BBC Morning Live Dr Xand warns 'steer clear' of this common cold medication

BBC Morning Live's resident doctor Xand Van Tulleken has urged people to stop splashing out on over-the-counter remedies for cold and flu symptoms, warning that popular nasal sprays could actually be exacerbating your symptoms. Dr Xand added that home comforts can alleviate symptoms too, and that these often cost a fraction of the price.

During his appearance on the show today (November 19) alongside hosts Gethin Jones and Helen Skelton, the health expert explained that while "we don't have a treatment for the virus to actually shorten the duration of infection", there are affordable treatments available that can help alleviate symptoms. 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 that you can do to make yourself feel better and to treat the symptoms."

On the topic of nasal sprays, he cautioned that "the stuff you can buy in the chemist is complicated to navigate", with many people reaching for decongestant sprays. These types of sprays, he explained, "decrease the blood flow in your nose and they're very effective, 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 gotten used to using them so they wear off quite quickly and then you get more congestion afterwards.

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"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." Urging people to avoid them he says instead "what can work is washing your nose out, get some of that mucus out which will restore your taste and smell and it will help you breathe a bit more easily."

Rather than spending around £25, he says that "home remedies are cheap and they work just as well if not better". Recommending what he would do, he says: "I would say rest and fluid is top of the list. Thin that mucus out and let it run. Home remedies are cheap and effective" he says, saying that a hot drink with some lemon, ginger and honey" is a great drink to make. Alongside that, chicken soup can also help.

"Alcohol and cigarettes are not going to make you feel good", he adds, urging people to reduce this and their stress levels in order to "give your immune system a chance".

Who can use decongestants?

The NHS warns that whilst many can use decongestants safely, they're 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 diabetes

• people with liver, kidney, heart or circulation problems

• people with increased pressure in the eye glaucoma

• people with an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)

• men with an enlarged prostate

• people taking other medicines

Decongestant medicines do not usually have side effects, and any side effects you may experience are usually mild.

What are the side effects of decongestants?

Possible side effects can include:

• irritation of the lining of your nose

• a dry mouth

• headaches

• feeling sleepy (look for non-drowsy medicines)

• a rash

• feeling restless or agitated

• feeling or being sick

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."