A decongestant drug used in the form of a spray or drops to relieve nasal congestion caused by a common cold, sinusitis, or hay fever (see rhinitis, allergic). Xylometazoline is also used as an ingredient of eye-drops in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis.
Excessive use of xylometazoline may cause headache, palpitations, or drowsiness. Long-term use of the drug may cause nasal congestion to worsen when treatment is stopped.
yawning An involuntary act, or reflex action, usually associated with drowsiness or boredom. The mouth is opened wide and a slow, deep breath is taken through it in order to draw air into the lungs. The air is then slowly released. Yawning is accompanied by a momentary increase in the heart-rate, and, in many cases, watering of the eyes.
The purpose of yawning is unknown, but one theory suggests it is triggered by raised levels of carbon dioxide in the blood; thus, its purpose could be to reduce the level of carbon dioxide and increase that of oxygen in the blood.
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