Definition: Rebound congestion is a kind of congestion that comes on after using decongestant medications such as oxymetazoline or pseudoephedrine for a prolonged period of time and then stopping. The condition is not entirely understood but it is thought that the blood vessels inside the nasal passageways may develop a tolerance or insensitivity to the medication, canceling out the medication's ability to cause the vessels to constrict (get smaller). Another theory is that decongestants can alter the release of a hormone called norepinephrine. Whatever the cause some studies have shown that rebound congestion can occur in as little as 3 days of topical decongestant use (nasal sprays).
Also Known As: rhinitis medicamentosa
