Which class reduces nasal congestion by vasoconstriction?

Which class reduces nasal congestion by vasoconstriction?

• A. Antiviral
• B. COX-2 Inhibitor
• C. Emetic
• D. Decongestant

Answer: (D)

Decongestants relieve nasal congestion by vasoconstriction. They act on alpha-adrenergic receptors in the nasal mucosa, causing the small blood vessels to constrict. This reduces swelling and edema in the nasal passages, helping air flow and easing congestion. That vasoconstrictive action is the hallmark of this drug class, with systemic options like pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine and topical options like oxymetazoline. Antivirals target viruses rather than blood vessel tone, COX-2 inhibitors reduce inflammatory mediators without producing vasoconstriction in the nasal mucosa, and emetics induce vomiting rather than address nasal swelling. Therefore, the class that best fits the description is decongestants.

Decongestants relieve nasal congestion by vasoconstriction. They act on alpha-adrenergic receptors in the nasal mucosa, causing the small blood vessels to constrict. This reduces swelling and edema in the nasal passages, helping air flow and easing congestion. That vasoconstrictive action is the hallmark of this drug class, with systemic options like pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine and topical options like oxymetazoline.

Antivirals target viruses rather than blood vessel tone, COX-2 inhibitors reduce inflammatory mediators without producing vasoconstriction in the nasal mucosa, and emetics induce vomiting rather than address nasal swelling. Therefore, the class that best fits the description is decongestants.