Decongestant nasal drops such as xylometazoline work by constricting the blood vessels lining the nasal passages, which relieves congestion almost immediately.
The problem arises with prolonged use. After about three days of continuous application, the vessels become dependent on the drug to maintain constriction. Without it, they dilate excessively, producing congestion worse than the original. This rebound phenomenon is rhinitis medicamentosa — a condition that can be surprisingly difficult to treat, since stopping the drops temporarily worsens the very symptom they were meant to relieve.
This only happens with decongestant nasal drops like xylometazoline. Saline drops carry no such risk.
President William Ruto's office wants its budget increased by 327% to Sh15.6 billion in FY2025/26, up from Sh4.7 billion.
This comes as Kenyans struggle with high taxes, poor healthcare, and schools lacking basic facilities.