Hello,
Thank you for asking at HCM.
I carefully read your question and understand your concern.
Chronic nose irritation might cause problems with
headaches and to prevent those doctors might prescribe medication that helps reduce this irritation of the nose mucosa.
Both the medications prescribed help reduce this irritation but the first one,
Otrivin, is a nasal decongestant and is generally used for
short periods of times. It should not be used for longer than a week. It is best for nose congestion while we have a
common cold.
The second medication is more appropriate for long term use. It is a
steroid that reduces the nose irritation and might prevent headaches.
What I would recommend is:
1. Use Rinoclenil every day as the doctor has prescribed. You will need 4-8 weeks of use to see a difference, if no improvement in 8 weeks you will need to speak again with your doctor.
2. use Otrivin only occassionally for a few days when you feel worse. do not use it regularly
3. Do saline solution irrigation of the nose to help remove secretions- this is helpful with
nasal congestion and can give a momentary release.
4. If no improvement with these measures for 4-8 weeks or any worsening please see a doctor. Sometimes there might be other causes of the headache even though the doctor might think of sinusal origin of it.
Hope this is helpful and answers to your question.
Best regards,
Dr Antoneta