Do menthol nasal decongestants still work if you can’t smell them?

Do menthol nasal decongestants still work if you can’t smell them?

Tim Lewis

Narberth, Pembrokeshire, UK

Several studies have shown that menthol has no effect on the opening of blocked or restricted nasal airways.

Menthol stimulates TRPM8 receptors in the nose, which are also activated by cold temperatures, giving a sensation of increased airflow. These are different from smell receptors (called GPCRs), so both menthol smellers and non-smellers should be aware of this cooling sensation.

Menthol doesn’t unblock your nose, it just makes you think it does.

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