From the Journals
Decongestant Use Varies by Facial Pain Type
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By
October 7, 2025
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3 min
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1
Study assessed OTC medication effectiveness for facial pain.
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49% relief in NRFP patients from decongestants.
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31% relief in CRS patients from decongestants.
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Conducted at a tertiary academic rhinology clinic.
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251 adults surveyed, mean age
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Self-reported data may have biases.
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7
Results indicate need for tailored assessment in chronic facial pain treatment.
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A recent study led by Dr. Noah G. Sattah from Duke University assessed the effectiveness of over-the-counter (OTC) medications in providing relief from chronic midfacial pain among 251 adults diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and nonrhinogenic facial pain (NRFP). Results indicated that 49% of NRFP patients reported symptom relief from decongestants compared to 31% of CRS patients. The study highlights differences in medication efficacy based on the underlying condition, emphasizing the need for physicians to evaluate self-treatment habits in managing such conditions.
-
1
Study assessed OTC medication effectiveness for facial pain.
-
2
49% relief in NRFP patients from decongestants.
-
3
31% relief in CRS patients from decongestants.
-
4
Conducted at a tertiary academic rhinology clinic.
-
5
251 adults surveyed, mean age
-
6
Self-reported data may have biases.
-
7
Results indicate need for tailored assessment in chronic facial pain treatment.
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