Tag: Rhinitis medicamentosa

The abrupt cessation of many substances and medications can cause a sudden, intense reversal of their effects, known as the rebound phenomenon. This occurs because the body adapts to the presence of the drug, leading to a temporary overreaction when it is withdrawn, causing original symptoms to return with amplified intensity.

Overusing nasal decongestants for more than a few days can lead to rhinitis medicamentosa, an example of the rebound effect, where congestion often returns worse than before. Understanding **what is the rebound effect in simple words** is crucial for anyone using medication, as it explains why certain symptoms can flare up when a treatment is stopped or reduced.

According to research published in the journal *Clinical Reviews in Allergy and Immunology*, rhinitis medicamentosa can affect a significant percentage of patients who overuse topical nasal decongestants. This frustrating condition, more commonly known as **rebound swelling**, is a cycle of worsening congestion that can lead to dependency on medication and significant discomfort.