Could a common decongestant plus steroid spray finally ease stubborn stuffy noses?

NCT ID NCT06830109

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether using two over-the-counter nasal sprays together—oxymetazoline (Afrin) and budesonide (Rhinocort)—works better than steroid spray alone for people with chronic nasal obstruction that hasn't improved with standard treatment. About 80 adults who have tried steroid sprays without success will be randomly assigned to receive either the combination or steroid alone for 4 weeks. The main goal is to see how many people report meaningful improvement in their nasal breathing.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
Oxymetazoline (Afrin) and budesonide (Rhinocort) nasal sprays
What this could lead to
If successful, this could offer a new long-term treatment option for people with chronic nasal blockage that hasn't improved with standard steroid sprays alone.
What could go wrong
This is a small early-phase trial (80 people) testing a combination not yet proven safe or effective for long-term use. There is a risk of rebound congestion (rhinitis medicamentosa) with continued decongestant use.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Nasal Obstruction

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Washington University

    RECRUITING

    St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States

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