People with high blood pressure told not to take common cold medication

Individuals with high blood pressure are being advised to steer clear of certain medications if they're suffering from a common cold or flu. This comes as the NHS cautions against the use of decongestants for those with specific health conditions, including diabetes.

Decongestants, which are also used for ailments such as hay fever, function by reducing the swelling in your nose's blood vessels, thereby opening up the airways. These medications can typically be purchased over the counter at pharmacies without a prescription.

However, it is crucial that individuals understand who should and shouldn't use them. The NHS has warned that certain groups should seek advice from a pharmacist or GP before using decongestants, including those with high blood pressure.

They also advise against giving decongestants to children under six years old. For children aged between 6 and 11, usage should not exceed five days, and a pharmacist's advice should be sought.

Pregnant women are advised to only use these medications if instructed by a healthcare professional. Furthermore, decongestants in the form of tablets, liquids, or powders that are swallowed are not recommended for breastfeeding mothers, reports the Mirror.

The NHS emphasises that the patient information leaflet accompanying the medicine will provide details on who should avoid its use and who should seek advice prior to using it.

Some over-the-counter cold and flu products may only contain decongestants, but many are marketed as "all-in-1" remedies with a combination of decongestants, painkillers, or antihistamines, according to the health service. Recently, Dr Xand, the resident doctor on BBC Morning Live, advised against spending money on these medications for cold or flu symptoms.

On the show, which aired this week on November 19, he discussed nasal sprays and cautioned that "the stuff you can buy in the chemist is complicated to navigate", as reported by Mirror Online. He highlighted that the first choice for many, decongestant sprays, can "decrease the blood flow in your nose and they're very effective, but they do have side-effects and you can get a major rebound congestion.

"So when you stop using them the blood vessels in your nose have gotten used to using them so they wear off quite quickly and then you get more congestion afterwards. And it's actually a very well described phenomenon and it means you can get congestion going on and on and on for ages."

Dr Xand's advice was clear: "So personally I would steer clear of them." Instead, he suggests "what can work is washing your nose out, get some of that mucus out which will restore your taste and smell and it will help you breathe a bit more easily."