/agitation or tremors/seizures
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Severe allergic reaction, including swelling of lips and tongue, trouble breathing or widespread hives
Related: The One Food Nutritionists Say Can Help Shorten a Cold
Alternatives to Decongestants
Decongestants are often touted as the be-all and end-all of cold management. However, they can carry unwanted side effects that actually make you sicker, especially when misused or if they interact with medications you take for conditions like high blood pressure. Dr. Zuckerman says there are alternatives to decongestants that can help you safely tame cold symptoms, including:
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Saline nasal spray/irrigation. These tools help rinse out mucus and allergens, and are generally safe for frequent use, Dr. Zuckerman explains.
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Humidified air/steam and fluids. Dr. Zuckerman reports that humidifiers can help thin mucus, allowing it to drain more easily. As a result, you’ll hopefully soothe your throat and nasal irritation.
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Nasal strips. These handy strips, available at your local pharmacy, open the nasal passages from the outside, Dr. Zuckerman shares.
If your decongestion is actually allergy-related, Dr. Zuckerman says second-generation antihistamines (such as cetirizine or loratadine) can help relieve congestion without causing drowsiness. He adds that an Intranasal steroid spray (like fluticasone) can reduce allergy-driven nasal inflammation.
As always, though, it’s best to talk to your doctor to ensure you’re taking medications that are safe and effective based on your personal health needs. The goal is to get you on the mend stat, not make things worse.
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Related: The One Habit Doctors Are Begging You To Break ASAP if You Don’t Want To Get Sick This Fall
Sources:
This story was originally reported by Parade on Nov 4, 2025, where it first appeared in the Health & Wellness section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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