BBC doctor says avoid common cold medication if you have high blood pressure and diabetes

BBC Morning Live's Dr Xand Van Tulleken has warned some people should stop taking common cold medications. Many people turn to over-the-counter remedies to help with cold and flu symptoms.

But according to Dr Xand, nasal sprays could be making your symptoms worse. The health expert said he 'would steer clear of them'.

Instead, there are 'home remedies' that can help you feel better - and cost a fraction of the price of over-the-counter medications. Discussing nasal sprays, Dr Xand said 'the stuff you can buy in the chemist is complicated to navigate'.

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Many people buy decongestant sprays which he said 'decrease the blood flow in your nose and they're very effective'. He added: "But they do have side-effects and you can get a major rebound congestion.

"So when you stop using them the blood vessels in your nose have got used to using them so they wear off quite quickly and then you get more congestion afterwards. And it’s actually a very well-described phenomenon and it means you can get congestion going on and on and on for ages.

"So personally I would steer clear of them." Dr Xand said washing your nose out can restore your taste and smell and help you breathe a bit more easily.

During his appearance on BBC Morning Live on November 19, Dr Xand said home remedies are 'cheap' and they work' just as well if not better'. He said: "We don't really have anything we can do about that [shortening duration] so I would say not spending lots of money and over-the-counter remedies is quite a good idea. But there are things you can do to make yourself feel better and to treat the symptoms."

'Rest and fluid is top of the list' of things you should do when feeling groggy. A hot drink with some lemon, ginger and honey can help, alongside chicken soup, he said.

Dr Xand said: "Thin that mucus out and let it run. Home remedies are cheap and effective." The health expert added: "Alcohol and cigarettes are not going to make you feel good." Reducing your stress levels is also important to 'give your immune system a chance'.

Who can use decongestants?

According to the NHS, many people can use decongestants safely but they are not suitable for everyone. They should not be used by the following groups of people without getting advice from a pharmacist or GP first:

• People with high blood pressure

• People with increased pressure in the eye glaucoma

• People with an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)

• Men with an enlarged prostate

• People taking other medicines

• People with diabetes

• People with liver, kidney, heart or circulation problems

Decongestant medicines do not usually have side effects. If there are side effects, they are usually mild.

What are the side effects of decongestants?

Possible side effects can include:

• A rash

• A dry mouth

• Headaches

• Feeling sleepy (look for non-drowsy medicines)

• Irritation of the lining of your nose

• Feeling or being sick

• Feeling restless or agitated

The NHS adds: "These side effects should go away once you stop taking the medicine. More serious side effects can also happen, such as hallucinations and severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), but these are very rare."