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Despite the discomfort that a cold can cause, the Federal Consumers’ Union advises avoiding the use of sprays, medications or inhalations citing the risk of allergies.
Faced with the discomfort caused by an illness as mild as it is common, the National Medicines Safety Agency does not recommend vasoconstrictor medications in oral form, due to the (very low) risks of heart attack and stroke. But according to a study by UFC-Que Choisir, relayed by BFMTV, essential oils, which many French people rely on, would not be without consequences either. These products can in fact expose you to allergic risks.
Sprays, sticks or inhalation preparations based on plants and essential oils are available in pharmacies. Despite their decongestant qualities, plants used such as thyme, eucalyptus, camphor and even menthol contain terpenes. For UFC-Que Choisir, these natural organic compounds can “generate allergies and seizures”.
Products not recommended for certain population categories
For Parisian pharmacist Caroline Majer, these products are not recommended for certain populations. “It is not recommended for asthmatics, epileptics, pregnant women and children under six years of age”, she explains. For UFC-Que Choisir, the effectiveness of these sprays and other products based on essential oils is “weak at best, based on traditional usage and not solid assessments”. “The feeling of decongestion” that these products provide “is only a fleeting sensation, linked to the strong scent of these oils”develops the association.
The recommendation of theNational Medicines Safety Agency goes in the same direction and emphasizes that a cold disappears spontaneously in 7 to 10 days without treatment. However, recommendations are useful for better comfort. Moisten the inside of the nose with physiological serum or thermal water or sea water sprays, hydrate well, sleep with your head elevated, maintain a cool atmosphere at home and ventilate the rooms regularly.
In October 2023, the ANSM called for not using oral vasoconstrictor drugs (such as Dolirhume or Actifed Rhume). A risk “very weak” Myocardial infarction and stroke exist after the use of these medications intended to relieve cold symptoms, according to this establishment dependent on the Ministry of Health.
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